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...
Grow with
AL Circle
Schon Doorways is stepping onto the global stage with its first wave of international exports, marking a significant milestone in the brand's journey toward worldwide recognition. With early shipments already delivered to key markets such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and Malaysia, the company is rapidly establishing a presence in Southeast Asia and the Middle East. This strategic expansion reinforces Schon Doorways' unwavering commitment to becoming a global leader in sustainable building materials, offering innovative solutions that meet the growing demand for eco-conscious construction worldwide. Ajay Balakrishna, Founder and CEO at Schon Doorways, said, "The need for aluminium fenestration solutions striking a perfect balance between design, durability, and sustainability is...
Hong Kong-based aluminium company Kam Pin Industrial is expanding into the US market, urging overseas partners to remain their allies despite ongoing China-US trade tensions. Kam Pin Industrial is a rising leader in producing aluminium curtain walls for architectural exteriors. Image source: semi.org The multinational business established a certain international reputation due to its Dongguan production base in a neighbouring Guangdong province. This had been possible for the company because of its top-notch quality aluminium curtain walls. Adding to this, domestically as well as internationally, the lightweight feature of aluminium makes it highly demanding in the cladding for buildings, allowing versatile designs. The firm's extra innovation with the colour and aluminium used as...
Befesa SA, based out of Luxembourg, a leading firm providing waste recycling services for the aluminium and steel industry, has shared its earnings for the first quarter of 2025. The company reported an upward graph wherein the earnings touched EUR 308.4 million (USD 350 million) compared to EUR 298.3 million (USD 338.5 million) a year ago. Image source: befesa.com The Y-o-Y operating cash flow of the company increased by 134 per cent, while the firm's net income and EPS (Earnings per share) witnessed an upward trend, growing by 97 per cent. Additionally, Befesa's EBITDA concerning the aluminium salt slag stood at EUR 9 million, indicating an increase of 32 per cent Y-o-Y. The company's adjusted EBITDA also increased by 15 per cent, reaching EUR 55.8 million (USD 63.3 million) in Q1 2025...
Octopus Energy Generation, the renewables arm of Octopus Energy Group, is charging ahead in Germany's clean energy transformation with a bold new move — the acquisition of MN Projekt GmbH, a top-tier green energy developer based in Hamburg. With a powerful 2-gigawatt pipeline in the works, MN Projekt is driving over 70 renewable energy projects across the country. The portfolio spans cutting-edge solar farms and advanced battery storage systems, with the first projects already shovel-ready and many more set to break ground soon. This acquisition marks a major step in accelerating Germany's shift to a greener, more resilient energy future. "Solar is now the fastest-growing sector in Germany's renewables mix. And with Germany racing towards 80 per cent renewable electricity by 2030,...
Geo-political conflicts often have ripple effects on metal markets, disrupting trade flows and driving commodity price volatility. A clear example is the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict, which has altered the dynamics of the global aluminium market. Firstly, within less than a month following the onset of the conflict in 2022, the aluminium prices on the London Metal Exchange (LME) surged by 34 per cent, reaching almost USD 4000 per tonne in early March, then followed a wave of Western sanctions against Russia, triggering supply chain disruptions, increasing concentration of aluminium in London Metal Exchange (warehouses), potential shortages, and ultimately production cuts, especially in Europe, a region historically dependent on Russian aluminium. The Ukraine-Russia conflict has deeply...
Hindalco Industries will begin local production of aluminium battery foils in India by the end of October 2025, aiming to reduce import dependency, support EV growth and meet demand for lithium-ion cell components. The project will require an investment of INR 800 crores to construct a 25,000-tonne capacity plant in Orissa to produce battery-grade aluminium foil. Image source: indiamart Lithium-ion technology is a key focus for Hindalco, as all three metals it works with, aluminium, copper and Specialty Alumina, play crucial roles in battery production. Aluminium foil serves as a cathode substrate, copper as an anode substrate, and Specialty Alumina as a ceramic coating. Aluminium also offers significant advantages for electric vehicles. Its superior thermal stability and heat dissipation...
The Republic of Guinea has reportedly initiated proceedings to revoke the mining license of Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), which, if announced officially, has the potential to impact the global bauxite production scene forever if the announcement comes to reality, it proves to be a part of Guinea's broader strategy to assert greater control over its mineral resources and ensure that foreign investments align with national interests. EGA, jointly owned by Abu Dhabi's Mubadala and Dubai's Investment Corporation, operates the Guinea Alumina Corporation (GAC), one of the country's largest bauxite mining operations. Since commencing operations in 2019, GAC has been a major contributor to Guinea's bauxite exports, with around 14 million tonnes exported in 2022. However, in October 2024,...
A Saudi state-owned mining company, Ma’aden, also known as Saudi Arabian Mining Co., has reported a strong operational performance for the first quarter of 2024, with a year-on-year increase in alumina, primary aluminium, and flat-rolled (FRP) production. Among all the products mentioned above, flat-rolled production recorded the highest increase of 48 per cent, followed by alumina 9 per cent, and primary aluminium 1 per cent. As per the figures revealed by the company, aluminium flat-rolled production totalled 72,000 tonnes in Q1 2025, compared to 57,000 tonnes in Q1 2024, while alumina and primary aluminium output amounted to 478,000 tonnes and 249,000 tonnes, respectively. Flat-rolled product sales volumes also surged 26 per cent Y-o-Y, boosting Ma’aden’s financial outcome, with...
Tirupati Graphite, a UK-based, fully integrated specialist in graphite and graphene production, has developed a revolutionary development that could serve as a greater alternative to copper and profoundly impact the global industries. The company is pushing boundaries with its Graphene-infused aluminium composites (Al-Gr), the new kind of material that can be called a lightweight, cost-efficient alternative to copper in vital applications. Copper, the current king for electrical use, is highly expensive, heavy and in demand. This discovery of Graphene-infused aluminium composites forms a next-generation composite that significantly enhances aluminium’s inherent properties. A quiet revolution is underway in materials science, with far-reaching implications for global industries. This...
On May 8, 2025, Bosnia's FEAL Group inaugurated a EUR 32 million aluminium processing plant in Croatia. Located in Karlovac, this facility is FEAL's first manufacturing site outside Bosnia and Herzegovina. The investment aims to enhance the company's regional presence and production capabilities. Image source: feal.ba The new plant specialises in advanced pressing, plasticising and mechanical processing of aluminium profiles. This expansion will boost FEAL's production capacity and meet growing market demands. FEAL's decision to invest in Croatia aligns with its strategy to strengthen its position in the aluminium industry. The Group expects to produce around 6,600 tonnes of aluminium profiles in the plant’s first full production year, said marketing head Vjekoslav Boskovic. The plant is...
Plenty has been ensuing between China and the US since February, as the US President imposed tariffs on China phase by phase. Starting with a 10 per cent tariff on steel and aluminium, the US tariffs for importing goods from China eventually range between 145 per cent and 245 per cent, leading to an unavoidable trade war impacting the entire global economy. Sensing the heat on both sides of the table, the nations have finally decided to talk it out! Image for representational purposes only In what could be a pivotal ice-breaker moment, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and top trade envoy Jamieson Greer are set to meet China’s economic czar, He Lifeng, in Switzerland this weekend. The high-stakes talks come as tensions between the world’s two largest economies spiral into what Bessent...
On May 8, 2025, Hydro, a Norwegian aluminium and renewable energy company, announced the closure of two of its extrusion sites in the United Kingdom (UK) and France. Decreased demand and subdued recycling margins in the downstream aluminium market are the major causes behind the site closures. Image source: Wikipedia.com The two facilities that Hydro is planning to close include an anodising facility in Luce, France and an extrusion site in Birtley, UK. Apart from this, the firm is also planning to cut down nearly 30,000 tonnes of its recycling capabilities in Puget, France. The relevant people have informed that the closure at the Birtley site will be completed by the end of June, and the Luce site will be down by the end of September. The Luce facility manufactures around 62,000 tonnes...
The Indian government has unveiled a national portal for recycling non-ferrous metals, including aluminium, copper, lead, and zinc. The launch, held in New Delhi, was officiated by Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy. This initiative aims to enhance sustainability and reduce reliance on imported raw materials. Image source: coal.gov.in Aluminium recycling is pivotal due to its energy efficiency and environmental benefits. Recycling aluminium consumes up to 95 per cent less energy than producing primary aluminium, significantly lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Despite this, India's aluminium recycling rate stands at 30-35 per cent, lagging behind the global average of 65-75 per cent. Historically, India has maintained low import duties on aluminium scrap, currently at 2.5 per cent,...
Home is where life unfolds—and it all begins at the front door. More than just an entryway, it's a gateway to the moments that matter. And this is what Larson Manufacturing, the US-headquartered company, has been delivering for 70 years. Carrying on its legacy, the company has recently unveiled its latest innovation – the 60 MT Maximum View storm door. Merging minimalist style with exceptional strength, the brand new launch features a heavy-duty aluminium frame. It delivers 5 per cent more glass area than comparable models, inviting more natural light and offering panoramic views. The aluminium door and window market is largely propelled by rising consumer demand for energy-efficient and sustainable building materials. Additionally, government policies encouraging green construction and...
China has been adorned with the title of ‘undisputed heavyweight’ in aluminium production for the past few years. It churns out over 50 per cent of the world’s aluminium and more than half of its alumina. But its towering lead rests on a weak foundation, i.e. imported bauxite. Despite sitting on a billion tonnes of the red rock, China has never truly cracked how to use it owing to its low grade. But it is time that could be about to change. All thanks to an unlikely saviour, a low-profile French tech firm, IB2, says it can turn China’s low-grade ore into high-value alumina, without the environmental or economic pain. For decades, China’s aluminium industry has thrived by importing better-quality bauxite from overseas. Guinea, Australia, and Indonesia have been the backbone of this...
There was widespread speculation that US aluminium imports might surge ahead of the 25 per cent tariff implementation on March 12, driven by businesses rushing to bring in shipments before the duty took effect. At the same time, concerns mounted over the potential impact of the tariffs on aluminium inflows, particularly from Canada, the United States’ largest supplier, accounting for 57 per cent of its total aluminium imports. Major American producers like Alcoa, which manufactures 70 per cent of its aluminium in Canada, also raised serious alarms about the possible consequences of the policy. Now, with the US import data for January and February 2025 available, it’s time to assess what actually happened. Did aluminium imports spike ahead of the tariff, or did the impending duty already...
US-based Carroll Shelby Engine Company, known for manufacturing specialised high-performance aluminium engines, has recently announced a major upgrade for its 289 V8 crate engine. The engine has been bored and stroked to increase its displacement to 364 cubic inches. As a result, it now produces over 470 bhp on 91-octane pump gas. This engine is a modern, high-performance reproduction of the same engine used in the legendary Shelby Cobra, one of the most iconic sports cars of the 1960s. The upgraded engine is equipped with SCAT H-beam connecting rods, Mahle PowerPak 4032 aluminium pistons, a custom-ground hydraulic roller camshaft, a Quick Fuel Brawler 750 CFM carburettor, a Moroso Performance oil pan, and an MSD ignition system. Most of the engines from the Carroll Shelby Engine Company...
Century Aluminum Company, boasting a potent market capitalisation of USD 1.47 billion, reported its first-quarter 2025 earnings, revealing a substantial miss in earnings per share or EPS (USD 0.29 vs USD 0.44 last year) compared to expectations. The company’s adjusted EPS stood at USD 0.36, falling short of the projected USD 0.61. Revenue surpassed forecasts, coming in at USD 634 million against an anticipated USD 577.2 million, marking a 0.48 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) uptick from USD 630.9 million in Q1 2024. Following the announcement, Century Aluminum’s stock declined 5.18 per cent in after-hours trading, closing at USD 15. With a beta of 2.7, the stock demonstrates higher volatility relative to the broader market. The stock’s movement positions it closer to its 52-week low of USD...
