The EU aluminium scrap market could face disruption if proposed changes to the Waste Shipment Regulation (WSR) restrict access to major Asian recycling destinations, the Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) has warned. The Brussels-based association issued its response after the European Commission published a draft proposal on September 18 listing non-OECD countries authorised to receive certain non-hazardous materials from the EU . Excluding countries such as India , Malaysia and Thailand from authorised destinations for ferrous and nonferrous metals could weaken recycled material markets rather than strengthen Europe’s recycling capacity. Join the fourth edition of the webinar “Hedging for recyclers - Become an expert in 6 hours” by Jorge Dyszel. At the centre of BIR’s concern is...
Much is said about aluminium’s expanding role in modern mobility, aerospace, construction, packaging, renewable energy and countless other applications. Far less is said about the technology and machinery that make this evolution possible - and the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) behind them. Yet, OEMs have long been among the forces shaping the global aluminium industry. There was a time when primary metal producers used to operate as Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) themselves. Owing to the high price attached to the metal, primary producers would invent downstream products, tools, and manufacturing processes instead of selling raw ingots. Much has evolved since then. Today, an extensive ecosystem of Tier-1 and Tier-2 OEMs supports every stage of aluminium production -...
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The global aluminium market persists in navigating a convoluted landscape of factors, prolonging its journey towards a deficit more than anticipated. The industry has been ensnared in a precarious equilibrium over the previous year as the Chinese market tightens. In contrast, the primary market outside China experiences a softening, maintaining London Metal Exchange (LME) pricing slightly above the $2,000 per tonne threshold. 2024 to see modest tightening The American multinational investment bank and financial services company Goldman Sachs' analysts now forecast a slight tightening in the balance for 2024 , with an estimated deficit of 724,000 tonnes. This marks a notable revision from the earlier projection of a 1.2 million tonne deficit. A more significant deficit is anticipated in...
While recapitulating the week, the primary aluminium sector flashes some very important events and information. For instance, the European Union is now contemplating refraining from banning Russian aluminium imports in its next sanctions package; the Southland Chamber of Commerce is assisting Tiwai Aluminium Smelter with its potential closure at the end of 2024; three subsidiaries of Nanhai Aluminium bag the National High Tech Enterprises recognition and much more. This week, we also learned that primary aluminium production started in 2024 with an annual hike of 4.2%, as SMM predicted earlier this month. Let us explore every significant event that has made this week momentous. According to a report, the European Union will most likely back off from prohibiting Russian aluminium imports...
Tesem harnesses the distinctive properties of aluminium to meet the demanding durability and aesthetic requirements established by luxury perfume and cosmetics brands. They are teaming up with Constellium, the Spanish conglomerate that endeavours to reduce the carbon footprint linked with its manufacturing of packaging components. The Alupro Aluminum Packaging Organisation has recently been unveiled as the newest sponsor for the forthcoming Letsrecycle Communications Conference, set to take place at the Hallam Centre in London on February 7th. Following the recent introduction of the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in the Republic of Ireland, a fresh study conducted by the recycling non-profit organization Every Can Counts has revealed that approximately 29 per cent of Irish individuals...
In December, Italian industrial production saw a predictable recovery, with a detailed analysis suggesting that energy-intensive sectors might be on the verge of a turnaround. However, disruptions in the Suez Canal and subdued demand are currently constraining the potential for a significant increase in production during the first quarter. Following a downwardly revised 1.3 per cent contraction in November 2023, Italian seasonally adjusted industrial production saw a rebound of 1.1 per cent month-on-month in December 2023, slightly surpassing anticipated figures. Throughout 2023, the average production experienced a 2.5 per cent decline compared to the previous year. As reported by ING Think economic and financial analysis in December 2024, every major industry category, except for...
Krones has revealed plans for the forthcoming acquisition of Netstal Maschinen AG (Netstal), headquartered in Naefels, Switzerland, from KraussMaffei. Krones provides comprehensive solutions for the beverage and food industries, encompassing process technology, filling technology, packaging machines, and IT solutions. Their lines handle millions of glass bottles, cans, and PET containers daily, serving breweries, beverage bottlers, and food producers globally. Offering individual machines as well as complete production lines, Krones caters to diverse needs across the industry. On February 8, 2024, the parties entered into a purchase agreement. However, the transaction is contingent upon receiving approval by the pertinent antitrust laws. Krones anticipates finalising the transaction...
Decarbonising and sustainable aluminium production is poised to become the foremost focus on the supply side in the coming years. The global aluminium industry is set to prioritise achieving net-zero and carbon-neutral, making it a central driving force in the sector. In its latest strategic move to enhance its renewable energy holdings, Hindalco Industries has finalized the acquisition of a 26 per cent stake in Ayana Renewable Power Four for INR 1.62 crore. Mozambique stands on the cusp of a momentous energy transition, poised to reclaim authority over its hydropower reserves from South Africa. Alcoa Corporation's decision to offload its shuttered Intalco Works aluminium smelter to AltaGas Ltd., a Canadian energy firm, has ignited curiosity and conjecture regarding the destiny of the...
Larsen & Toubro Power Transmission and Distribution (PT&D) division recently secured numerous contracts. These projects encompass a variety of endeavours, including the development of a 75 MW floating solar PV facility on the Panchet Dam in the eastern Indian state of Jharkhand as well as the complete construction of a 380kV substation in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, the company has undertaken projects related to substations and voltage conversion in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, alongside receiving a supplementary order for an existing power supply project in the UAE. According to the latest industry-focused report released by AL Circle, titled "Global Aluminium Industry Outlook 2024" , aluminium wire rods are widely used in electrical transmission and distribution, building electrification,...
The United States aluminium crude metals and alloys imports in November 2023 stood at 277,000 tonnes, reflecting a fall of 11.50 per cent month-on-month from 313,000 tonnes, found the US Geological survey. In the second half of the year, November marked the second month when the US aluminium crude metals and alloys stood below 300,000 tonnes. In the previous two months, the United States' imports of aluminium crude metals and alloys saw M-o-M hikes. In September, the imports rose 9.19 per cent from 283,000 tonnes to 309,000 tonnes, which in October further grew by 1.29 per cent to 313,000 tonnes. From January to November 2023, the United States imported 3.5 million tonnes of aluminium crude metals and alloys compared to 3.76 million tonnes during the corresponding period of the earlier...
DFV, the distinguished Italian aluminium coating enterprise, is forging a strategic alliance with AkzoNobel Powder Coatings to maintain its vanguard position. Leveraging Interpon powder coating technology, DFV is revolutionising the appearance of aluminium, mimicking the natural allure of wood. Decarbonising and sustainable aluminium production is poised to become the foremost focus on the supply side in the coming years. The global aluminium industry is set to prioritise achieving net-zero and carbon-neutral, making it a central driving force in the sector. Renowned for crafting architectural marvels in aluminium, including facades and exteriors, DFV has found its forte in wood-effect finishes. Branded under the esteemed 'Ezy' range, these innovations have become the cornerstone of DFV's...
According to the International Aluminium Institute survey, alumina production in Europe (including Russia) through 2023 amounted to 6.50 million tonnes, with an average daily production totalling 213,600 tonnes. The annual output decreased by 20.92 per cent from 8.22 million tonnes in 2022, while the daily output plunged by 55.9 per cent from 484,200 tonnes. The downtrend in Europe’s alumina production in 2023 was more prominent during the first six months, with the output totalling 3.2 million tonnes versus 3.34 million tonnes in H2. Thus, the production in H1 was 4.2 per cent less than in H2 2023. In H1, the lowest amount of production was in February at 492,000 tonnes. In H2, the output mostly hovered above 550,000 tonnes. In December 2023, Europe’s alumina production came in 581,000...
On Wednesday, February 7, the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) announced the joining of Plus Pack as the new Downstream Supporter member. Plus Pack, one of the leading aluminium and plastic packaging solution providers, is committed to revolutionizing the single-use food packaging sector, steering it towards circularity and minimizing its climate footprint. The partnership with ASI underscores Plus Pack's unwavering commitment to promoting responsible production and consumption practices. ASI is a crucial resource, furnishing us with invaluable insights to navigate sustainability hurdles and capitalize on opportunities within the aluminium value chain. "We have decided to join ASI to further support the transformation of the aluminium industry towards a more responsible production...
According to a report this week, the European Union will most likely back off from prohibiting Russian aluminium imports in the 13th sanctions package. Despite full consent and support from local aluminium producers in Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Poland, the European Union will likely refrain from taking drastic steps like banning Russian aluminium. Many industrial nations may have opposed the EU's proposed ban, fearing a potential escalation of aluminium prices. Some industrial consumers within the European Union even called this measure a potential "economic tactical nuclear bomb." Besides being worried about price consequences, industrial nations like Italy were apprehensive of the tight availability of aluminium, a critical component for various industries. The European Union...
The Cumbernauld-Scottland headquartered company Cube Glass, specialising in aluminium and glass, has announced a significant uptick in its trading performance, marking one of its most substantial advancements to date. Revenue has surged by well over £1 million, propelling the company's turnover to a record £4.5 million for the fiscal year ending in October 2023, a notable increase from the previous year's £3.25 million. The primary catalyst for this notable growth in the 2022-23 period stemmed from a particularly sizable contract. Cube Glass secured a significant project supplying screens for residential and retail units as part of a large-scale community benefit initiative spearheaded by a prominent social housing developer in Scotland. Cube Glass aims to solidify its forthcoming...
Barry Salisbury, a native of Wrexham, has been named the new managing director of Hydro's aluminium recycling plant located in Wrexham, UK. Assuming his position in January 2024, Barry will transition from his previous role as operations manager at the same recycling facility. He takes over the reins from Wayne Clifton, another Wrexham native, who has been elevated to the position of Head of Recycling Europe at Hydro. In his new capacity, Salisbury will report directly to Clifton. Barry, who holds a first-class bachelor’s degree with honours in Mechatronic Engineering from the University of Manchester, has been serving as the Maintenance Manager at Hydro Wrexham since 2013. While ensuring the safety of every employee at the plant remains his utmost priority, Barry equally emphasises the...
Lidl, the widely known supermarket chain became the first to introduce reverse vending machines (RVM) in its Glasgow stores, allowing customers to receive five pence per container returned without any limit on the number of items. This initiative by Lidl, spanning all 21 stores in the city, will issue vouchers to shoppers for returning empty aluminium and plastic drink containers. About the scheme The scheme welcomes aluminium cans and bottles from any retailer, provided they meet specific criteria: cleanliness, absence of crushing and falling within the 100 ml to 3L size range, complete with a readable barcode. Excluded items encompass dairy products in HDPE plastic, Tetra Pak and paper-based cartons, glass containers, and pouches. Empowering shoppers to actively combat plastic...
On Thursday, February 8, LME aluminium official settlement price hiked by US$25.50 per tonne to settle at US$2,221 per tonne. As per the LME data, both 3-month bid price and 3-month offer price grew by US$9 per tonne or 0.40 per cent and US$8 per tonne or 0.35 per cent to clock at US$2,237 per tonne and US$2,238 per tonne. December 25 bid price and December 25 offer price ascended by US$5 per tonne or 0.20 per cent to peg at US$2,458 per tonne and uS$2,463 per tonne. LME aluminium opening stock came in at 529350 tonnes. Live warrants and Cancelled warrants stood at 325825 tonnes and 203525 tonnes. LME aluminium 3-month Asian Reference Price moved up by US$3.15 per tonne or 0.14 per cent to halt at US$2,229.65 per tonne. SHFE price The SHFE market is closed on the occasion of the Chinese...
Egyptalum plans to develop and rehabilitate the current smelter and evaluate the capital expenditures required to ensure operation for another 25 to 30 years of the operational life of the current smelter, with compliance with all health, safety, and environmental laws and standards. The project will increase the current production capacity from (320,000 tonnes per year) to about (420,000 tonnes per year). The total expected investment cost reaches USD$300 million. Egyptalum said, in a statement to the Egyptian Stock Exchange, that the company's rehabilitation includes the scope of business, the aluminium production lines sector, the electrical network transformers and power units’ sector, the factory equipment sector connected by anodic conductors, the carbon area, the water networks...
Emirates Global Aluminium has inked an agreement to supply alumina to The Alumina Industrial Company. This collaboration aims to foster the emergence of a new sector dedicated to manufacturing speciality products from alumina, aligning with the UAE's ambitious industrial growth strategy, Operation 300bn. The Alumina Industrial Company, a joint venture between the Maithan Group and Bathwal Corporation, is set to pioneer the UAE's inaugural facility for crafting speciality alumina products within the Khalifa Economic Zone Abu Dhabi. These specialised products find extensive utility in industrial refractories and abrasives, catering to a diverse range of industrial applications. EGA, the sole producer of alumina in the UAE, is crucial for a project requiring a local source of alumina. This...
