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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The Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) has strongly criticised the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) over the disappearance of more than 1,000 containers of imported electrical cables. AGI described the situation as “most unfortunate” and possibly violating Ghana’s local content laws. In a strongly worded statement signed by AGI CEO Seth Twum-Akwaboah and released on April 5, 2025 AGI expressed deep frustration over ECG’s actions, particularly the import of aluminium conductors that Ghana is fully capable of producing domestically. The Association condemned the move as not only unnecessary but also damaging to the growth and sustainability of local industry. Even more alarming, according to AGI, are widespread rumours that a significant number of these imported containers have...
The Ogun State Government, in partnership with Neveah Limited—an indigenous company—is set to establish an aluminium recycling plant projected to generate over $150 million in annual revenue for the state. According to the company's Chief Executive Officer, Mr Lawal Ibidapo, the facility is also expected to contribute approximately 2.5 per cent to Nigeria's total non-oil exports. Mr Ibidapo disclosed this on Monday while speaking to journalists following a closed-door meeting with Governor Dapo Abiodun at Okemosan, Abeokuta. The Chief Executive Officer praised Governor Dapo Abiodun for fostering a business-friendly environment in Ogun State, noting that the decision to site the aluminium recycling plant in the Gateway State was strategic, given its proximity to Lagos—Nigeria’s financial...
Marumae Co., Ltd., a key producer of aluminium products like slabs, alloys, billets and high-purity aluminium ingots, has successfully acquired 100 per cent shares of Japan-based company KM Aluminium Co. Ltd. The acquisition agreement, initially signed on March 4, 2025, is coming into effect on April 8 with the commencement of share transfer process. Image source: Small Business Australia Marumae shall purchase a total of 13,062,703 shares with 130,627 of voting rights. Why did Marumae take over KM Aluminium? Marumae plans to secure a growth trajectory for its business in the semiconductor sector, and this acquisition will give it the perfect opportunity to tap into this field because KM Aluminium Co. deals in manufacturing and selling ultra-high purity aluminium products for aluminium...
The European Union (EU) received a suggestion on Monday from the Italian foreign minister Antonio Tajani that the supranational political and economic union of 27 members might want to contemplate delaying counter-tariffs announcement on US imports of aluminium and steel, which are to come into effect on April 9. Image source: https://multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/ “We could think about postponing them to April 30, but we certainly don’t oppose them,” Tajani said, adding, “We will support EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovi; this is clear. Let’s see if we can postpone them by a few weeks to have more time for dialogue.” Tajani’s statements came to the public post the Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni's and other distinguished members of the Italian government's warning caught attention...
The US produces a large quantity of beverage cans domestically. But, it isn't enough to cater to the country's need. Import takes up a large portion of the aluminium trade in the stance of the United States. And among these inbound trade comes the aluminium can which is an intergral part of America's gastronomy as well as beverage industry. As the new tariffs are part of an aggressive tariff policy by US President Donald Trump that has impacted the global system of international trade, the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) announced the inclusion of two products to the additional 25 per cent Section 232 tariffs on aluminium-derived products. These products are classified as follows: HTSUS 7612.90.10 (empty aluminium cans) and HTSUS 2203.00.00 (beer). The newly added item in the list,...
During January-February 2025, the world's metallurgical-grade alumina production recorded an impressive increase of 4.41 per cent, reaching 23.015 million tonnes versus 22.043 million tonnes a year ago. In both January and February, the output increased Y-o-Y by 6.77 per cent and 1.89 per cent, totalling 12.149 million tonnes and 10.866 million tonnes, respectively. As per the data shown by the International Aluminium Institute, metallurgical-grade alumina production in February 2025 grew Y-o-Y from 10.664 million tonnes, despite a fewer operational day, with the daily average output reaching 388,100 tonnes versus 367,700 tonnes in February 2024. Thanks to China's expanded alumina refining capacity that drove the growth of global output, offsetting declines across all other major...
Milan Design Week is back with a bang and lots more exciting innovations to showcase in 2025. The renowned exhibition not only flaunts the latest trends from in and around the world but also serves as a premier platform for designers to showcase their unique ideas and innovations. "Design You Can Feel" exhibition With a similar motto, ASUS, a global technology leader, has come up with some exciting innovations showcasing its design philosophy. The Taiwanese multinational company has unveiled its all-new "Design You Can Feel" exhibition at Milan Design Week, offering a deep dive into materiality, craftsmanship, and artificial intelligence (AI) themes. Each April, Milan becomes a global stage for creativity, drawing in designers, luxury brands, and tech innovators alike. Now in its 63rd...
Maxwell Hazan, a renowned custom motorcycle designer, has unveiled the Ferrari HF355 motorcycle. This unique creation integrates a 3.5-litre Ferrari V8 engine into a bespoke aluminium frame. Crafted in Hazan's Los Angeles workshop, the project aims to blend Ferrari's automotive excellence with motorcycle engineering. Image source: rocketgaragemagazine Aluminium plays a pivotal role in the HF355's design. The custom-built frame leverages aluminium's lightweight and durable properties, ensuring structural integrity while accommodating the substantial Ferrari engine. This choice enhances performance without compromising safety. Maxwell Hazan's expertise is evident in the HF355's meticulous construction. His dedication to quality and innovation has garnered attention from enthusiasts and...
Taber Extrusions, a cornerstone of Arkansas manufacturing landscape has announced the groundbreaking ceremony for its major facility expansion in Russellville. The upcoming aluminium extrusion facility will feature the largest direct extrusion press in North America. The expansion was first announced in July 2024 at the USA Partnership Pavilion during the Farnborough Air Show, with Governor Sanders, Taber executives, and state officials in attendance. The company has consistently expanded its Russellville operations—adding fabrication capabilities in 2014, cutting-edge friction stir welding technology in 2019, and a Haas VF-12 CNC machining line in 2021. As part of this project, the company is investing $70 million into its Russellville operations, a move expected to generate 70 new jobs....
Apple orchestrated an airlift of five planeloads of iPhones and other products from its manufacturing hubs in India and China to the United States over a span of just three days in late March. The reason behind the move? A swift manoeuvre to sidestep impending US tariffs. This fast-paced, decisive operation aimed to bypass the probable imposition of the 10 per cent reciprocal tariff to be imposed by the Trump administration, which was to take effect on April 5, in addition to the existing 25 per cent tariff on steel and aluminium. As the brand had no intention of a price hike, by accelerating shipments, Apple sought to maintain its retail prices globally without passing on the tariff-induced costs to consumers. Image for referential purposes only To establish short-term stability amidst...
India hogs the limelight in the global mining sector with back-to-back discoveries of natural resources like bauxite. After Meghalaya , it is now Kerala, a southern part of India, where the Geological Survey of India (GSI) has found the richest aluminium ore deposit, particularly in Karadukka in Kasaragod district, across about 150 hectares. Image source: Wikipedia According to a GSI survey, about 0.21 million tonnes of high-grade bauxite and 5.14 million tonnes of aluminous laterite are present beneath the surface of the region, meaning the area has significant potential to become a central hub for bauxite and alumina production, thanks to the aluminous laterite, which contains both iron and aluminium oxides. GSI also finds the available bauxite resources contain 40 to 45 per cent...
Constellium has announced the successful completion of the ISA3 Research and Development (R&D) project. Launched in 2021, the initiative focused on advancing lightweight automotive design by developing next-generation aluminium components that are lighter, more cost-effective, and highly recyclable. Carried out in collaboration with Renault Group, the ESI Group, the Institut de Soudure (Welding Institute), and the University of Lorraine, the project received financial backing from the France Relance program. “The innovations achieved through this collaboration demonstrate the transformative potential of aluminium to support the decarbonization of the automotive industry while delivering cost benefits,” said Ludovic Piquier, senior vice president of Manufacturing Excellence and chief...
Rimowa has partnered with Berlin-based eyewear specialist Mykita to create co-branded sunglasses, with the first styles launching on April 10. Anodised aluminium—Rimowa's signature material will be utilised in the Heritage series of co-branded sunglasses, which are available in square, aviator, and panto styles. Image Source: Rimowa This marks Mykita's first foray into working with aluminium, diverging from its usual materials of stainless steel, acetate, and Mylon. The rigid metal brings added structural stability to the frames, while the silver and black aluminium rings introduce a bold and distinctive design detail. Cologne-based Rimowa stands out in the luggage industry as one of the few brands that manufactures 100 per cent of its cases at its own facilities in Germany, the Czech...
Among end-user products made of aluminium, cans and bottles are one category affected by the US tariffs; PC cases and graphic cards are another facing challenges due to tariff implementation on Chinese aluminium imports from March 12, 2025. Image source: Medical Buyer PC makers were already affected by the initial 20 per cent tariff on Chinese aluminium imports. It was a surprise when they learnt about Trump’s additional 25 per cent tariff, making them pay more on a shipment of PC cases made of aluminium. In the process of PC construction, aluminium is deemed to be a fundamental material for casing as well as in manufacturing different components of GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). With these newly imposed tariffs, the overall production costs using these materials shall rise, resulting in...
Aluminium giants, among other metal businesses in India, reportedly plan to expand rapidly and vigorously to support domestic demand. The transformation in business strategy for these metal producers comes as two major factors weigh in — the US tariff creating international price volatility and India’s domestic market touching the demand sky. Aluminium and steel companies alike face the headwind of a 25 per cent tariff imposed on all aluminium and steel imports to the US. Producers like Vedanta, Nalco, and Hindalco are thus tallying a reroute through trade in the domestic market, eyeing the scope of withholding any potential business deterioration. Key players like Vedanta, NALCO, and Hindalco are realigning their trade priorities to cushion any fallout from the tariff-led international...
Designers Sabine Marcelis and Daniel Rybakken are among the talents showcasing aluminium-based furniture and home decor at Hydro's R100 exhibition during Milan Design Week 2025. Organised by the aluminium and renewable energy company Hydro, the exhibition was built entirely from 100 per cent post-consumer aluminium—including all objects, podiums, and display structures. The exhibition featured five design pieces, all developed under a self-imposed constraint: everything, from sourcing the aluminium scrap to producing the finished designs, had to occur within a 100-kilometre radius. This local-first approach underscored the feasibility and beauty of sustainable design at scale. Hosted at Capsule Plaza – Spazio Maiocchi in Milan ( from April 7 to April 13), R100 built upon the momentum of...
In the dynamic industrial landscape of India, heavy industries such as aluminium, steel, and cement are on the brink of a renewable revolution. Traditionally reliant on captive coal generation, these sectors now face a transformative 20 GW solar open access opportunity, a prospect that promises to slash production costs and reduce carbon emissions by up to 29 million tonnes annually. For instance, the steel sector alone, which contributes around 9.4 GW to this market, could see production costs drop by up to 10 per cent in setups like standalone arc furnaces, thanks to a shift from expensive grid power to open-access solar. Meanwhile, cement and aluminium, despite their ongoing reliance on captive coal, add another 11 GW to the potential. Aluminium, a cornerstone of India’s power sector,...
Mössner has designed and commissioned an automated sawing system to produce contour-cut aluminium semi-finished products at Service Centres Aero Germany (SCA) in Remshalden, Germany. A trusted name in the aerospace sector, SCA has been serving as a recognised service provider since 1987. Image Source: Mössner website The system is designed to cut aluminium plates as close to the final contour as possible—commonly referred to as near-net-shape or cut-to-size cutting. With over 30 years of expertise in CNC-controlled contour saws, Mössner has developed a solution that significantly reduces the amount of material that needs to be removed during subsequent processing steps. This approach not only shortens processing time at milling or machining centres but also boosts material efficiency by...
