AlCircle News Edited By "Pratyusha Chatterjee"
A writer with 5+ years of experience in the communication industry, Pratyusha Chatterjee has indulged in content from the business, lifestyle, travel industries and more. Apart from news and content, Pratyusha is immensely fond of participating in cultural events and managing them.
Leading the way with financial gains and environmental feats, Ball Corporation's 2024 was all about winning on all fronts
Ball Corporation, a company that has made noteworthy strides toward its 2030 sustainability goals with progress in recycling, climate action, and diversity while tackling challenges in resource efficiency and supply chain accountability, has had a positive year (2024) both in terms of financial and operational success. Image Source: https://www.ball.com/ Ball Corporation, a global leader in aluminium packaging, has a strong focus on circular economy, renewable energy, and social impact. The company has outlined measurable progress while maintaining ambitious targets for 2030. Financial results in 2024 (so far) The company reports a strong performance in 2024 with continued growth in the aluminium packaging sector. Ball Corporation (NYSE: BALL) has reported solid financial results for the...
Price slump in the aluminium sector as SMM reflects widespread deflation in the third week of December
In three months, from September to November, the Shanghai Metals Market (SMM) saw a price swell in the aluminium segment that was unmatched in the long past. It was attributed to a range of factors, from international supply shortages to heightened domestic production capacity in China. However, the third week of December shows a trait of the prices going back towards a range deemed somewhat normal by the traders. Image Source: Iran Alumina Company Primary aluminium ingot pricing As per the SMM listing, the price of A00 primary aluminium ingot has witnessed a descent of RMB 260 per tonne, standing at RMB 19,900 per tonne on December 17. The second week of December, (13th of the month) closed with the aluminium's A00 primary ingot's average pricing listed at RMB 20,320 per tonne, and the...
Why is the world scrambling for aluminium's building block? Let's dig deep into the geopolitical scenario…
The World Bank identified aluminium as the 'high-impact, cross-cutting metal'. As a result, today's world intensely competes over securing bauxite ore, the raw material used to produce aluminium. "I read... that every clay bank was a mine of aluminium and that the metal was as costly as silver. I soon after began to think of processes for making aluminium cheaply," said Charles Martin Hall, an American inventor, businessman, and chemist. He is best known for his invention in 1886 of an inexpensive method for producing aluminium. This process was also discovered at nearly the same time by the Frenchman Paul Héroult, and it has come to be known as the Hall–Héroult process. Henceforth, the demand for non-ferrous metal, which was once even pricier than gold, has seen continual growth. Guinea...
Chang's introduction to unpasteurised beer in aluminium bottles is a step closer to sustainability goals
Owing to the continual growth in Thailand's premium beer segment, the country's second-largest brewer, Chang, has strengthened its market position as it launches its unpasteurised beer in an innovative screw-top aluminium bottle. Image Source: https://x.com/jitTang5/ (Credit: สาธุ ทานตะวันของคุณชา) This launch, the result of a strategic collaboration with Thai Beverage Can Co. Ltd., marks the debut of Thailand's first-ever screw-top aluminium bottle in the beverage industry. The innovative packaging offers advantages like reusability, contents' temperature stability as compared to conventional cans, and a 100 per cent recyclablility. Speaking at a recent press conference, Songwit Sritham, ThaiBev's first vice president and chief of its beer business, emphasised that this grab-and-go...
MP government allocates land for aluminium frames and solar manufacturing projects
The Madhya Pradesh State Government in India has allocated land to multiple companies to transform the state into a manufacturing hub, particularly for solar aluminium frames, PV modules, cells, ingots, wafers, etc. Numerous proposals have been received from manufacturers of solar PV modules, cells, and other solar panel components to establish production facilities in the state. Image Source: www.flickr.com (Credit- Jeffrey Pohlmann) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav recently distributed land allotment letters for various solar manufacturing projects in the Mohasa-Babai industrial area of the Narmadapuram district. Among the beneficiaries, Ahmedabad-based Grew Energy received 60 acres to develop a PV cell and module facility, with a proposed investment of INR 2,540 crore (USD 305...
Downward pressure persists on SMM aluminium prices; Alumina stagnates after surge
The aluminium metal segment in the Shanghai Metals Market has seen an across-the-board downward pricing trend on Monday, December 16. On one hand, the non-ferrous metal's primary and secondary ingot pricing has declined, and on the other hand, the alumina pricing has remained stagnant after abrupt inflation over the past four months. Image Source: https://hebeidaizong.en.made-in-china.com/ Primary aluminium pricing The price of A00 primary aluminium ingot has witnessed a subtraction of RMB 160 per tonne, standing at RMB 20,160 per tonne. The first week of the month (December 06) closed with the metal's primary ingot's average pricing listed at RMB 20,400 per tonne, and the second week commenced (December 09) with the prices gaining a further RMB 10, finally towering at RMB 20,410 per...
Honda's aluminium legacy in hybrid-electric vehicles: 25 years of innovation
Honda is celebrating 25 years of hybrid-electric vehicle sales in North America, a milestone that began with the introduction of the revolutionary ‘Honda Insight’. Image Source: www.hondanews.eu As the first Honda hybrid-electric vehicle sold in Canada, the Insight established a foundation for the company’s electrification strategy, which now sees hybrid-electric vehicles accounting for over 30 per cent of Honda brand sales in Canada. Core models such as the Civic, Accord, and CR-V are powered by the award-winning two-motor hybrid-electric system, continuing Honda’s commitment to efficiency and sustainability. First - generation Honda Insight and aluminium excellence Launched in December 1999, the first-generation Honda Insight was a groundbreaking vehicle designed specifically as a...
NALCO shares stoop low under international alumina pricing influence
Shares of NALCO saw a sharp decline of over 7 per cent on Thursday, December 12, dropping to their lowest point of the day. Answering to the question of why several key factors have weighed in on this nationally and internationally. The primary trigger appears to be the movement in alumina prices, a critical raw material for aluminium production. NALCO, being one of the leading players in the alumina market, is particularly sensitive to these transnational price fluctuations, especially as the state-run company sells a significant portion of its alumina on the open market. Post alumina prices surge from US$600 to US$820 per tonne in the past few months, they have cooled off recently to around US$700 per tonne contributing as a major factor to this decline. There is also the reduced demand...
1642 elevates sustainability — launches aluminium cans for its iconic cocktail mixtures
The Canadian beverage brand — 1642, known for its qualitative tonics and mixers, has brought forth a new range of 355 ml tonic and ginger cans. The brand has yet again taken a step forward towards its commitment to sustainability. As the demand for green packaging booms, 1642 has partaken in the initiative by presenting recyclable aluminium beverage cans after more than a year's effort that, on one hand, preserve the refreshing taste of its signature 'Tonic' and 'Ginger' flavours and, on the other, noticeably reduce the brand's carbon footprint. This initiative is a testament to 1642's unwavering pledge to environmental responsibility and innovation in the beverage industry. Image Source: https://en.1642.ca/ "Our new can format is a direct response to consumer demand for more sustainable...
Replacing copper and REE with aluminium proves beneficial for e-motors
A Newcastle-based electric motor (e-motor) manufacturing company, Advanced Electric Machines (AEM), has announced the replacement of copper and rare earth elements with aluminium in their products owing to the latter's cost and energy efficiency. Image Source: https://www.electricmotorengineering.com/ "Dependence on rare earth elements and copper brings significant political and financial challenges and harms the environment," a convinced CEO and co-founder James Widmer conveyed. "By replacing copper with aluminium, coil costs could be reduced by 89 per cent, and performance increased by up to 30 per cent. This technology redefines how motors are manufactured, recycled, and integrated into sustainable mobility solutions," he added. AEM, which was founded in 2017, strives to alter the way...
SMM: Alumina and aluminium ingot pricing gain value on Wednesday market
On Wednesday, December 11, the average price of a00 primary aluminium ingot in the Shanghai Metals Market (SMM) increased by RMB 30 and stood at RMB 20,380 per tonne with a range of RMB 20,360 to 20,400 per tonne. The average pricing of the primary metal ingot has witnessed a depletion of 5.2 per cent M-o-M (average price on November 11, 2024, was RMB 21,490 per tonne) as opposed to the 10.8 per cent hike Y-o-Y (average price on December 11, 2023, was RMB 18,380 per tonne). Image Source: https://thinkingforpeople.com/ The spot contract was traded at a similar rate to yesterday, with a discount price of RMB 20 per tonne to a premium of RMB 20 per tonne. Provincial price of primary aluminium ingot The average A00 aluminium ingot pricing has risen in most of the provinces, with average...
Indian aluminium industry: Is the fight for higher import duties justified?
The Indian aluminium industry has been encountering challenges in recent times, principally due to the surge in competitively priced imports from countries like China. The industry has been advocating for higher import duties to level the playing field and protect domestic producers. But is it at all necessary? And, if so, why? The current state of affairs India's aluminium production has steadily increased over the years, with the country producing around 4.1 million tonnes of aluminium in FY2022-23. However, despite this growth, the industry has been struggling to compete with cheap imports. In FY2022-23, India imported around 1.4 million tonnes of aluminium, with China being the largest supplier, accounting for over 40 per cent of the total imports. "The current import duty of 7.5 per...
South32 withdraws production guidance for Mozal Aluminium courtesy to the Mozambique unrest
South32, a globally diversified mining and metals company, has announced the withdrawal of its production guidance for Mozal Aluminium in Mozambique due to escalating civil unrest in the region. The company cited rigorous roadway blockages that are restricting the transportation of raw materials to the facility, prompting the enactment of contingency plans to minimise operational impacts. South32 emphasised that the safety and well-being of its workforce at Mozal Aluminium are of utmost importance. Despite the civil unrest, the company reported that its employees are safe, and there have been zero security incidents at the facility. The company remains committed to ensuring the safety of its employees and the continuity of its operations. In response to the situation in Mozambique,...
SMM: Alumina and aluminium continue at a sluggish yet unstable price trend path
The price of a00 primary aluminium ingot, on Tuesday, December 10, has descended a diminutive amount to its yesterday's pricing. On December 11, 2023, the Shanghai Metals Market closed with the metal's average pricing being listed at RMB 18,380 per tonne, and on Tuesday, as the week progressed, the pricing stood at RMB 20,350 per tonne with a minus of 60 RMB from December 9 pricing. The Y-o-Y price of the primary aluminium ingot's average price index has seen a 10.7 per cent surge. Image Source: Flickr (Courtesy - Michael Vroegop) The spot contract is set to be traded on December 10 from a discount of RMB 20 to a premium of RMB 20 per tonne, decreasing by another RMB 20 per tonne. The average A00 aluminium ingot pricing had overall downslope trend in all the provinces, with prices...
Rising global demand for aluminium foil during festive seasons: a peek into production, revenue and more…
The festive season, especially around Christmas, brings with it a surge in demand for aluminium foil, a versatile product indispensable in many households and industries. With its primary application in the food and beverage sector, aluminium foil has become a staple for packaging, storage, and cooking, showcasing its multi-dimensional utility. A booming market The aluminium foil manufacturing industry has grown into a vast global enterprise. According to a report by Verified Market Research, the Aluminium Foil Used in Food Packaging Market was valued at USD 14.49 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 19.82 billion by 2031, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4 per cent over the forecast period. Another report by AL Circle, titled ‘Aluminium Foil and its End Uses:...
This Christmas, gift your car enthusiast loved one a unique home décor from the house of Rolls-Royce!
Rolls-Royce has redefined luxury gifting this festive season with the introduction of the Rolls-Royce Cameo, a miniature model inspired by the brand's iconic open-top cars of yesteryears. Designed exclusively for home décor, this collector's item is a celebration of the marque's rich heritage and modern craftsmanship. Image Source: https://www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com/ Crafted from solid wood and polished aluminium, the miniature car exudes elegance, featuring hallmark details like self-levelling Rolls-Royce centre caps and even a charming miniature driver. This intricately designed piece is more than just a décor item; it offers enthusiasts a hands-on experience of Rolls-Royce craftsmanship. In a nod to the assembly process at the Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, 'Cameo' is delivered in...
SMM: Alumina price gain halt for the first time in over three months; ingot pricing opens with a mixed trend
After three months of continuous upheaval in alumina's pricing at the Shanghai Metals Market (SMM), today, on December 09, the crystalline substance's price ultimately remained unfazed. Image Courtesy: Flickr (Jorge Sá) Alumina price trend Both the average price and the provincial prices remained the same as the previous week's closing prices after a whopping gain of over 46 per cent Q-o-Q. On Friday, December 6, the average price of alumina tended towards maintaining stability without any massive rise. The average price of alumina gained RMB 10 per tonne in SMM and towered at RMB 5,757 per tonne. Whereas on September 9, 2024, the average price of alumina, as listed on the SMM market, was close to 2000 bucks lower at RMB 3938 per tonne. Prices in the provinces since September have also...
The revamped Ducati Multistrada V2 is a sleek, powerful, and agile adventure two-wheeler
Ducati has unveiled a revamped model of Multistrada V2 at Intermot 2024, which is coming next year and aims to redefine the mid-displacement adventure touring segment. The new model showcases a dramatic weight reduction of 18 kg, thanks to a redesigned aluminium monocoque frame and a new, lighter 890 cc V-twin engine. This weight loss translates into enhanced agility, making the Multistrada V2 more nimble and easier to manoeuvre in urban settings and winding roads. Image Source: https://www.intermot-cologne.com/ The 2025 Multistrada V2 boasts a sharper, more aggressive design. It has updated LED headlights and a revised windscreen for improved aerodynamics and rider comfort. The ergonomics have also been optimised, with a redesigned seat and adjustable handlebars to accommodate riders of...
