AlCircle News Edited By "Rupankar Majumder"
A professional with a technical background, specialising in producing insightful content centred around metals, particularly aluminium, passionately engaged in the intricacies of the recycling sector.
Key highlights from the global aluminium industry, November 2023
As the eleventh month of 2023 concludes, the global aluminium industry is shrouded in the persistent gloom of low indicative prices, primarily attributed to a subdued demand environment. Notably, industry leaders have pre-emptively acknowledged that the initial stages of 2024 are likely to mirror the current downcast conditions. Factors such as economic deceleration in the Western world, inflationary pressures, elevated bank interest rates, escalating energy costs, and geopolitical crises collectively contribute to the hesitancy within the aluminium sector. Consequently, numerous corporate executives have affirmed that order placements for the year 2024 are experiencing delays amid this challenging backdrop. On a positive outlook, the primary catalyst for aluminium demand in 2024 is...
Mechatherm's Mark Allen named the new President of ALFED
ALFED has named Mechatherm's Sales Director, Mark Allen, its new President, succeeding Mike Dines as his term concludes. Mark will assume a leadership role on the ALFED board, contributing to the organization's progress until the end of 2025. As the UK aluminium industry's voice, ALFED represents over 150 members spanning the entire supply chain. Ensuring a well-rounded and expert representation across all facets of the aluminium sector is crucial for the ALFED board. Mark, a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in the aluminium industry, is set to bring his wealth of knowledge to the ALFED board as the new President. Currently leading a successful sales team at Mechatherm International Limited, Britain's largest global aluminium furnace supplier, Mark has played a...
Hyundai accelerates electric future with $1.52 billion investment in South Korea
The South Korean multinational automotive manufacturer Hyundai Motors is reinforcing its commitment to green transportation by allocating $1.52 billion towards establishing an electric vehicle production facility in Ulsan, South Korea. This strategic move contrasts with the decisions of competitors such as General Motors, Ford, and Honda, who are scaling back certain electric vehicle initiatives due to perceived fluctuation in demand, as a global news agency reports. The substantial investment by Hyundai appears well-positioned for success, considering the growing traction of electric vehicles in the global market. In 2022, electric vehicles accounted for 10 per cent of new car sales worldwide, marking a significant increase. The New York Times highlights that the market share of electric...
Discover the benefits of aluminium scaffolding in modern construction
In the construction industry, ‘scaffolding’ is constantly used in daily operations. Scaffolds, typically temporary structures, serve as elevated work platforms for various construction tasks. Scaffoldings refer to the specific materials or components used to construct these towers, providing a stable platform for workers engaged in construction, repairs, and painting on building surfaces. The construction industry is fiercely competitive today, and traditional options like galvanized steel scaffolding are becoming less practical. Steel, while durable, is prone to rust and is heavy, making transportation and erection labour-intensive. Recognising the need for smarter solutions, leading construction companies are increasingly turning to lightweight and corrosion-resistant aluminium...
Biffa partners with Volvo Trucks for the first electric skip loader rollout
The UK-based waste management company Biffa is set to deploy its inaugural electric skip loader, featuring a new Volvo electric 18-tonne 4×2, which will be introduced on the Isle of Wight. As part of a comprehensive fleet modernisation initiative, Biffa has incorporated the electric skip loader into its fleet, consisting of 104 new vehicles from Volvo Trucks. The Volvo FE Electric, featuring Boughton Engineering skip loader bodywork propelled by dual electric motors, showcases advanced technology. Sporting four batteries, it boasts an impressive range of around 190km and a swift recharge time of 2.3 hours with a 150kW DC charger. Furthermore, the Biffa team can capitalize on mid-shift top-up charges, as the battery efficiently charges to 80 per cent capacity at an accelerated rate....
Japan's aluminium rolled product slumped by 1.4% in shipments and 1.8% in output for the past 20 months
In October 2023, the Japan Aluminium Association documented a 1.4 per cent decline in the dispatch of rolled aluminium products compared to the same period a year ago, reaching 149,462 tonnes. Production also decreased by 1.8 per cent, amounting to 151,570 tonnes. Despite a rebound in the sales of automotive materials, the demand for building materials and thick plates for semiconductor manufacturing equipment continued to show sluggishness. This signifies the 20 th consecutive month of reduced shipment volumes compared to the corresponding month in the prior year. Aluminium plate shipments experienced a 1.9 per cent decrease, totalling 90,534 tonnes, while production saw a 2.4 per cent reduction, reaching 93,799 tonnes. Conversely, canned material sales witnessed a notable surge of 7.6...
AL Circle launches its latest report, ‘World Recycled ALuminium Market Analysis – Industry forecast to 2030’
In the relentless pursuit of sustainable practices and eco-friendly solutions, AL Circle marks a significant stride in promoting sustainability by unveiling a comprehensive report on the global recycled aluminium landscape, titled "World Recycled ALuminium Market Analysis - Industry forecast to 2030”. This industry-focused report delves into the import-export trade dynamics, secondary aluminium production and forecast, key trends, challenges and opportunities, etc, that are shaping the future of the recycled aluminium market on a global scale. The report marks a pivotal moment in the aluminium industry, shedding light on the critical role of recycled aluminium in the broader context of environmental sustainability and resource conservation. AL Circle, known for its commitment to...
The green opportunity: Tackling 37% of global carbon emissions with smart building technologies for net zero
According to the United Nations Environment Programme report, the buildings and construction industry stands out as the leading contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, representing a remarkable 37 per cent of the global total. The manufacturing and utilisation of key materials like cement, steel, and aluminium play a substantial role in this carbon footprint. However, this fact also underscores the possibility of positive change, which may surprise some. Those aiming for net-zero buildings must tackle energy efficiency issues and integrate smart building technologies. Importantly, these solutions are not just futuristic concepts; they are already accessible and ready for implementation. Over time, the focus of the sector's advancements has revolved mainly around mitigating the...
Scania implements mandatory green supply chain standards
In its commitment to leverage its financial influence to foster a transition to a sustainable transportation system, the Swedish commercial vehicles manufacturer Scania has transformed its goal of decarbonizing the supply chain into compulsory purchasing standards. Christian Levin, the CEO of Scania, said, "We are excited to announce this transformative move, prepared in close collaboration with our suppliers and partners. Implementing green purchasing requirements is both a question of making sustainable transport a reality and ensuring access to low-carbon material in a rapidly increasing competition." Scania has implemented a groundbreaking initiative to reduce supply chain emissions substantially. The company aims to achieve 100 per cent environmentally friendly procurement of...
Challenges mount for eurozone economies: French business climate struggles amid persistent inflation, German economy contracts in Q3 confirmed
In November 2023, the economic environment in France witnessed a renewed decline, signalling a deepening concern for the prospective business landscape in the months ahead, as reported by ING Think. The euro zone's second-biggest economy anticipated growth is poised to decelerate. Concurrently, the Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) figures underscore persistent inflationary pressures, emphasizing the prolonged timeframe required for any potential disinflationary trends. However, in September 2023, the Bank of France, the nation's central bank, indicated that the economic growth outlook for the next two years is slightly lower than initially anticipated, attributing this adjustment to its primary trade partners' financial challenges. The Bank revised its forecast for 2023 upward following a...
Yazaki expands its aluminium wire production capacity
Thai Yazaki Electric Wire, part of the Japanese corporation Yazaki, is set to construct a new facility dedicated to producing aluminium electric wires. This initiative is driven by the anticipation of a growing demand for the country's electricity infrastructure, prompting the need for an expanded manufacturing capacity. The proposed facility is intended to serve as a substantial factory, encompassing tasks ranging from the aluminium melting process. It is slated to be constructed on the grounds of the current Suvarnabhumi plant site, situated about 40 kilometres east of Bangkok in the country. Amidst significant advancements in the power sector, the company is aligning its production system to meet the demands of sizable projects. The construction for the cutting-edge plant is to begin...
Gränges achieves validation from SBTi for ambitious climate goals
Gränges' climate objectives for the near term in 2030 and achieving net zero by 2040 have been officially validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). This validation affirms that Gränges' goals are in harmony with the latest climate science, align with the objectives of the Paris Agreement, and reflect a steadfast commitment to implementing emission reduction measures in accordance with scientific recommendations. In June 2022, Gränges became a member of the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and, in January 2023, submitted its updated climate goals for validation. The endorsement from SBTi underscores Gränges' steadfast commitment to sustainability and its determined efforts to diminish the environmental impact throughout its business operations and along the entire...
AMAG Austria Metall AG strengthens leadership team with Dr Helmut Kaufmann as CEO and Claudia Trampitsch as CFO
During its November 22, 2023 session, the Supervisory Board of AMAG Austria Metall AG announced the appointment of Dr Helmut Kaufmann (60) as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective January 1, 2024. Dr Kaufmann will continue in his role as Chief Operating Officer (COO) concurrently. This transition marks the succession of the current CEO, Gerald Mayer, who is set to depart the company on December 31, 2023. Dr Kaufmann's contractual term is standard, spanning three years and concluding on December 31, 2026. Simultaneously, Claudia Trampitsch (46) has been designated as the incoming Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of AMAG Austria Metall AG following the approval of the Supervisory Board during today's meeting. Mrs Trampitsch, who has served as the Head of Group Accounting at AMAG since 2015...
Russia-Italy bilateral trade needs a political shift to unlock its economic potential
The Russian and Italian governments have shared a long-term partnership. A significant role has been played by Italian architects in the development of St. Petersburg, the Russian port city on the Baltic Sea. It was not until February 1924 that direct relations were officially established. In October 1944, full diplomatic relations were reestablished between the two nations after a period of tension. As the Russian Federation emerged in the 1990s, economic and trade ties were strengthened, culminating in a friendship treaty. From 1991 to 2014, the relationship between the Russian Federation and Italy experienced a positive trajectory, marked by an upward trend. In the ensuing years following 2014, a significant paradigm shift occurred, reaching a critical juncture in March 2018. Despite...
Constellium marks a decade of cutting-edge innovation and expertise milestone with International Scientific Council
The global leader in the development, manufacturing, and recycling of aluminium products and solutions, Constellium celebrates the 10 th anniversary of its International Scientific Council (ISC), established in 2013. Over the past decade, the ISC has played a crucial role in guiding Constellium's research and development initiatives, promoting innovation, supporting sustainability goals, and addressing challenges in the dynamic field of materials science. Comprised of five distinguished academic members from global laboratories and universities, the Council offers high-level advisory support and recommendations for R&D, innovation strategies, climate change mitigation plans, research collaborations, and expanding Constellium's scientific network. The Council has delved into diverse...
Nigerian Scientist revolutionises nanomaterials research for environmental sustainability
Victor Hammed, a native of the Nigerian historic city of Ilesa, Osun State, completed his primary and secondary schooling in his hometown before attending Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife. Graduating with distinction in Materials Science and Engineering, Victor has emerged as a prominent figure in cutting-edge scientific exploration. His expertise lies in the intersection of nanotechnology and green chemistry, where he has forged a path marked by comprehensive academic training and pioneering research endeavours. Like sustainable or circular chemistry, green chemistry is an area of chemistry and chemical engineering focused on designing products and processes that minimize or eliminate the use and generation of hazardous substances. Over the years, Victor has consistently demonstrated...
Surging demand and domestic supply concerns propel China's October aluminium imports
According to customs data released on November 18, 2023, China experienced a fifth consecutive monthly increase in aluminium imports during October. The uptick is attributed to an improved buying appetite driven by solid demand and expectations of reduced supply in the domestic market. As the world's largest consumer and producer of aluminium, China imported 351,065 metric tons of unwrought aluminium and related products in October. This marked a 5.8 per cent increase from September's 331,716 tonnes and a significant 78.7 per cent surge from the same period last year. Despite a sluggish economic recovery and constrained consumption in traditional sectors, the new energy sector exhibited a strong demand for aluminium. Fears of reduced domestic supply due to capacity cuts in the...
SolarAfrica's green light: Eskom approves Northern Cape solar farm budget quote
SolarAfrica, a renewable energy company, is set to commence the construction of its solar farm project in the Northern Cape following the allocation of an Eskom grid budget quote (BQ). This BQ is a key component of Eskom's strategy to integrate additional renewable energy megawatts from independent power producers into the grid, aiming to meet demand and enhance the national energy supply security. SolarAfrica emphasises its commitment to meeting Eskom's stringent criteria after obtaining a BQ under the Energy Action Plan. A pivotal requirement is establishing a customer base committed to consuming wheeled energy through virtual power purchase agreements (VPPAs). SolarAfrica proudly announces that prominent companies such as Vantage Data Centres, Attacq, and NCP Chlorchem have already...
