
Lanka Aluminium Industries PLC has expanded its retail footprint in Sri Lanka with the opening of its 10th fully owned outlet at Central Junction in Nagoda, Kalutara. The new outlet brings the company's aluminium extrusion products and related services closer to customers in and around Kalutara. The opening was attended by Lanka Aluminium Industries staff, contractors, engineers, doctors, fabricators, and other invitees from the area. The company said its growing network is designed to improve customer access not only to aluminium products but also to technical support and related services. Dinal Peiris, Chairman of Lanka Aluminium Industries PLC, said the company plans to continue expanding its retail presence across Sri Lanka. To know the global production, demand and consumption...
Constellium’s plans to expand aluminium recycling in the European Union could be put on hold if the region fails to secure enough aluminium scrap, with exports to overseas markets contributing to a shortage of raw material for European producers. The company is reviewing aluminium recycling projects across its packaging, automotive and aerospace divisions. CEO Ingrid Joerg told Reuters that the projects could be larger or smaller than the EUR 130 million (USD 148.82 million) recycling expansion at Constellium’s Neuf-Brisach plant in France. “We have several recycling projects in the pipeline that we are investigating. But if there’s no scrap, they’re not going to happen,” Joerg said. EU aluminium scrap policy under scrutiny The availability of aluminium scrap has become a key concern for...
Grow with
AL Circle

Strategic Marine, a leading aluminium shipbuilder, has announced a significant advancement in the maritime industry. Partnering with the renowned design firm BMT Limited, Strategic Marine is set to construct four state-of-the-art 27m Z-Bow Crew Transfer Vessels (CTVs) for Ventus Marine, serving the markets in Europe and Taiwan. This milestone project not only underscores Strategic Marine's commitment to excellence but also signifies a significant step forward in the offshore wind support vessel sector. About the delivery Scheduled for delivery by the end of 2024, two of these innovative vessels will operate in Europe under the management of Njord Offshore Ltd, while the other two will serve in Taiwan under Njord Marine Ltd. This venture builds upon Strategic Marine's successful history,...

In an effort to enhance sustainability, the RONAL GROUP has launched the RONAL-Re (RONAL Aluminium Wheel Recycling) project under the stewardship of Patric Steeg, Sustainability Manager at RONAL GmbH in Forst. Steeg has spearheaded the initiative since February 2024, and it aims to address the substantial carbon footprint associated with aluminium, the most extensively utilised raw material at RONAL. The RONAL-Re project aims to reduce our carbon footprint by emphasising the use of recycled aluminium in production. This initiative is designed to prepare the company for achieving CO 2 neutrality by 2050. The RONAL-Re project recognises the environmental impact of aluminium production and is working to streamline recycling processes for aluminium wheels, thereby reducing CO 2 emissions....

The use of aluminium in bike frames can be traced back to the late 19th century. Since then, it has been one of the most relied-on and widely used materials for bike frames. Notable companies like Brompton, Hero Lectro, Orange Bikes, etc, have incorporated aluminium in their bicycle frames. When browsing for bike frames, one will notice a variety of materials used by manufacturers in their construction. Each material has advantages and disadvantages, which can influence how you use the bike and the type of terrain on which you plan to ride. Aluminium is extensively utilised in the cycling industry for various components, primarily due to its advantageous properties. Its unique blend of characteristics makes it particularly well-suited for bicycle frames and parts. At 1/3 the density of...

It is no secret that aluminium is now a popular choice of metal in architectural, automotive, electronics, aerospace, energy, and other industries. But do you know which form of aluminium is used in these industrial sectors? Yes, aluminium extrusions, which are created by extruding aluminium through a die to create complex shapes, making the metal versatile for numerous applications. Driven by a deliberate transition towards a 100% recyclable metal to promote sustainability, the demand and use of aluminium extrusions in end-user products is on a steady rise. In 2023, the estimated usage of aluminium extrusions stood at 31.5 million tonnes, and with the growth projection, it is expected to reach 40.1 million tonnes by 2030, marking a CAGR of 3.51 per cent. World aluminium extrusions usage,...

As we reach the midpoint of the year, it's time to evaluate the performance of aluminium in the current market landscape. This analysis delves into the recent trends and factors impacting aluminium prices, offering insights into what we can expect in the year's second half. Aluminium prices on the London Metal Exchange soared to a two-year high by the end of May'24, spurred mainly by renewed investment in commodities following a significant rise in copper prices. Source: LME, AL Circle News Following Rio Tinto's declaration of force majeure on alumina shipments from its Queensland refineries due to gas shortages affecting their operations, supply risks temporarily drove aluminium prices higher. This force majeure impacts only third-party export supply, leaving Rio Tinto's own smelters...

China’s domestic A00 aluminium ingot price has descended for the fourth day in a row by RMB 130 per tonne against the backdrop of subdued manufacturing activity growth in the country. According to SMM, China’s A00 aluminium ingot price has come in at RMB 20,660 per tonne, bringing the price 2.5 per cent lower week-on-week than RMB 21,190 per tonne, but remains higher than a month by 1.13 per cent compared to RMB 20,430 per tonne. The average prices are expected to range between RMB 20,640 per tonne and RMB 20,680 per tonne, with spot contract to be traded at a discount price of RMB 30-10 per tonne. In Tianjin, A00 aluminium ingot price has shrunk by RMB 150 per tonne on June 13, closing at RMB 20,740 per tonne, followed by a downfall of RMB 140 per tonne in Wuxi to RMB 20,660 per tonne....

Crystal IS, a subsidiary of Asahi Kasei has achieved a significant milestone in advanced material technology with the serial production of 100 mm diameter single-crystal aluminium nitride (AlN) substrates. These substrates boast a remarkable 99 per cent usable area, aligning with the current stringent requirements for UVC LEDs. Aluminium nitride, known for its ultra-wide bandgap and high thermal conductivity, is pivotal in enhancing the reliability and performance of UVC LEDs. This breakthrough promises to advance UVC LED technology and hold potential benefits for next-generation RF and power devices, marking a notable step forward in the field of electronic materials. Eoin Connolly, the President and CEO of Crystal IS stated, “The improvement of our large diameter substrate quality over...

The previous trading day, LME aluminium opened at US$2,541.5 per tonne, reached a high of US$2,581.5 per tonne, a low of US$2,520 per tonne, and closed at US$2,569 per tonne, up US$25 per tonne, or 0.98 per cent. On Wednesday, June 12, both LME aluminium cash bid price and LME aluminium official settlement price inched up by US$1 per tonne or 0.04 per cent to clock at US$2,475.50 per tonne and US$2,476 per tonne. As per the LME data, 3-month bid price and 3-month offer price dipped by US$4 per tonne or 0.15 per cent to peg at US$2,529 per tonne and US$2,530 per tonne. December 25 bid price and December 25 offer price moved down by US$6 per tonne or 0.22 per cent to settle at US$2,652 per tonne and US$2,657 per tonne. LME aluminium opening stock came in at 1092550 tonnes. Live warrants and...

ANDRITZ, an international technology group, has successfully delivered, installed, and commenced operations of a new continuous surface treatment line along with an integrated wastewater treatment plant at AMAG rolling GmbH in Ranshofen, Austria. This advanced installation, distinguished by its exclusively electric heating system and sophisticated digitalisation, bolsters AMAG’s reputation as a premier specialist in high-quality aluminium surfaces and aligns with the Company’s sustainability objectives. Constructed on a greenfield site, the 115-meter-long facility is equipped with ANDRITZ’s cutting-edge technology, including a highly efficient spray pickling system. This system allows AMAG to perform superior surface treatments on a diverse range of hot-rolled and cold-rolled aluminium...

According to the International Aluminium Institute (IAI), North America’s primary aluminium production dwindled over a month in April 2024 but did not shy away from recording an annual hike. Total production in the four months of 2024 also increased on an annual basis, indicating an overall positive trend of operation at North American smelters. As per the data revealed by IAI, primary aluminium production in North America during April 2024 amounted to 331,000 tonnes, reflecting a fall of 2.93 per cent or 10,000 tonnes from 341,000 tonnes a month ago. However, on a year-on-year calculation, the output stood at 11,000 tonnes or 3.44 per cent higher compared to 320,000 tonnes. From January to April 2024, North America produced 1.329 million tonnes of primary aluminium, which marked an...

Ian Sandmæl, co-founder and product designer at Oyster Performance Cooler, aimed to create a modern cool box using sustainable and recyclable materials like aluminium. He prioritised ensuring the box was lightweight and provided significantly better insulation, which is when the Oyster Tempo Cooler was developed featuring Speira’s VERSA 8006 aluminium solution. Touted as the world's first performance cooler, the VERSA 8006 aluminium solution played a decisive factor in its production. He identified vacuum insulation technology as the key to achieving superior cooling performance. However, developing and producing a vacuum-insulated cool box for food and drinks presented several practical challenges.Only aluminium possessed the necessary properties to meet these demands. After six years of...

National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO) reduced its aluminium prices with effect from Saturday, June 8, in line with the downtrend of the LME aluminium benchmark price. The company trimmed its aluminium ingot price by INR 3,500 per tonne or 1.35 per cent on June 8 from INR 254,950-258,450 per tonne on June 1. Thus, the current price of NALCO’s aluminium ingot price stands at INR 251,450-254,950 per tonne. NALCO also reduced its aluminium wire rod price and aluminium billets price by INR 3,500 per tonne, with effect from June 8. That brought the prices at INR 260,450-264,800 per tonne and INR 255,900-258,550 per tonne, respectively, versus INR 259,400-262,050 per tonne and INR 263,950-268,300 per tonne. Like any other Indian aluminium companies, NALCO links its aluminium prices with the...

According to the Shanghai Metals Market survey, China's metallurgical-grade alumina production in May 2024 (31 calendar days) recorded a monthly hike of 4.64 per cent, reaching 6.989 million tonnes versus 6.679 million tonnes. The daily average output stood at 233,000 tonnes per day, reflecting an increase of 4.67 per cent from 222,600 tonnes in April 2024. The accumulated production of China's metallurgical-grade alumina from January to May 2024 amounted to 33.451 million tonnes, up 3.42 per cent Y-o-Y. At the end of May 2024, China's alumina capacity was 100 million tonnes, with an operating capacity of 82.29 million tonnes and an operating rate of 82.3 per cent. In April 2024, China's operating capacity was 81.27 million tonnes, with an average operating rate of 81.3 per cent. Alumina...

Alia Yachts, situated in Antalya, Turkey, proudly announces the completion of its latest masterpiece: SAN, a bespoke, all-aluminium, 45-meter motor yacht. Following a series of successful sea trials, the vessel is slated for delivery to her eager owners this June. Anticipation is high as SAN prepares to make her global debut at the prestigious 2024 Monaco Yacht Show. "SAN is a striking and innovative boat that highlights our strengths as a truly custom builder. It's projects like this that attract the best clients from all over the world," stated Alia President Gökhan Çelik. With collaborative expertise from Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design for exterior and interior styling, coupled with the naval architecture finesse of Lateral Naval Architects, SAN prioritizes outdoor socialization...

RUSAL, one of the world's largest aluminium producers, has issued 1,351,056 carbon units in Russia's national carbon registry. This marks the Company's entry into the country's voluntary carbon market, where RUSAL now accounts for more than 85 per cent of the entire volume. The move also underscores RUSAL's commitment to reducing its environmental footprint and its leadership in driving the sustainability agenda. The registered carbon units represent verified emissions cuts from the country's first forest carbon offset project, implemented in the context of the Paris Agreement. The project, launched by RUSAL in 2019, aims to protect forests. Under the project, the Company voluntarily manages over half a million hectares—equivalent to the size of two Luxembourgs—of pristine Siberian...

Research carried out by AZ Global shows that aluminium consumption grew strongly in the first four months of this year. Our research indicates a growth rate of 6 per cent globally. In terms of major regions, Asia has the highest consumption growth rate. From January to April 2024, Asia's primary aluminium consumption was 18.1 million tonnes, an increase of 8.1 per cent year-on-year. The growth was mainly concentrated in China, Thailand and India. Europe and North America ranked second and third in total consumption, with annual primary aluminium consumption of 2.7 million tonnes and 2.0 million tonnes, respectively. The consumption growth rate declined by 1.21 per cent and 1 per cent, respectively, mainly dragged down by countries such as Germany, Turkey, and Mexico. From January to...

According to Technavio, the global beverage can market is projected to grow by $5.24 billion from 2024 to 2028, with an estimated CAGR of over 2.79 per cent during this period. The ready-to-drink (RTD) coffee and tea market has seen substantial growth, driven by increasing health consciousness and rising disposable incomes. Fuelling demand for the beverage cans market Millennials, in particular, are fuelling demand for these instant energy drinks. Metal cans like aluminium, steel, have become a favoured packaging option for RTD coffee and tea brands such as Starbucks and Stumptown Coffee Roasters. This trend is expected to significantly boost the global beverage can market during the forecast period. The beverage can market is witnessing significant growth, propelled by the rising...

On June 11 2024, Alcoa Corporation announced that it had reached several key milestones in its acquisition of Alumina Limited (“Alumina”) and expects the transaction to be completed on or about August 1, 2024, subject to the satisfaction of customary conditions. The milestones include: Alcoa filed its definitive proxy statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 6, 2024, and scheduled the Special Meeting of Shareholders to vote on the transaction for July 16, 2024. Alcoa received regulatory approvals from Brazil’s Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE) for the acquisition on May 13, 2024; and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, which has indicated it does not intend to conduct a public review of the transaction. Alumina has registered its...