The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism is no longer a future topic. It has already been impacting global supply chains, pricing structures, and competitive dynamics in the casting industry since January 2026.

In this episode, hosts Fabian Niklas and Staffan Zetterström sit down with Marcel Duits, CBAM expert, entrepreneur, and president of the International Association for CBAM, to break down what the mechanism actually means in practice. From emission calculations to supply chain risks, from pricing pressure to strategic opportunities, this Gold Nugget explores one of the most disruptive regulatory changes the industry has faced in decades.

What starts as a technical explanation quickly turns into a broader discussion about competitiveness, margins, and how prepared (or unprepared) the industry really is. If you think CBAM is just another reporting exercise, this conversation will change your perspective.

Key Topics

* What CBAM actually is and why it exists

A clear explanation of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and how it creates a level playing field between EU producers and global imports.

* Why CBAM becomes financially real in 2027

The shift from reporting emissions to actually paying for them, and why many companies underestimate the financial impact.

* The massive cost difference between default and actual data

How missing verified emission data can multiply costs and quickly destroy already thin margins.

* Why most companies are still unprepared

From lack of awareness to internal complexity, many organizations are only starting to understand CBAM when it’s already becoming urgent.

* The hidden complexity of emission calculations

Why CBAM is not just a sustainability topic, but also involves customs, finance, procurement, and legal departments.

* How CBAM is already reshaping global supply chains

Shifts toward new sourcing regions, relocation strategies, and the growing importance of low-carbon production.

* Why European producers may gain a competitive advantage

How decarbonized production inside the EU can become a strategic benefit rather than a cost burden.

* Why sustainability is no longer optional but financial

How CBAM directly links emissions to cost, turning sustainability into a hard business metric.

“What CBAM-Surcharge are you going to charge?”

CBAM is often treated as a compliance topic. Something for sustainability teams or reporting departments to handle. But as this conversation makes clear, the real impact is happening elsewhere: in pricing, margins, and negotiations with customers.

Companies importing aluminium, steel, or cast components may soon face significant cost increases depending on their emission data and sourcing strategy. The difference between being prepared and unprepared is not theoretical. It is expensive!

And what makes this moment critical is timing. Many companies are still acting as if CBAM might change or disappear. But in reality, the first consequences are already becoming visible in customer conversations.

Thank you for listening. We’ll see you in the next episode, where we’ll continue to bring you the latest insights and updates from the casting world. Don’t forget to ask questions, write comments, or make suggestions for future episodes.

See you in the Podcast,

Fabian and Staffan

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