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...
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One metal consistently stands out in a world navigating towards decarbonisation, resource efficiency, and circularity: Aluminium . Lightweight, endlessly recyclable, and a strategic material across sectors, aluminium is now central to global sustainability transitions—and the recently published study ‘Global Downstream, End User and Recycled Aluminium Industry Outlook 2025’ by AL Circle is the definitive framework for what's next. This study isn't just another market overview. It's a ‘Must-Read Report of the Year’ —a strategic compass for executives, policymakers, and planners across the downstream, end-use, and recycling sectors. If your business touches aluminium, you need this on your desk. Downstream dynamics: Aluminium demand on a steady climb According to the report, global...
Aluminium futures remain under pressure, trading below USD 2,400 per tonne and holding near their eight-month low of USD 2,340 hit on April 9. The slump is an after-effect induced by escalating US-China trade tensions that have cast a shadow over global manufacturing. Following tit-for-tat tariff hikes where China imposed 125 per cent duties and blacklisted more US firms, and the US retaliating with 245 per cent levies and fresh threats, investor confidence has taken a hit. The trade war fallout has overshadowed supply concerns in the US, where existing tariffs are already straining domestic capacity. In China, output is nearing its 45-million-tonne cap, set to curb emissions, but slowing production hasn't been enough to lift prices as demand fears dominate the market. A couple of days...
North America (US and Canada), which is currently embroiled in the ongoing trade war, is otherwise a key aluminium market, with demand consistently reaching millions of pounds annually, primarily driven by semi-fabricated and mill product. Although the demand decreased in 2023 to 26,087 million pounds (11.83 million tonnes), it rebounded the next year to 26,969 million pounds (12.24 million tonnes), marking an annual growth of 3.4 per cent. The rise in demand was also evident in aluminium shipments, which increased in 2024 by 3.2 per cent Y-o-Y from 22,987 million pounds to 23,729 million pounds. According to the Aluminum Association’s report, the demand for aluminium semi-fabricated and mill product rose by 3.4 per cent, led by key sectors like automotive, packaging, and sustainable...
Fagerhult, the sustainable lighting company has announced the use of extruded aluminium profiles made with 75 per cent recycled content from end-of-life products. This material is now integrated into high-volume product families—where it can have the greatest impact. The move is expected to lower Fagerhult’s carbon footprint by approximately 225 tonnes of CO₂e annually. The change applies to products sold in larger volumes. Models such as Notor 65, Notor Recessed, Notor 36, Fjord, Vil, Multilume Hydro, and Sentra are now manufactured using recycled aluminium. This initiative is part of Fagerhult’s ongoing, systematic sustainability efforts and marks a significant step toward reducing Scope 3 emissions—those indirect greenhouse gas emissions associated with purchased materials. Fagerhult’s...
Alcoa Corporation delivered a robust financial performance in the first quarter of 2025, marking a sharp turnaround from the prior year and a solid improvement over the previous quarter. Net income more than doubled sequentially, driven by higher aluminium prices, effective cost management, and strategic operational decisions. Despite slight revenue contraction and new US tariffs on Canadian aluminium, Alcoa’s performance reflected operational resilience and smart capital moves. Alcoa posted a net income of USD 548 million (USD 2.07 per share) in Q1 2025, up 171 per cent from USD 202 million in Q4 2024 and a stark reversal from the USD 252 million loss in Q1 2024. Adjusted net income reached USD 568 million (USD 2.15 per share), showing a 106 per cent increase from the prior quarter....
AL Circle, the world's fastest-growing global ALuminium ecosystem, is delighted to share the official launch of its flagship annual publication – ‘ Aluminium LeaderSpeak 2025 ’ . As the global aluminium industry grows sustainably, ‘ Aluminium LeaderSpeak 2025 ’ brings together the voices of some influential leaders and decision-makers across the aluminium value chain. This exclusive e-Magazine offers readers a panoramic view of the trends, technologies, and transformations shaping the industry in 2025 and beyond. Why ‘Aluminium LeaderSpeak 2025’ matters This year's edition is especially significant, released at a time when the aluminium sector is navigating complex challenges and bold opportunities—from green manufacturing and digitalisation to energy transition and supply chain...
Chrysler is set to celebrate a century of automotive innovation in 2025, marking 100 years since its founding. From April 16-27, the brand will take centre stage at the 2025 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS), which itself commemorates 125 years. This dual milestone will spotlight Chrysler’s evolution with a showcase of three key models representing its past, present and future. Image source: Chrysler At the heart of the exhibit will be the 1924 Chrysler Six, the brand’s first production car, which introduced engineering breakthroughs like aluminium pistons and hydraulic brakes, cutting-edge for its time. Alongside it, the 2025 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid exemplifies Chrysler’s present-day leadership in the minivan segment, boasting class-exclusive Stow 'n Go seating and hybrid...
HPQ Silicon Inc., a technology company focused on developing green engineering solutions, has re-issued an amended version of its April 10, 2025, press release in response to a request from l’Autorité des marchés financiers. The announcement highlights the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between HPQ, its French subsidiary NOVACIUM SAS (“Novacium”), and GLD Alloys (GLD), a prominent Malaysian producer of recycled aluminium. Through this collaboration, HPQ, Novacium, and GLD are joining forces to harness GLD’s expertise in producing low-carbon recycled aluminium alloys — a critical material in the formulation of METAGENE™ fuel. The signing of the MoU also aims to explore opportunities for scaling up the industrial production of METAGENE™ fuel — Novacium’s proprietary...
In a bold move that has reignited trade tensions, former US President Donald Trump has imposed sweeping tariffs of up to 245 per cent on a wide range of Chinese imports. With the initial 25 per cent remaining in place, the total tariff to be paid by the aluminium and steel exporters from China shoots up to 270 per cent. This sharp escalation is nothing but a further intensification of the US-China trade war and is already sending ripples through global markets, manufacturing, and supply chains, with implications that extend well beyond the Pacific. Image for representational purposes only The decision, formalised through a White House fact sheet, targets critical Chinese exports, including those linked to high-tech industries. Among the materials affected are gallium, germanium, and...
i2r Packaging Solutions, a UK-based manufacturer of aluminium trays, has added another range of sustainable containers. The company has expanded its Ultra container range with the introduction of a new 260mm x 260mm x 50mm format. Specifically developed for large ready-to-cook meals and multi-portion food items, the company highlights that this latest addition offers improved strength while maintaining a lightweight design. Set to launch soon with a premium retailer for pasta-based family meals, the new tray provides a direct alternative to conventional packaging solutions. Tom Cliffe, i2r’s sales director, said, “This profile fills a niche for manufacturers producing large, premium ready-to-cook products. The Ultra design offers a distinct competitive advantage in strength and shelf...
Geomega Resources, in partnership with Rio Tinto, has made significant progress on its bauxite residue valorisation pilot project, which was launched in March 2022. The process is structured into three sequential circuits, each undergoing individual testing and scale-up. Depending on the composition of their bauxite residue and strategic goals, refinery clients will have the flexibility to license Circuit 1 alone, a combination of Circuits 1 and 2, or the full suite of Circuits 1 through 3. Circuit 1 (C1) targets the removal of alkalinity and enables the recovery of key offtake materials such as sodium, calcium, aluminium, and silica. This circuit alone contributes to a reduction of 10 per cent to 30 per cent in the overall waste volume. Circuit 2 (C2) focuses on the extraction and...
Canada’s manufacturing sector posted modest overall growth in February, but the aluminium and alumina industry carried the weight. According to Statistics Canada, total manufacturing sales rose by 0.2 per cent to CAD 72.9 billion, the sector’s highest level since September 2023. The increase was almost entirely driven by a sharp rise in primary metal sales, which grew by 8.3 per cent to reach a record CAD 6.9 billion. The main driver is the strong domestic and international demand for Canadian aluminium and alumina. Industry data shows that non-ferrous metals, particularly aluminium products, saw notable gains in both volume and value. Canadian producers benefitted from increased orders across key export markets, including the United States, Japan, and South Korea. In the United States,...
On Monday, April 14, Goldman Sachs revised its aluminium price forecast for 2025, adopting a bearish outlook due to the impact of newly imposed US tariffs on aluminium and auto parts imports. The investment bank now expects aluminium prices to average $2,000 per tonne in the third quarter of 2025 — a significant downgrade from its previous forecast issued just six months ago . While prices are anticipated to rebound slightly by December to $2,300 per tonne, this figure still falls short of the earlier projection of $2,650. At the time of the forecast release on Monday, aluminium was trading at approximately $2,392 per tonne on the London Metals Exchange (LME) as of 1300 GMT. In addition to revising aluminium price outlook, Goldman Sachs also shifted its global market forecast, now...
Rio Tinto, the world’s second-largest metals and mining corporation, has reportedly demonstrated a positive start to 2025, achieving record-breaking quarterly bauxite output and setting a new monthly production high in March. Rightfully enough, Rio Tinto’s Chief Executive Jakob Stausholm said the company continued to deliver attractive growth in both operational and financial areas, generating substantial returns for shareholders and building a stronger and more diversified business. Production in focus In Q1 2025, Rio Tinto’s bauxite production reached 15 million tonnes, marking a significant Y-o-Y increase of 11.94 per cent from 13.4 million tonnes and a quarter-on-quarter decline of 3 per cent from 15.4 million tonnes. Alumina output was 2 million tonnes, up by 3 per cent Y-o-Y but...
China Hongqiao Group Limited, the world’s second-largest primary aluminium producer, has received a credit rating upgrade from S&P Global Ratings, moving from ‘BB-’ to ‘BB’ with a stable outlook. The upgrade is a ripple effect of the company’s improved financial condition, characterised by strong cash flow and reduced debt levels, despite a significant reliance on short-term debt. Image Source: Wikipedia The optimistic upgrade is stimulated by vigorous demand for aluminium, driven by China’s energy transition initiatives. The company’s debt-to-EBITDA ratio is projected to remain between 0.9x and 1x until 2026, indicating healthy leverage levels. However, approximately 60 per cent of China Hongqiao’s debt is short-term, posing potential liquidity risks. Effective management of this debt...
Adventure just got a sleek new sidekick! Jeep has pulled the wraps off its 2025 Wagoneer Overland Special Edition at the New York International Auto Show and the Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah. Limited to just 2,000 units, this off-road beast blends rugged strength with refined charm perfect for thrill-seekers with a taste for luxury. Image source: Jeep Aluminium plays a pivotal role in the Overland’s design. The SUV rides on 20-inch aluminium wheels paired with 32-inch all-terrain tyres, enhancing durability and reducing unsprung weight. This contributes to improved handling and fuel efficiency, aligning with sustainable automotive practices. Built on the Series II trim, the Overland Edition boasts a Quadra-Drive II 4x4 system with an electronic limited-slip differential and a...
When Romanian aluminium producer Alro sounds the alarm, it’s not just about Romania. It’s a signal to the entire European industrial complex: brace for a flood of cheap Chinese aluminium — and brace fast. Image source: Taihe Institute In a pointed public statement, Alro Chairman of the Board of Directors, Marian Năstase, warned of an imminent danger from Chinese aluminium imports priced below the cost of production. His message? Europe is sleepwalking into industrial decline while China quietly eats its lunch. “The [trade war] affects us, most of all, not necessarily because we cannot sell more on the American market, but because we will be invaded by goods from Asia, mainly Indonesia and China, which will come and suffocate the European market, no longer being able to go to the United...
On April 11, 2025, the United States International Trade Commission (USITC) reportedly determined to issue antidumping duty orders and countervailing duty orders that imports of disposable aluminium containers, pans, trays, and lids from China are causing material injury to the US industry. The Commission found that these products are sold in the US at less than fair value and are subsidised by the Chinese government. This decision follows a complaint filed in May 2024 by the Aluminum Foil Container Manufacturers Association (AFCMA) and its member companies, including Durable Packaging International, Handi-foil Corp., and Reynolds Consumer Products. USITC plans to publicly post its full report about the aluminium container determination by May 26, 2025. Image for representational purposes...
