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.
Aluminium sliding that looks like wood? Westlake Royal unveils new designs & colours for its Cedar Renditions™ range
Westlake Royal Building Products™ ("Westlake Royal"), a subsidiary of Westlake, has expanded its Cedar Renditions™ aluminium siding collection. The U.S. lineup now features five new solid colours — Aluzinc, Ironstone, Charcoal, Frost, and Black Silk — while a new premium woodgrain finish, Natural Whitewash, is available in the U.S. and Canada. Image Source: Westlake Royal The new colours introduce a fresh, versatile palette, giving homeowners and designers more choices to create their ideal aesthetic. Each shade brings its own distinct character, adding depth and style to any design: Aluzinc — A sleek, metallic grey, Aluzinc delivers a modern, monochromatic look, perfect for builders and architects seeking contemporary style. Ironstone — A striking evolution of charcoal, the shade brings...
Premium aluminium body, 5,000mAh battery, 50MP telephoto camera & lots more: Nothing Phone (3a) and (3a) Pro
A few years back, the word ‘nothing’ had little significance in our daily lives. But today, standing here in 2025, the tables have turned – ‘Nothing’ is not just another word but a brand that stands out in its own form. Image Source: Nothing website Premium design, fast charging & lots more Founded by OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei in 2020, the British consumer electronics manufacturer based in London has finally unveiled its much-awaited mid-range smartphone - the (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro series. Departing from the plastic and back panel of the previous Phone (2a) and (2a) Plus, the new Phone (3a) series now features aluminium and glass, delivering a more premium feel and enhanced durability. The mid-range smartphone market has seen little innovation, leaving a gap for something new....
Major economic uptick: China’s manufacturing PMI rebounds in February powered by the aluminium industry
China's factory activity accelerated in February, fuelled by stronger supply, rising demand, and a rebound in export orders, according to a private-sector survey released Monday. Seasonal factors linked to the holiday period also contributed to the growth. The Caixin/S&P Global manufacturing PMI climbed to 50.8 per cent, up from 50.1 per cent in January, reaching a three-month high and surpassing analysts' expectations of 50.3 per cent, as predicted in a Reuters poll. However, towards the end of December, China's aluminium demand faced a major backlash due to the construction sector's deteriorating market condition. As a result, the government introduced some extensive stimulus measures to help the industry grapple with the ongoing challenges. Spearheaded by the People's Bank of China...
Assam to host 200 MW of clean energy projects led by Ratul Puri’s INR 620 crore investment
Hindustan Power, a leader in renewable energy focusing on the Indian market, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Assam to invest INR 620 crore (US$ 70.96) in renewable energy projects. The company, led by Ratul Puri, signed the MoU for its upcoming 100 MW battery energy storage facility and 100 MW solar plants in Assam. Hindustan Power's ambitious 5 GW goal The agreement was formalised during the Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment and Infrastructure Summit held in Guwahati. Hindustan Power aims to build a 5 GW energy portfolio within the next three years, with its investment in Assam playing a key role in this growth. Ratul Puri, Chairman, Hindustan Power, said, “We are proud that Hindustan Power was the first company to develop a large solar power plant in...
Bradford-based Crucial Engineering lands £250K loan to scale up its aluminium & security solutions
Crucial Engineering a Bradford-based company specialising in aluminium doors and security access systems has bagged a £250,000 loan from NPIF II – Mercia Debt Finance, a part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II), to fuel its growth. The funding will empower Crucial Engineering to take on larger projects, building on its recent expansion into bigger premises and a series of high-profile contract wins. Image Source: Crucial Engineering website The £660m Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II) supports businesses across the North of England, offering loans from £25,000 to £2 million and equity investments of up to £5 million. Its mission is to drive sustainable economic growth by fostering innovation and creating local opportunities for startups and scaling...
Lulu Retail’s inaugural solar project to slash carbon emissions by 382 tonnes annually
Lulu Retail, a leading force in the retail industry, proudly announced the successful completion of its inaugural solar project at the Riyadh Central Warehouse in Saudi Arabia. This milestone underscores the group's dedication to sustainability, aligning with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 goals and driving progress toward a cleaner, greener future for the region. Lulu's dedication to renewable energy innovation The 502.7 kWp rooftop solar plant, developed in partnership with the Kanoo-CleanMax joint venture, is expected to produce 846 MWh of clean energy annually — cutting Lulu Group's carbon emissions by approximately 382 metric tonnes each year. This reduction is equivalent to planting nearly 9,000 trees over the next decade. The project sets a new benchmark for sustainability in the...
Neveah’s aluminium & copper recycling in Mowe to power Nigeria’s industrial and economic growth
Neveah Limited, the Nigeria-based commodities export company, announced that its aluminium and copper waste recycling plant in Mowe, Ogun State, is set to generate significant employment opportunities. According to Ibidapo Lawal, the company’s CEO, the facility will create 40,000 direct jobs and an additional 6,000 indirect jobs for Nigerians. Lawal also highlighted the plant’s environmental impact, stating it will cut Nigeria’s carbon emissions by approximately 377,460 tonnes annually — the equivalents of taking 82,000 cars off the road. Lawal described the facility as a major milestone for Nigeria’s industrial and environmental landscape, emphasising Neveah Limited’s dedication to sustainability and economic progress. “The facility is projected to generate over $100 million in annual...
Tiangong 05: The all-electric midsize sedan featuring AI-powered deep-learning engine ready to hit the streets of China
Hongqi, one of China's oldest and largest automotive groups (owned by FAW Group), has officially launched the Tiangong 05, an all-electric midsize sedan and the first model in the Tiangong series. Available in four variants, the vehicle is priced between RMB 159,800 and RMB 185,800. About Tiangong 05 Drawing inspiration from the Hongqi E009 concept car, the Tiangong 05 seamlessly blends signature design elements with a sleek, modern aesthetic. The front showcases a closed-off grille, distinctive leaf-shaped headlights, and Hongqi's iconic red emblem, creating a striking visual presence. The side profile features an elegant fastback silhouette with a dynamic, upward-sweeping waistline, adding a sense of motion even at a standstill. At the rear, L-shaped taillights echo Hongqi's evolving...
Upstream weekly recap: European Aluminium applauds EU’s 16th sanctions package; Alcoa warns of severe job loss amid 25% tariff
This week has been highly eventful for the upstream aluminium industry, especially the primary aluminium sector, which has dominated the headlines. The industry is going through a rough time with news of sanctions and tariffs hitting the market. To begin with, the voice of the entire aluminium value chain in Europe (European Aluminium) welcomed the inclusion of primary aluminium in the EU's 16th sanctions package against Russia. The new sanctions cover key aluminium product categories, such as ingots, slabs, and billets, under the trade code HS 7601. On the other hand, Alcoa, a leading global aluminium producer, recently raised concerns that the proposed 25 per cent tariffs could result in over 100,000 job losses. These developments highlight the immense challenges the aluminium industry...
EOS Aluminium AlSi10Mg: Produced entirely from recycled feedstock aims to achieve 77% reduction in CO₂ emissions
EOS GmbH, a global leader in industrial 3D printing of metals and plastics, announced that its widely used metal material, EOS Aluminium AlSi10Mg, is now produced entirely from recycled feedstock. This shift is designed to lower carbon emissions and promote sustainability in additive manufacturing. EOS Aluminium AlSi10Mg EOS Aluminium AlSi10Mg joined the company's Responsible Products portfolio in April 2024, initially using 30 per cent recycled feedstock to achieve a 25 per cent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. Now produced with 100 per cent recycled feedstock, EOS assures that the material retains the same properties, characteristics, and performance in additively manufactured parts — eliminating the need for existing customers to requalify applications. "We're proud to have...
Zaha Hadid’s upcoming masterpiece to feature solar-reflective aluminium façade
Zaha Hadid Architects, a British architecture and design firm, has unveiled plans for a striking cultural centre in Reggio Calabria, southern Italy, overlooking the Strait of Messina. The Centre of Mediterranean Culture will feature a sculpted, futuristic design with a facade crafted from locally produced, marine-grade anodised aluminium panels. The building's façade, crafted from locally sourced, marine-grade anodised aluminium panels, helps reduce solar heat gain while reflecting the region's distinctive Mediterranean light. Deep overhangs provide shade, limiting direct sunlight and mitigating glare from sea reflections. The facade will be 90 per cent opaque, carefully engineered to adapt to the region's wind conditions. Embracing advanced computer modelling — a growing focus for the...
South Africa’s largest aluminium smelter targets greener future with decarbonisation drive
Although aluminium from South Africa’s Hillside Aluminium in KwaZulu-Natal carries the value-dampening label of ‘high-carbon,’ South32, a globally diversified mining and metals company, gains a value boost from the ‘low-carbon’ premium status of its other two operations, Brazil Aluminium and Mozal Aluminium. Hillside Aluminium & its decarbonisation efforts Hillside Aluminium is labelled carbon-intensive due to its reliance on coal-fired electricity. However, there’s promising news that intensive efforts are underway to explore competitive decarbonisation solutions for Hillside, the largest aluminium smelter in the southern hemisphere and a key supplier of primary aluminium to South Africa’s value-adding secondary producers. In the six months to December, South32’s operational greenhouse...
Next-generation coating material crafted from aluminium & nickel unlocks new possibilities
The need for clean energy sources that will not release harmful greenhouse gases can be touted as one of the most important priorities. Hydrogen may seem like an obvious clean energy solution, but it comes with significant challenges — particularly its high combustion temperature, ranging from 600 to 1500 degrees Celsius. Researchers at the University of Alberta Researchers at the University of Alberta have discovered a new material for coatings, showing great potential for high-temperature applications like hydrogen combustion engines. This innovative coating is crafted from a superalloy containing metals such as aluminium and nickel. Dubbed AlCrTiVNi5, the new material boasts exceptional thermomechanical properties — offering high stability, low thermal expansion, fracture resistance,...
Introducing Temperzone’s Clever MT Series with marine-grade aluminium for its inner and outer panels
Temperzone has introduced the Clever MT series, a line of all-aluminium air handling units (AHUs) designed for lightweight durability and exceptional corrosion resistance. Engineered for unmatched performance and excellence, these air handling units are lightweight, highly corrosion-resistant, and meticulously designed to deliver outstanding performance. Inclusion of aluminium The Clever MT is engineered with a robust all-aluminium construction featuring anodised aluminium profiles and base channels. The units are built with double-skinned inner and outer panels made from marine-grade 5005 aluminium, coated with protective paint and filled with high-density polyurethane foam insulation for superior thermal efficiency. The T2/TB2 panels, with a 65mm tropical profile and 50mm thermal break,...
Aprilia’s recent patent reveals new structural details featuring carbon-fibre & aluminium frame
Aprilia, an Italian motorcycle and scooter manufacturer known for its high-end superbikes, naked bikes, adventure bikes, and streetfighters, has been experimenting with a carbon fibre frame for its RS-GP MotoGP race bike since 2023. As per the information, a recent patent application from parent company Piaggio reveals new structural details of the latest RS-GP prototype chassis, which combines carbon fibre and aluminium bonded with adhesive rather than bolts. Image Source: Aprilia website Use of aluminium & carbon fibre Aprilia has been actively testing carbon frames on its MotoGP bikes throughout 2023 and 2024, though it has yet to commit to using them in competition. The swingarm pivot area is primarily aluminium, with two cast components labelled "4R" and "4L" in the patent drawings....
New Zealand Aluminium Smelter to delay its Tiwai potline ramp-up until August’25
New Zealand Aluminium Smelter (NZAS) chief executive Chris Blenkiron announced on Tuesday, February 25 that the company will delay its planned potline ramp-up at Tiwai until August 31. Following last year's announcement to increase production, the decision aims to ensure Meridian Energy has access to 50MW of electricity during the winter months. With winter approaching, Southland's Tiwai Point aluminium smelter is preparing for what is typically a demanding season. He stated that NZAS had been gradually restoring production after implementing a 205MW demand reduction to support New Zealand during last winter's energy shortage. Due to the complexity of the ramp-down and ramp-up process, full production was not expected to resume until April. "While it is always a difficult decision to...
Meet JLR’s new aluminium skin featuring 85% recycled content & 95% more energy efficiency
Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), in collaboration with Novelis, has successfully completed large-scale trials of a pioneering aluminium skin alloy. This innovative material contains up to 85 per cent recycled content and offers up to 95 per cent greater energy efficiency in production compared to conventional methods. Image Source: JLR website New milestone unlocked The development of the new aluminium skin alloy marks another milestone in JLR’s enduring partnership with aluminium recycling leader Novelis. Their collaboration dates back to 2008 with the launch of the REALCAR project — Europe’s first closed-loop recycling system. This initiative enables aluminium scrap from vehicle production to be collected, recycled by Novelis, and reused in new car bodies, significantly reducing reliance on...
Vode Lighting, the first North American brand to integrate Hydro CIRCAL for sustainable innovation
Founded in 2006, Sonoma-based Vode Lighting is set to become the first company in North America to integrate Hydro CIRCAL into its products. By adopting low-carbon recycled aluminium produced domestically, Vode Lighting will reduce emissions, enhance supply chain resilience, and contribute to a circular U.S. economy. Image Source: Hydro website Specialising in high-performance linear LED architectural lighting, Vode partners with lighting designers, architects, and interior designers to illuminate public, commercial, and educational spaces. The company has already transitioned its top-selling product line, ZipTwo, to Hydro CIRCAL and plans to extend this sustainable shift across its entire product range whenever possible. “We are impressed by Vode Lighting’s continuous commitment to...
