Nespresso is expanding its aluminium coffee capsule recycling network across New Zealand, adding 25 JB Hi-Fi stores as collection points and bringing the total number of participating retail locations to 138. The move gives coffee drinkers more places to return used capsules, helping make recycling a little easier after that final, satisfying sip. The new collection points join existing locations at Briscoes and Noel Leeming stores. The expansion also complements other return options available through Nespresso, including its boutiques, public collection points, NZ Post drop-off locations and courier collections from customers’ homes. The aim is to make returning used capsules more convenient, recognising that a single collection method will not work for everyone. For those who enjoy...
Iran has ruled out reopening the Strait of Hormuz until the United States meets seven conditions outlined in a June memorandum of understanding, prolonging uncertainty over a critical global energy shipping route as diplomatic efforts continue. Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said Tehran’s position remained firm, state media reported on October 4. Iran had presented a proposal during the United Nations General Assembly under which normal maritime passage through the strait could resume within seven days if its conditions were met. Washington responded to the proposal last week through Qatari intermediaries. “The position of the Islamic Republic of Iran is completely clear and firm, and the Strait of Hormuz will not be opened until our seven conditions, based on the...
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Standert has unveiled an updated version of its Kreissäge RS aluminium race bike in Berlin this May. The redesign aims to enhance aerodynamic performance, aligning with the company's commitment to innovation in aluminium race bike design. Utilising Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), the new model features refined tube shapes and increased tyre clearance, catering to the demands of competitive racing. Aluminium plays a pivotal role in this update, offering a balance between weight and stiffness essential for racing. The Kreissäge RS employs custom-drawn scandium tubing from Dedacciai, a choice that underscores Standert's dedication to high-performance materials. This approach allows for precise control over frame characteristics, ensuring responsiveness and durability. Aesthetically, the...
In 2025, the global coffee industry is intensifying efforts to enhance supply chain sustainability. This initiative addresses environmental concerns and aligns with evolving consumer expectations. The focus spans from farming practices to packaging materials, aiming to reduce the sector's ecological footprint. Image credit: nescafe Aluminium, prevalent in coffee packaging, is central to sustainability discussions. While it offers durability and preservation benefits, its environmental impact is high. The industry is exploring alternatives and recycling methods to mitigate these effects. Major players like Nestlé have launched initiatives promoting regenerative agriculture among coffee farmers. Their goal is to source 100% responsibly produced coffee by 2025, with a major portion from...
North America's beverage industry just got a major sustainability upgrade. Introducing VulCan Packaging — the first and only commercial-scale manufacturer of aTULC™ aluminium cans in the region. Backed by cutting-edge clean technology, VulCan is redefining how beverage cans are made, setting a new gold standard in eco-friendly packaging. Leading this bold new chapter are industry experts Alvin Widitora, Dana Abernathy, and Scott Fore, whose combined vision and leadership are driving VulCan's mission to deliver cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable can solutions at scale. VulCan Packaging is revolutionising aluminium can manufacturing in North America with the launch of the region's only aTULC™ (aluminium Toyo Ultimate Can) production line. This cutting-edge, proprietary technology sets a...
In a compelling turn of events, Maan Aluminium Limited (NSE: MAANALU) has witnessed a notable 11 per cent surge in its stock price over the past week. This uptick comes on the heels of significant insider selling activities, prompting a closer examination of the company’s internal dynamics and market performance. Image source: https://x.com/raghavwadhwa/ Over the past year, Executive Director Ashish Jain executed a whopping sale of INR 12 million (USD 144 thousand) worth of shares at an average price of INR 141 (USD 1.69) per share. This transaction, representing a 36 per cent reduction in his holdings, was conducted at a premium compared to the current trading price of INR 95.15 (USD 1.14). While insider selling can sometimes signal caution, the timing and pricing of Jain’s sale suggest...
With the rising concern about scrap theft, like cable, the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC), an agency under the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, with the sector Minister, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, is looking to develop a legislative policy framework. With this framework, the agency is looking forward to regulating the downstream aluminium sector in Ghana. Image source: IndiaMART The need for this regulation rose from the ongoing aluminium product and cable thefts in Ghana, which have recently been exposed by the Electricity Company of Ghana. This has created a critical vulnerability within Ghana's industrial landscape. Due to this, Ghana is not only facing economic losses in terms of businesses and state entities but also creating disruption within...
LS Materials is gearing up for a major market push with the completion of its cutting-edge lightweight parts factory in Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province. Designed to serve the booming electric vehicle and mobility sectors, the facility is set to kick off mass production in the second half of this year. With bold ambitions, the company is targeting annual sales of 200 billion won (US$148 million) in this space by 2030, signalling its serious intent to become a key player in the future of sustainable mobility. Gumi is the second largest and most densely populated city in North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea. South Korea is a major player in the EV market, with a strong focus on both manufacturing and battery technology. South Korea’s electric vehicle market is accelerating at full speed,...
China’s aluminium titan, Aluminum Corporation of China Limited (Chalco), is back in the financial spotlight. This time, it’s not about capacity hikes or policy pivots, but a more subtle yet significant story of debt management and financial agility. Image source: www.caixinglobal.com At a glance, Chalco (HKG:2600) appears highly geared. Yet, the balance sheet tells a layered tale. With a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.77, Chalco walks a fine line between leveraged growth and fiscal caution. But for a company of its scale and state-owned legacy, is this ratio a red flag, a calculated manoeuvre, or simply the cost of staying competitive in China’s industrial ecosystem? As of December 2023, Chalco’s financial posture shows RMB 97.7 billion (USD 13.57 billion) in debt, paired with RMB 47 billion...
On May 15 2025, Governor of Oklahoma, Kevin Stitt, announced that the South Central landlocked state in the United States has secured a USD 4 billion investment from Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) for a primary aluminium smelter, to be located at the Tulsa Port of Inola. This facility will be the first new primary aluminium plant built in the US in 45 years. The investment aims to bolster domestic aluminium production and support supply chain resilience. Image source: facebook The new plant will produce billets, sheet ingots, high-purity aluminium and foundry alloys. Once operational, it will be the largest facility of its kind in the US. The project is expected to nearly double the nation's domestic aluminium production capacity. Situated on over 350 acres at the Tulsa Port of Inola,...
Rio Tinto is reportedly investing USD 1.2 billion to modernise its Isle-Maligne hydroelectric power plant in Alma, Quebec. The plant, commissioned in 1926, is being upgraded to support low-carbon aluminium production in Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean. The project began in May 2025 and will run until 2032, ensuring a safer and more reliable renewable energy supply to key facilities. Image credit: Rio Tinto This marks Rio Tinto’s largest single investment in its hydro assets since the 1950s. The modernisation will help protect long-term operations and maintain the jobs of employees across the region. The upgrade will also ensure more efficient and sustainable energy supply for smelters, casting houses and other facilities. Aluminium production at Rio Tinto depends on clean and consistent...
The freshly inked US-UK trade pact may have triggered diplomatic handshakes, but European Union trade ministers aren’t impressed. In Brussels on Thursday, they made it clear: the limited nature of the agreement, particularly its retention of US tariffs on British exports, won’t be sufficient to prevent looming EU countermeasures. Announced last week by US President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the bilateral trade deal trims tariffs on aluminium, steel and cars but keeps in place a 10 per cent levy on most UK exports. While it’s being touted as a step forward, European Union (EU) views it as a half-measure at best. Polish Deputy Economy Minister Michal Baronowski, representing the EU’s rotating presidency, acknowledged the truce with China and the UK deal as signs of a...
Incorporated in March 2011, Western Carriers (India) limited a multi-modal, rail-focused, 4PL asset-light logistics company has clinched a landmark Consolidated Finished Goods Material Handling contract from Bharat Aluminium Company Limited. The deal valued at around INR 70 crore (US$ 9.3 million) can be categorised as a major win in the domestic logistics space. This high-impact deal covers end-to-end services including material handling, loading and unloading, stacking, and transportation with shifting. Industry watchers are closely tracking this development as a significant growth catalyst for Western Carriers. Scheduled for execution over the next 36 months, the contract not only underscores Western Carriers’ operational prowess but also secures a steady, long-term revenue stream,...
Great news for all the players directly or indirectly involved with the United Kingdom's aluminium and steel industry. On May 8, 2025, both the United States and the United Kingdom announced a limited trade agreement, highlighting the tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump in the beginning of 2025. This agreement is referred to as the "Economic Prosperity Deal" where the US has revoked the 25 per cent tariff imposed on importing aluminium and steel from the UK. Image source: UK steel The US has always recognised the security initiated by the UK in order to mitigate the global stress over the excess capacity and had proposed an alternative arrangement for the aluminium and steel. As a response the White House stated that they are ready to forge a deal that will create a new trading...
US tariffs are making their presence felt across the world, dampening aluminium demand as many producers are scaling back shipments in response to increased export duties imposed on them by the United States government. As a consequence, productions are becoming limited, notably reflected in the decline of primary aluminium output in North America, attributing to narrow profit margins as well. Tariffs, often a double-edged sword, are also pushing up end-user prices burdening consumers, weakening demand further. This is an AI-generated image, only for representational purpose In addition, aluminium production is constrained in China as it has already neared 45 million tonnes of cap, a limit imposed in 2017 to curb overcapacity. China is the world’s largest aluminium producer, including...
Solar panels aren't just shiny rooftop add-ons anymore—they're silent powerhouses turning sunlight into serious savings and sustainability. And now, the Cardiff-based aluminium fabricator Dudley's Aluminium along with Inspire Green, a South Wales-based renewable energy company, is powering up for a greener future. Together, they aim to install 192 high-efficiency solar panels and solar-powered EV charging stations on Dudley's production facility in Cardiff. This will help the company cut down on emissions and energy costs. Josh Powell, founder of Inspire Green, said, "We're incredibly proud to support a local business like Dudley's Aluminium on their net zero journey and to play our part in building a more sustainable future." With this system in place, Dudley's Aluminium is set to reduce...
Bunting Magnetics, a name synonymous with the printing and packaging industry since 1974, is recognised as one of the most respected and trustworthy names in the print industry. Recently the US-based company has taken a significant leap forward in its global manufacturing capabilities with the grand unveiling of its cutting-edge production facility in Newton, Kansas. This new state-of-the-art plant is set to bolster the company’s role as a key supplier of magnetic cylinders used in the high-speed printing of aluminium beverage and aerosol cans. The facility was officially introduced to the public during a celebratory ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking a proud milestone in Bunting’s journey and reinforcing its commitment to innovation, precision, and support for the ever-evolving packaging...
In April 2025, Poland's coal-based electricity fell below 50 per cent for the first time, marking a significant energy shift. The national grid operator, PSE, reported this change as part of Poland's ongoing transition towards cleaner energy sources. This development impacts energy-intensive sectors, including aluminium production, which rely heavily on consistent and affordable power. Image credit: clarke-energy The aluminium industry, known for its high energy consumption, may experience changes due to Poland's evolving energy landscape. As coal's dominance wanes, aluminium producers might need to adapt to new energy mixes, potentially affecting production costs and sustainability practices. Forum Energii, an energy think tank, highlighted that in April 2025, coal-generated electricity...
The United States’ aluminium supply chain, a backbone for its automotive, construction, and packaging sectors, has been jolted once again by Washington’s swing back to protectionist trade policy. On March 12, 2025, the Trump administration reinstated a 25 per cent blanket tariff on all aluminium imports. Gone are the country-specific exemptions that had cushioned critical trading relationships. The move, though positioned as a nationalist push to strengthen domestic production and protect strategic industries (in the name of national security), is already sending ripple effects across global suppliers and US aluminium traders. For many of the top US importers who have built long-term supply relationships and optimised costs around global sourcing, this isn’t just a policy hiccup, but a...
Guinea’s bauxite sector has drawn significant attention in recent years, with production nearing 130-137 million tonnes annually and multiple mining and infrastructure projects underway. Key developments include initiatives by Kebo Energy SA, GAC, and Arrow Minerals, along with the Trans-Guinean railway to streamline ore transport. But the Guinean government has recently moved to withdraw Kebo Energy SA’s mining concession, following EGA’s mining licence cancellation last week . Image source: EGA According to a recent report, Kebo has failed to meet its investment commitments, prompting the Guinean government to revoke the long-standing mining concession. Some sources close to Kebo also confirmed the news, citing shortfall to inadequate funding, including for a planned alumina refinery....
