Making “Green Aluminum” and the Power of Forced Collaboration

Making aluminum is one of the dirtiest industrial processes there is, producing 2% of all global carbon emissions. For years, producers have been working on a way to create “green aluminum” through a process that emits oxygen instead of carbon. In 2015, two rival companies (Rio Tinto and Alcoa) were close, but neither had the complete solution. Then Apple, one of their biggest customers, demanded that they work together. The resulting joint venture they formed found the answer, and is now working to scale their closely guarded secret production method.

How many other organizations focused on global challenges, from non-profits to manufacturers, might also benefit from this type of forced collaboration? Probably many, but in most cases there is no one in a position of influence forcing them to reluctantly work together. Reading this story, it struck me that perhaps this should be someone’s job in every large company.