South Asia’s beverage-can manufacturing capacity continues to expand, with Bangladesh preparing to enter the industry through a USD 100 million aluminium beverage can plant while new and expanded facilities advance across India, Pakistan and Afghanistan. However, the planned Bangladeshi project still faces a key infrastructure hurdle: securing a gas connection before production begins. Chinese-owned Alu Hi-Tech Industries Ltd is developing Bangladesh’s first aluminium beverage can plant at Kaliakoir Hi-Tech Park in Gazipur, north of Dhaka. The facility is designed to produce around 1 billion cans annually, with approximately 90 per cent of its output earmarked for export markets. The company registered with the hi-tech park in 2024, when work on the project began. Construction has...
Europe’s recycled aluminium industry is an important component of the global secondary aluminium supply chain, with Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom (UK) representing key national markets. Production across the European region stood at nearly 6 million tonnes in 2023, supported by established scrap recovery systems, industrial recycling capacity and demand for recycled metal. Russia also contributes to the regional landscape through secondary aluminium production units concentrated in several industrial centres. According to AL Circle’s analysis in its report, “ World Recycled ALuminium Market Analysis Industry Forecast ”, the four countries present different market structures, from Germany’s substantial recycling capacity and Italy’s scrap-based production to the UK’s organised...
Grow with
AL Circle
Alufold Direct Limited, an aluminium door and window manufacturer based in Blackburn, UK, has been facing financial difficulties for some time now, during which a potential sale of the business ultimately fell through. Attempts to secure alternative funding also failed, leading the directors to conclude that the company could no longer continue operating in its current form. As a result, most of the 100 employees working at the aluminium door manufacturing company were laid off, typically due to restructuring, downsizing, or financial difficulties. Mark Hodgett, joint administrator and partner at FRP, said, "Alufold Direct is a recognised player in the UK aluminium fenestration market, but unfortunately, the business became increasingly constrained by liquidity pressures." The company...
India has achieved a futuristic shift by using aluminium formwork within the construction process, making it easier for the major builders. Extensive utilisation of aluminium formwork in concrete casting has led India to witness revolutionary growth in the overall construction sector. Image source: IndiaMART For concrete casting, aluminium formwork is utilised within the durable yet lightweight aluminium panels, aiding in traction for the big giants in the Indian construction sector. Some of the propitious in using the aluminium formwork are: Offers speed, cost-effectiveness and precision in attaining scalable building projects Faster construction cycles with reduced labour costs and improved quality control Efficient alternative to traditional Reinforced Concrete Construction (RCC) 100...
Concerns over slowing business continue to resurface as the United States’ steep tariffs on aluminium and steel imports weigh heavily on domestic manufacturing industries. While the packaging sector has repeatedly raised red flags, the building and construction industry is now warning of mounting challenges amid the newly raised 50 per cent import duty — an issue that remained unresolved in the US-China trade talks held on June 11. Image source: Autodesk American real estate and construction companies are largely drawing attention to the potential financial strain that aluminium and steel tariffs could impose, using hypothetical cost projections to illustrate the impact. In a recent webinar, Sarah Vakili, Senior Director of Business Planning and Strategy at Skanska USA Building, one of...
The 2025 Paris Air Show, started on June 16 at Le Bourget, is going beyond just showcasing aerospace wonders – it marks a key point for big players in the aluminium industry. Constellium's spot at Chalet B47 highlights the event’s dual focus on cutting-edge technology and green practices. Image source: Numix Core innovation: Airware® and sustainable performance At one of the most prestigious aerospace events, Constellium is showcasing its Airware® aluminium-lithium alloy, a unique solution created to build next-generation aircraft and spacecraft. Airware® excels with its high strength-to-weight ratio, lower density, and strong resistance to fatigue and corrosion. These characteristics make it perfect to construct lighter planes that use less fuel and produce fewer emissions. For a company...
National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO), an Indian public sector company with diversified mining, power and metal operations, has bagged a highly decorated prestigious award in 2025 by tapping into various milestones. The award categories include sustainable mining, environmental excellence and workplace management. Image source: nalcoindia.com Award 1: Par Excellence 5S Award By collaborating with the Union of Japanese Scientists and Engineers (JUSE), the firm's Alumina Refinery, alongside the M&R Complex located in Koraput, Odisha, is provided with a 5S award under the "Par Excellence" category. This award was given by the Quality Circle Forum of India (OCFI) for effectively imposing the 5S Workplace Management System. Within this award, 5S indicates Sort, Set in order, Shine,...
Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba), the world's largest single-site aluminium smelter, has announced the promotion of Saleem Helal Ali Yateem to Acting Manager of casthouse services, effective 16 June 2025. Saleem joined Alba in 2008 as a Senior Mechanical Engineer and has since demonstrated unwavering dedication and exceptional technical expertise. He has been key in managing complex maintenance operations and leading major capital expenditure initiatives. Alba's Chief Executive Officer Ali Al Baqali said, "Saleem's journey is not just a promotion; it's a testament to a vision where the future is built by Bahraini hands and led by Bahraini minds. We are proud to see national talent rising to leading roles, armed with technical knowledge and the strategic foresight to navigate complex...
As a result of the ongoing geopolitical discord between Israel and Iran, the Indian aluminium industry (though not impacted directly) is feeling the rippling heat in pricing. In an unexpected turn of events, India’s aluminium price has slipped to INR 242 per kg, contemplating the global metal pressures exacerbated by currency swings and rising oil. Image for referential purposes only The chain of events unfolds to be in this order — Israel and Iran under a military clash, which has led to the latter region’s oil supply chain being disrupted. The Sensex (India) has then fallen 1300 points. As aluminium production is highly energy-intensive, notably smelting alone accounts for nearly 40 per cent of production cost. The Middle East, especially the Gulf region, is a major natural gas and fuel...
In a market increasingly ruled by emissions accountability, the LME has stepped forward with a landmark measure to align metals trading with the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). As of June 15, 2025, all listed aluminium brands are required to submit verified emissions data through LMEpassport, the exchange’s digital certificate system. Image source: https://www.consultancy.uk/ At its core, the initiative is about harmonising with Brussels. The LME emissions reporting form asks producers to disclose Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, tailored precisely to match EU CBAM standards. Reporting is mandatory for brands under Primary Aluminium, Aluminium Alloy, and NASAAC. Prior to the recent development, on May 1 2024, the LME released a consultation on the proposed...
Researchers in Denmark have set a new world record for converting sunlight into electricity using innovative transparent solar cells. These advanced window technologies not only let light pass through but also generate power, offering a promising breakthrough for renewable energy. This development could turn skyscrapers and office buildings into vertical power plants by transforming their windows into energy-producing solar panels. The CitySolar project marks a significant breakthrough in transparent solar technology, supporting Europe’s goal of making all new buildings nearly zero energy and fully decarbonising the building sector by 2050. Researchers from the University of Southern Denmark have developed solar panels by combining organic solar cells with perovskite material, achieving...
In a strategic blend of sustainability and community welfare in Odisha, India — Utkal Alumina International Limited (UAIL), a unit of Hindalco Industries under the Aditya Birla Group, has taken a step to ensure people in the area have a safe drinking water supply. The firm has inaugurated two Swajal water supply projects along with five solar-powered tube wells. Image source: IndiaMART The rising waterborne diseases and increased deaths from drinking contaminated water have come to the notice of the leading Indian business, and thus, UAIL has aggressively worked towards ensuring an adequate and safe water supply. Villages, especially in the remote areas of Odisha, such as Rayalaghaty and Kaliacanchera under the Kodipari Panchayat of the Kashipur block, usually depend on streams or open...
In advanced fields like aerospace and space exploration, materials must combine low weight, high functionality, and resilience to extreme temperature fluctuations. Shape-memory alloys are promising candidates, offering impressive strength, toughness, and the ability to recover from deformation due to their superelastic properties. Image Source: Nature / Research Paper However, achieving low mass and reliable performance at cryogenic temperatures remains challenging. A team of researchers, namely Yuxin Song, Shunsuke Sato, Sheng Xu and Inho Lee, have developed a newly developed shape-memory alloy specifically engineered to meet these demanding requirements. Composed of aluminium and titanium with a chemical composition of Ti₇₅.₂₅Al₂₀Cr₄.₇₅, this alloy features a low density of 4.36 × 10³...
Neoen Australia has officially announced the commissioning phase of its 350 MW Culcairn Solar Farm, one of the country’s largest solar initiatives. Located in the Riverina Murray region of southern New South Wales, the project marks a significant step in Australia’s renewable energy journey. Image source: solarreviews.com The solar farm, comprising nearly 760,000 panels and 100,000 piles across 1,000 hectares, is expected to be fully operational by 2026. Once complete, it will deliver an estimated 822,000 MWh of clean electricity annually, enough to power 160,000 homes. The project is also designed with the potential to integrate a battery energy storage system of up to 800 MWh. “It is time to start supplying our first electrons from this asset into NSW’s electricity network,” Neoen...
Mining conglomerate Vedanta Aluminium has embarked on a significant project worth INR 1,28 lakh crore (US$ 15.42 billion) to boost Odisha's economy. As per reports, the company plans to set up a 3 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) aluminium smelter along with a 4,900 MW captive power plant in Dhenkanal. This landmark project alone is expected to create around 30,000 jobs, further solidifying Odisha's standing as a global aluminium powerhouse. Seven other transformative industrial projects worth INR 1,51,239.50 crore(US$ 17.58 billion) in other sectors like chemicals, steel, textiles, and metal-based downstream industries, have been approved by the High-Level Clearance Authority (HLCA). These developments, spanning six districts, Dhenkanal, Ganjam, Jajpur, Keonjhar, Khordha, and Sambalpur,...
Last week, high-stakes trade negotiations between the United States and China reconvened in London, marking the second day of talks on June 10 at Lancaster House. After months of escalating tensions and retaliatory trade barriers, negotiators have emerged with what they called a 'framework agreement', a non-binding but symbolic structure meant to uphold the 90-day tariff truce struck in Geneva in May. While the framework itself lacks legal enforceability, it does offer a potential de-escalation route in a trade war that has shaken supply chains across critical sectors, including aluminium, electronics, defence, and electric vehicles. Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed the broad contours of the deal, suggesting that while headline tariffs...
In a bold move to tighten control over critical minerals and challenge China's dominance, India has directed IREL to suspend a 13 year old rare earth export agreement with Japan, Reuters reports. The directive, issued by the Indian government to state-run miner IREL (India) Ltd., marks a turning point in New Delhi's strategy to secure its domestic supply chain for high-tech and clean energy sectors. According to sources familiar with the matter, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal recently instructed IREL to stop exporting rare earth elements particularly neodymium, vital material used in powerful magnets for electric vehicle (EV) motors. The minister's remarks came during a meeting with leading executives from India's auto and manufacturing sectors, where the focus was squarely...
Sri Lanka-based Three Sinha Industries, specialising in the construction industry, particularly in steel and related products, has been recently honoured with the Best Inquiry Management System award at the prestigious INCO Awards. Hosted by the Institute of Incorporated Engineers of Sri Lanka (IIESL), the accolade was presented to Managing Director Manjula Ariyakumara during a ceremony held in Colombo. The company offers a wide range of services, including steel buildings and roofings, steel and aluminium fabrications, steel railings and others. What began as a modest venture has evolved into a leading force in Sri Lanka’s construction sector. Today, Three Sinha stands out for its commitment to quality, innovation, and reliability. Over the years, the company has garnered both local and...
Ovni, the French-built brand, is already turning heads for its newly launched all-aluminium 50ft centre boarder titled the Ovni 490. Designed by the renowned Mortain/Mavrikios team in collaboration with CBA, the yacht has been Crafted to meet what the French yard calls strong demand for a 50-footer with a pilothouse, this latest model marries rugged bluewater capability with refined, contemporary comfort. An all-aluminium centreboarder is a sailboat built entirely from aluminium and equipped with a pivoting centreboard instead of a fixed keel. This design offers key advantages - a shallow draft for exploring coastal and shallow waters, excellent resistance to impact and corrosion, and rugged durability ideal for long-distance cruising and off-the-grid adventures. Drawing inspiration from...
Four standout facilities of Ball Corporation, an American aluminium manufacturing company in Colorado, have received the prestigious award "Plant of the Year" in various regions across the globe. These regions include Paraguay and Manaus in South America, the Kettering plant in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and the Bowling Green facility in North & Central America. Image source: ball.com Three cheers for Paraguay & Manaus Paraguay continues to set the benchmark for the third time in a row by earning the Dream Team Award. The award was not only provided on the grounds of production but also by the people working within the facility and their dedication to meeting the purpose of all the aluminium cans made. Moreover, the Paraguay team believes quality is not something to set but...
