AlCircle News Edited By "Sarnali Chakraborty"
Sarnali Chakraborty is a content writer with 2 years of experience. She has written articles on various genres like technical, creative, medical, to name some. Here in Alcircle she will be curating articles on the metal industry, writing newsletters and other online and offline content.
Gunnen set to mark its debut in Brazil with a thermochromic twist & AMP’s aluminium can
The low-calorie beer market is experiencing remarkable growth, fuelled by consumers seeking healthier alternatives that still allow for enjoyment and celebration. From 2022 to 2024, the segment surged by 95.1 per cent, compared to a modest 2.8 per cent rise in regular beer sales, according to GlobalData. This growing preference for low-calorie options ranks among the top 10 consumer priorities, signalling a major shift in habits. Enter Gunnen, a pure malt low-carb beer designed to disrupt the category. With a forward-thinking concept tailored to evolving consumer expectations, Gunnen is poised to redefine the beer experience. Packed in an eye-catching aluminium can produced by Ardagh Metal Packaging (AMP), the cans feature thermochromic ink that changes colour when the beer reaches its...
Alubar’s strategic shift towards Brazil’s free energy market ensures 15% reduction in energy cost
Over the past four years, Alubar has successfully reduced its energy costs by over 15 per cent, with projections indicating a total reduction of 24 per cent by 2024. This significant improvement stems from the company’s strategic shift to purchasing energy directly from Brazil’s free energy market. By moving away from sole dependence on the regional distributor, as required in the captive market, Alubar gained the flexibility to negotiate directly with energy generators across the country. This approach lowered costs and enabled the company to choose energy sources that better reflect its environmental commitments while continuing to pay only for the use of the local distribution network. Alubar is one of the leading Brazilian manufacturer of aluminium electrical conductors and one of the...
Alufold Direct lays off 100 employees & calls in administrators owing to financial insolvency
Alufold Direct Limited, an aluminium door and window manufacturer based in Blackburn, UK, has been facing financial difficulties for some time now, during which a potential sale of the business ultimately fell through. Attempts to secure alternative funding also failed, leading the directors to conclude that the company could no longer continue operating in its current form. As a result, most of the 100 employees working at the aluminium door manufacturing company were laid off, typically due to restructuring, downsizing, or financial difficulties. Mark Hodgett, joint administrator and partner at FRP, said, "Alufold Direct is a recognised player in the UK aluminium fenestration market, but unfortunately, the business became increasingly constrained by liquidity pressures." The company...
Leadership move in Alba: Saleem Yateem takes helm as the new Acting Manager of casthouse services
Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba), the world's largest single-site aluminium smelter, has announced the promotion of Saleem Helal Ali Yateem to Acting Manager of casthouse services, effective 16 June 2025. Saleem joined Alba in 2008 as a Senior Mechanical Engineer and has since demonstrated unwavering dedication and exceptional technical expertise. He has been key in managing complex maintenance operations and leading major capital expenditure initiatives. Alba's Chief Executive Officer Ali Al Baqali said, "Saleem's journey is not just a promotion; it's a testament to a vision where the future is built by Bahraini hands and led by Bahraini minds. We are proud to see national talent rising to leading roles, armed with technical knowledge and the strategic foresight to navigate complex...
Researchers from Southern Denmark University develop new solar cells, turning windows into power sources
Researchers in Denmark have set a new world record for converting sunlight into electricity using innovative transparent solar cells. These advanced window technologies not only let light pass through but also generate power, offering a promising breakthrough for renewable energy. This development could turn skyscrapers and office buildings into vertical power plants by transforming their windows into energy-producing solar panels. The CitySolar project marks a significant breakthrough in transparent solar technology, supporting Europe’s goal of making all new buildings nearly zero energy and fully decarbonising the building sector by 2050. Researchers from the University of Southern Denmark have developed solar panels by combining organic solar cells with perovskite material, achieving...
Newly discovered shape-memory aluminium alloys feature low mass, enhanced memory shape & thermal tenacity
In advanced fields like aerospace and space exploration, materials must combine low weight, high functionality, and resilience to extreme temperature fluctuations. Shape-memory alloys are promising candidates, offering impressive strength, toughness, and the ability to recover from deformation due to their superelastic properties. Image Source: Nature / Research Paper However, achieving low mass and reliable performance at cryogenic temperatures remains challenging. A team of researchers, namely Yuxin Song, Shunsuke Sato, Sheng Xu and Inho Lee, have developed a newly developed shape-memory alloy specifically engineered to meet these demanding requirements. Composed of aluminium and titanium with a chemical composition of Ti₇₅.₂₅Al₂₀Cr₄.₇₅, this alloy features a low density of 4.36 × 10³...
Indian conglomerate Vedanta plans to set up US$ 15.42B aluminium smelter in Odisha
Mining conglomerate Vedanta Aluminium has embarked on a significant project worth INR 1,28 lakh crore (US$ 15.42 billion) to boost Odisha's economy. As per reports, the company plans to set up a 3 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) aluminium smelter along with a 4,900 MW captive power plant in Dhenkanal. This landmark project alone is expected to create around 30,000 jobs, further solidifying Odisha's standing as a global aluminium powerhouse. Seven other transformative industrial projects worth INR 1,51,239.50 crore(US$ 17.58 billion) in other sectors like chemicals, steel, textiles, and metal-based downstream industries, have been approved by the High-Level Clearance Authority (HLCA). These developments, spanning six districts, Dhenkanal, Ganjam, Jajpur, Keonjhar, Khordha, and Sambalpur,...
India to suspend a 13-year old rare earth export deal with Japan to curb dependency on China
In a bold move to tighten control over critical minerals and challenge China's dominance, India has directed IREL to suspend a 13 year old rare earth export agreement with Japan, Reuters reports. The directive, issued by the Indian government to state-run miner IREL (India) Ltd., marks a turning point in New Delhi's strategy to secure its domestic supply chain for high-tech and clean energy sectors. According to sources familiar with the matter, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal recently instructed IREL to stop exporting rare earth elements particularly neodymium, vital material used in powerful magnets for electric vehicle (EV) motors. The minister's remarks came during a meeting with leading executives from India's auto and manufacturing sectors, where the focus was squarely...
Sri Lanka-based Three Sinha Industries bags the Best Inquiry Management System recognition at INCO Awards
Sri Lanka-based Three Sinha Industries, specialising in the construction industry, particularly in steel and related products, has been recently honoured with the Best Inquiry Management System award at the prestigious INCO Awards. Hosted by the Institute of Incorporated Engineers of Sri Lanka (IIESL), the accolade was presented to Managing Director Manjula Ariyakumara during a ceremony held in Colombo. The company offers a wide range of services, including steel buildings and roofings, steel and aluminium fabrications, steel railings and others. What began as a modest venture has evolved into a leading force in Sri Lanka’s construction sector. Today, Three Sinha stands out for its commitment to quality, innovation, and reliability. Over the years, the company has garnered both local and...
Ovni 490: The newly launched all-aluminium sailboat features 1,600W solar panels & 1,000lt fuel tank capacity
Ovni, the French-built brand, is already turning heads for its newly launched all-aluminium 50ft centre boarder titled the Ovni 490. Designed by the renowned Mortain/Mavrikios team in collaboration with CBA, the yacht has been Crafted to meet what the French yard calls strong demand for a 50-footer with a pilothouse, this latest model marries rugged bluewater capability with refined, contemporary comfort. An all-aluminium centreboarder is a sailboat built entirely from aluminium and equipped with a pivoting centreboard instead of a fixed keel. This design offers key advantages - a shallow draft for exploring coastal and shallow waters, excellent resistance to impact and corrosion, and rugged durability ideal for long-distance cruising and off-the-grid adventures. Drawing inspiration from...
Meadow and Novelis’ new partnership to boost the use of recycled aluminium in the packaging sector
Stockholm-based packaging tech innovator Meadow and Novelis, the global leader in sustainable aluminium solutions is embarking on a new partnership to enhance the circularity within the packaging chain. Through this newly signed agreement, Novelis joins Meadow’s trusted network of aluminium supply chain partners bringing world-class expertise and a strong sustainability focus to support Meadow’s cutting-edge packaging solutions. The partnership supports a shared ambition to boost the use of recycled aluminium in producing Meadow’s innovative pre-fill solution the Meadow KAPSUL ™ advancing its mission to create a more circular and sustainable option for the global consumer packaging market. With Novelis now on board, alongside industry leaders like Ball Corporation, DRT Holdings, and...
Century Aluminium to invest $10M for maintenance at its Sebree smelter in Kentucky
Century Aluminium is set to invest $10 million in maintenance at its Sebree smelter in Kentucky this quarter. The US-based aluminium producer announced that the facility's consistently strong performance has enabled it to advance major maintenance work on the carbon plant, originally scheduled for next year. The plan involves temporarily shutting down the green section of the carbon plant to refurbish the anode press and related equipment. CEO Jesse Gary, in the company's quarterly report released on May 8, explained that moving the outage forward will help mitigate risks and enhance the reliability and efficiency of the carbon plant ahead of the peak summer season. “We will reap the benefits of the increased reliability and operational security of this key area of the plant over the back...
Constellium and TARMAC unlocks major breakthrough in full-circular aluminium recycling for retired aircrafts
Constellium and TARMAC Aerosave have unlocked a new milestone in aerospace recycling and sustainability for end-of-life aircraft. The initiative titled 'The successful recycling and remelting of aluminium from end-of-life aircraft into high-performance material ready for future aerospace applications' underscores aluminium's vital role in advancing circular economy goals within the aerospace industry, delivering sustainability without sacrificing performance. Image Source: TARMAC Aerosave After months of collaborative research and development, with key support from Airbus and ValoER, Constellium has successfully remelted aluminium recovered by TARMAC Aerosave from decommissioned commercial aircraft. The result is a high-quality material that meets the demanding performance standards...
Knest Manufacturers secures US$35.2M boost from Lighthouse Funds for its aluminium formwork project
Lighthouse Funds, a prominent mid-market private equity firm in India, has invested INR 300 crore (approximately $35.2 million) in Knest Manufacturers, a Pune-based construction technology company known for its cutting-edge building systems. Founded in 2015, Knest specialises in aluminium formwork and patented hydraulic safety screens, offering advanced construction solutions that aim to speed up project timelines, improve worker safety, and minimise environmental impact. “We are building far more than formwork—we are building the future of Indian construction, of high rises, sprawling skylines, and sustainable urban ecosystems. With this partnership, we gain not just capital but a like-minded partner in Lighthouse who shares our vision for innovation, operational excellence, and...
Serentica clinches $100M debt funding for BALCO’s solar power project in Rajasthan, India
Serentica Renewables, a leading renewable energy provider focused on India's Commercial & Industrial (C&I) sector, has successfully closed its second round of External Commercial Borrowing (ECB) financing. The company has secured over US$ 100 million in debt funding from global financial powerhouses Rabobank and Société Générale to support the development of a 300 MW solar power project in Rajasthan. The capital will fuel the development of a 300 MW solar power project in Rajasthan, an ambitious initiative designed to supply clean, reliable energy to Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO), one of India's top aluminium producers and a key subsidiary of the Vedanta Group. This project marks a major stride toward decarbonising India's industrial core and accelerating the nation's...
Fives strengthens India operations with a new aluminium-focussed service centre in Sambalpur, Odisha
Fives, an international leader in industrial engineering, has taken a significant leap forward in strengthening its footprint in India with the inauguration of its new Service Centre in Sambalpur, Odisha. Sambalpur is a city located in the northwestern part of the Indian state of Odisha. Officially opened on June 4, 2025, this state-of-the-art facility marks a pivotal moment in Fives' ongoing mission to empower the aluminium industry with innovation, efficiency, and world-class support. This initiative by Fives has been warmly appreciated by Mr Satish Pai, Managing Director of Hindalco Industries, who shared his support through a special video message. "Our sincere thanks to Hindalco Industries Limited & Vedanta Limited - Aluminium Business Management for encouraging this initiative for...
Hindalco’s Freshwrapp aluminium foil ropes in Chef Vikas Khanna for its new campaign
Freshwrapp, the flagship food packaging brand from Hindalco, has rolled out its latest nationwide campaign titled, “Bacteria ki Entry ko Rokey” with none other than renowned chef and author Vikas Khanna leading the charge. At the heart of the campaign is the introduction of the Freshlock Shield, a powerful promise of protection featuring aluminium that helps block bacteria from entering your food. The message is clear: when it comes to keeping food fresh, safe, and hygienic, Freshwrapp aluminium foil outperforms old-school methods like cloth, newspaper, or tissue. Speaking on the collaboration, Chef Vikas Khanna said, “Food is one of the purest expressions of love in every Indian home—but how we store that food is often taken for granted. I’ve used aluminium foil often as it’s hygienic,...
UAE’s upcoming gallium facility aims to fuel EGA’s Net-Zero targets by 2050: Here’s how
Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), the world’s leading ‘premium aluminium’ producer, has long been a trailblazer in the global metals sector. From being the first in the Middle East to join the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative to pioneering the international sale of UAE-developed industrial technology, EGA has consistently set benchmarks. Building on this legacy, EGA has now taken a significant step toward advancing rare metal production. In collaboration with the Tawazun Council and RTX , EGA has signed a MoU to establish the UAE’s first gallium production source further cementing its leadership in strategic material development and sustainable industrial growth. Now here comes the question – Why Gallium? Gallium (Ga) is closely linked to the aluminium industry, as it is commonly recovered...
