Singapore is exploring solar photovoltaic (PV) roof tiles that could allow heritage buildings to generate clean electricity without compromising their traditional appearance, as the Energy Market Authority (EMA) steps up efforts to advance solar technologies through partnerships with public and private sector organisations. EMA will collaborate with Swiss technology innovation centre CSEM and the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) to pilot the use of solar PV roof tiles on heritage State buildings. Designed to resemble traditional clay roof tiles, the technology could enable more roof space to generate clean electricity while preserving the overall appearance of historic properties. Traditional clay-tile roofs are an integral part of the character of Singapore’s heritage precincts....
A Swiss-Polish research team has achieved up to 97.9 per cent relative density in extrusion-printed AA6061 aluminium by removing the solvent-debinding stage and extending the sintering process. The approach offers a potential alternative to conventional processing routes for sinter-based aluminium additive manufacturing, where oxidation has remained a major obstacle. The study, led by the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa), was published in Progress in Additive Manufacturing on October 15, 2026. An earlier version appeared as a preprint in May, making the journal publication the latest stage in the research’s release. The researchers combined a single-step wick-debinding process with a longer sintering hold to improve the density of printed aluminium...
Grow with
AL Circle
Travelling has not only become more comfortable but also sustainable. Just imagine a car that ensures luxury however looks forward to promote a greener environment. In addition, Renault’s Emblème redefines sustainable automotive design by seamlessly blending intelligent resource use with aesthetic and functional innovation. Renault Group is emerging as a leader in low-carbon transportation. In alignment with the Paris Climate Agreement of 2015, the Group reshaped its strategy to significantly cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and help keep global temperature rise well below 2°C. “The ambition of the Renault Emblème project was to achieve maximum decarbonisation by designing a car that is attractive, efficient, family-friendly, comfortable, high-tech and versatile in use. More than a...
British startup Longbow, founded by former Tesla and Lucid engineers, has unveiled two groundbreaking electric sports cars, the Speedster and Roadster, marking the debut of the world's first featherweight electric vehicles. These models aim to redefine electric performance by combining ultra-lightweight design with high-end engineering. Image source: Longbow Motors Central to Longbow's innovation is its bespoke aluminium chassis, which provides exceptional stiffness while minimising weight. The Speedster weighs just 1,973 pounds and the Roadster comes in at 2,194 pounds, both significantly lighter than typical electric vehicles. This lightweight construction enhances agility and efficiency, offering a unique driving experience. Performance-wise, the Speedster accelerates from 0 to 60...
Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) are a very important step for boosting recycling rates, reducing litter and moving towards a circular economy. Government around the world is taking up actions to promote DRS. In a recent stint, the Goa State Government has announced plans to appoint a dedicated ‘system operator’ to oversee the implementation of the Deposit Refund Scheme (DRS)for non-biodegradable materials like aluminium cans and glass. “A mechanism to compensate urban local bodies (ULBs), panchayats, and private entities for the usage of space and/or assisting waste collection can be mutually agreed upon between the system operator and ULBs/panchayats/waste collectors,” a senior officer said. Under this scheme, consumers purchasing products with non-biodegradable packaging will be required to...
Apple’s effort to source 15 key materials, like aluminium, rare earths and lithium, from recycled or renewable sources is leading to notable cuts in manufacturing emissions. Image source: Apple Aluminium plays a central role in Apple’s sustainability efforts, with the company making significant strides in incorporating recycled aluminium into its products. By using recycled aluminium, Apple has reduced the need for primary aluminium production, which is highly energy-intensive. This shift is not only beneficial for the environment but also supports Apple’s commitment to lowering its carbon footprint. Since 2015, Apple has cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 60 per cent, with a target of 75 per cent by 2030, as noted in its 2025 Environmental Progress Report released on April 16. Emissions...
Canyon Resources Limited, the Australian business operating in the bauxite mining vertical, has made quite a progress in the development of its Minim Martap Bauxite Project by implementing a two-stage development plan aimed at accelerating production and enabling the first bauxite shipment by 2026. Image Source: https://canyonresources.com.au/ Key advancements include securing a USD 123.96 million loan for the purchase of rolling stock, fetching government approval for the location of a rail facility, and making a forward-looking investment in CAMRAIL SA. These developments are expected to enhance operational efficiencies, strengthen supply chain relationships, and position the project for future growth, ultimately benefiting stakeholders and reinforcing the project's viability as a...
Azerbaijan, increasingly recognised as an emerging player in aluminium production but still a newbie now, produced 15,500 tonnes of aluminium (including semi-finished products) during the first quarter of 2025. That marked a 5.8 per cent rise compared to the same period last year, reinforcing its growing reputation as a budding hub for aluminium production. Image source: Britannica Based on the data available in many reports, the growth in aluminium production in Azerbaijan could be attributed to the increasing demand for rolled products, fuelled by the unprecedented scale of residential construction being carried out in the country, where a huge amount of aluminium profile is being used for glazing works. The increase in aluminium demand in Azerbaijan is evident from the previous year’s...
2025 can be called as the year of trade, tariffs and war. This week or that week, the tariff implications are growing stronger and more tensed with each passing day. The latest salvo being Scott Bessent’s statement that “all options are on the table,” including the potential delisting of Chinese companies from U.S. stock exchanges. This holds the potential to send shockwaves through the global aluminium industry. To know more about how this decision could become a turning point for Indian & non-Chinese aluminium producers click here . This is not just it- as per the latest information, former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced sweeping new tariffs of up to 245 per cent on a broad array of Chinese imports . Combined with the existing 25 per cent levy, Chinese aluminium and steel...
On April 15, 2025, Steelforce Packaging, a global leader in metal trading and packaging solutions, announced its business expansion with the launch of a dedicated Aluminium Division. This move represents the company’s sustainable commitment and diversification goal in key global markets. The company also named the Global Director of Aluminum Business Unit. as Angelica Papageorgiou, demonstrating a promptness in its decision. Image source: LinkedIn The expansion of focus Consumers worldwide are increasingly seeking products that are sustainable and endlessly recyclable. This unmatched demand is only possible to be fulfilled by aluminium which is believed to be the future of the global packaging industry. With this launch, the company can now offer a full spectrum of metal packaging...
In response to India’s complaint to the World Trade Organization (WTO) on April 11 , labelling the US tariffs as safeguard measures, the United States countered by asserting that the tariffs were imposed on national security grounds, not as safeguards. Image source: Wikipedia The Trump administration office further justified its tariff move by stating that it was carried out under Section 232 of US trade law, which authorises the President to restrict imports that threaten national and economic security. The US government said, “The President imposed the tariffs on steel and aluminium pursuant to Section 232, under which the President determined that tariffs are necessary to adjust imports of steel and aluminium articles that threaten to impair the national security of the US.” Let’s know...
In a dramatic turn of events straight out of a crime thriller, the Sangareddy police cracked down on an aluminium theft racket that had been quietly siphoning aluminium electric wires from burgeoning seven different real estate sites. Yes, you heard it right! Sangareddy, situated in the northern part of the Indian state of Telangana, serves as the administrative headquarters of the Sangareddy district. On Wednesday, nine suspects were arrested in connection with a string of thefts that targeted construction ventures across Sangareddy and Sadasivapet. The arrests shed light on a coordinated operation that had eluded authorities until now, raising questions about security measures at infrastructure development zones. What followed was the recovery of nearly 778 kg of aluminium wire worth...
According to the customs data, in March 2025, China witnessed a 10.6 per cent decline in aluminium imports, including unwrought aluminium and aluminium products, year-on-year to 340,000 tonnes. Image source: IndiaMART In March 2024, China’s primary aluminium imports surged by 246 per cent year-on-year, reaching 249,000 tonnes. During the same period, imports of unwrought aluminium also rose by 89.8 per cent year-on-year. In 2024, Russia accounted for the largest share of China’s primary aluminium imports at 46.5 per cent, followed by India at 10 per cent. In the first quarter of 2025, China’s total aluminium and product imports amounted to 950,000 tonnes, whereas in the entire year of 2024, it stood at 3,747,070.84 tonnes. However, China’s Q1 imports reflect a 14 per cent decline compared...
Aluminium has become a vital material in pharmaceutical packaging. It acts as a robust barrier against moisture, oxygen, and light—key environmental factors that can degrade the safety and effectiveness of medications. Ten Acres Pharmacy, led by sustainability champion Dr Sonya Frausto, is ushering in a new era of eco-conscious pharmaceutical care. As the first pharmacy in Sacramento to adopt Pillumina's durable, fully recyclable aluminium bottles, Ten Acres is setting a powerful precedent for local businesses striving to minimise waste and promote sustainability in healthcare. To know more about the use of aluminium in the pharmaceutical sector, get your hands on AL Circle's report on Packaging . Last year, over 7 billion prescriptions were filled in the U.S., but only 3 per cent of...
The judicial case against the bauxite and alumina company from Jamaica, West Indies Alumina Company (Windalco), against the 2019 fish kill incident in the Rio Cobre, was postponed on Thursday in the St Catherine Parish Court due to the unavailability of an attorney in the case. Image for representational purposes only and does not depict the original incident (Source: Wikipedia) When the proceedings were about to commence, the court was informed that Windalco’s representative lawyer, Jacqueline Samuels Brown, was not there to attend and represent, ultimately pushing the case back to September 11. In the meantime, in one recent noteworthy development, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) attained further details to the case. DPP Dwayne Green conveyed that the office had...
Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has entered into a Technology Transfer Agreement (TTA) with the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai, in a major move to boost India’s hydrogen production capacity. The partnership centres on the mixed-matrix membrane diaphragm technology, which will be used in electrochemical cell separator applications. The partnership between BHEL and BARC marks a significant step forward in achieving the goals of the National Green Hydrogen Mission. It underscores BHEL’s dedication to sustainable energy solutions while advancing the Government of India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative. As highlighted by psuconnect.in, this collaboration positions BHEL to play a vital role in India’s transition towards cleaner, self-reliant energy systems. Hydrogen is gaining...
India’s expanding renewable energy capacity and strong government support for sustainable manufacturing are drawing increased interest from global companies, including Rio Tinto. On Thursday, April 17, the global mining giant Rio Tinto announceda collaboration with energy transition solutions provider AMG Metals & Materials (AMG M&M) to develop an integrated low-carbon aluminium project in southern India. Rio Tinto and AMG M&M have reportedly signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU), which states both parties will jointly assess the feasibility of the project that will potentially produce up to 1 million tonnes of primary aluminium in a year and 2 million tonnes of alumina, both powered by 1.8–2.0 GW of solar and wind energy backed by pumped hydro storage, translating to 7–8 GW of clean...
In a recent comment, He Zhigang, Deputy General Manager of Henan Mingtai Al. Industrial Co. said that China’s producers are “numb to tariffs,” citing years of trade restrictions imposed by Western countries. He added that demand for the metal produced in China remains strong due to its competitiveness. “It just needs a bit of time to overcome this round of anti-dumping from the US,” Mr Zhigang said at the industry conference. But, where does such an upper-hand statement stem from? As a matter of fact, the numbers are volatile when it comes to trade (especially exports) for the Asian country. Image courtesy: The Project Twins (Image for representational purposes only) According to the data provided by the International Aluminium Institute, the estimated total primary aluminium production...
Saint James Iced Tea, the fastest-growing iced tea brand in the US, announced a major packaging expansion at the beginning of this month. The brand introduced 100 per cent recyclable aluminium bottles, besides its previous tetra packaging. This milestone highlights Saint James’ commitment to sustainable production, while continuing to offer the premium organic iced tea that defines its leadership in the category. Image source: saintjamesicedtea Aluminium bottles mark a significant step in Saint James’s end-to-end sustainability journey. Paired with ethically farmed ingredients from certified organic and fair trade sources, the aluminium bottle reduces energy use and embraces infinitely recyclable materials, helping to cut down landfill waste. The launch also introduces a refreshed label...
The Swedish automotive manufacturer Polestar has released its fourth Annual Sustainability Report, highlighting notable progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, advancing the Polestar 0 project, and enhancing transparency and material sustainability. Since initiating carbon footprint measurements in 2020, the company has achieved a 24.7 per cent reduction in emissions per vehicle sold. Key drivers of this progress include the expanded use of low-carbon aluminium across all models, improved battery manufacturing processes, the adoption of 100 per cent renewable electricity in vehicle production, and more efficient logistics supported by increased use of biofuels on select maritime routes. Launched in 2021, the Polestar 0 project set out as an ambitious moonshot goal to develop a...
