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.
Azerbaijan’s Alat Free Economic Zone to host $211 million aluminium beverage can facility
Quality Pack International Ltd. (QPC) plans to establish a vertically integrated aluminium beverage can manufacturing and non-alcoholic beverage filling facility in the Alat Free Economic Zone, Azerbaijan. Set to commence operations in 2025, the QPC factory represents a $211 million investment in Azerbaijan’s Alat Free Economic Zone. Image Source: Quality Pack International Ltd Designed as a regional production hub, the facility will cater to local and regional beverage brands, supplying empty cans and fully packaged beverages. The facility will manufacture and fill aluminium beverage cans in 250 ml, 330 ml, and 450 ml sizes, with an annual production capacity of 600 to 800 million cans and a filling capacity of 300 to 400 million cans, depending on size distribution. Beyond establishing...
Capral Aluminium Urban Range: The newly launched premium aluminium solutions in Sri Lanka
Alumex PLC, Sri Lanka’s leading aluminium manufacturer, proudly introduced the ‘Capral Aluminium Urban Range’ at a prestigious launch event at The Kingsbury Colombo, attended by top architects, builders, fabricators, and dealers. Through a strategic partnership with Capral, Australia’s largest aluminium extruder and a globally renowned brand, Alumex has secured exclusive rights to manufacture and market Capral’s premium products in Sri Lanka. This collaboration brings world-class aluminium solutions to the country’s construction and design sectors, underscoring Alumex’s commitment to fostering economic growth with high-quality, innovative, and sustainable products. Renowned for its cutting-edge architectural aluminium systems, the Capral Aluminium Urban Range is crafted to meet the...
GALTCO’s upcoming plant in Tolú to propel Colombia as a leader in green aluminium production
GALTCO a next-generation, world-class green aluminium production and industrial complex in Colombia is planning to set up a plant in Tolú, Sucre for the production of low-carbon aluminium. The project valued at USD 1.2 billion is expected to generate over 350,000 tonnes of low-carbon aluminium annually from the Gulf of Morrosquillo, positioning Colombia as a leader in green aluminium production with sustainable practices. Image Source - GALTCO (Andrés Rojas) Signing of MoU On Wednesday, January 29, the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the GALTCO Colombia Project was signed, marking a significant milestone for the country's aluminium industry. Both private and public signatories believe this transformative initiative will establish Colombia as a leader in green aluminium production,...
Hydro Aluminum Henderson secures US$17.4 million to use cutting-edge solutions for automotive industry
Hydro's aluminium recycling plant in Henderson, Kentucky, has been awarded $17.4 million in tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act to support advanced technology for the automotive industry. The investment will be directed towards the HyForge project, which will introduce innovative technology to the U.S. to cater to the expanding automotive market. Image Source: Hydro Announced by Hydro in May 2024, the HyForge project enhances automotive-focused production at the company's Henderson recycling plant. After a highly competitive selection process, the U.S. Department of Energy granted the funding through the Section 48C Qualifying Advanced Energy Project tax credit program, which evaluated over 800 projects across the U.S. About HyForge project The HyForge project is set to become...
PPG unveils HobaPro 2848, a non-BPA coating innovation for aluminium bottles, at Paris Packaging Week 2025
PPG, the American Fortune 500 company and a global supplier of paints, coatings, and specialty materials has expanded its non-bisphenol A (BPA) HOBA internal coatings line with the introduction of PPG HobaPro 2848. Image Source: PPG Designed to meet the rising demand for packaging water, wine, and other beverages in aluminium bottles, this innovative solution is being showcased at Paris Packaging Week 2025 (PCD). It has also been recognised as a finalist in the event’s Aerosol and Dispensing Forum (ADF) Innovation Awards. PPG Hoba coatings PPG Hoba coatings are designed for aluminium bottles, monobloc aerosols, and collapsible tubes, providing superior internal protection. PPG HobaPro 2848 is a non-bisphenol, PFAS-NI, and non-phenolic internal liner, offering a durable, versatile, and...
Fire breaks out at BRT Extrusions in Niles; no injuries reported
Accidents or fire incidents in the aluminium industry highlight the need to implement advanced technologies and stringent safety measures to mitigate such risks. Raising awareness is essential, especially in countries like India, where a larger workforce and limited adoption of modern technology increase vulnerabilities. Image Source:MiSUMi Mech Lab On Tuesday, January 28, a fire broke out at BRT Extrusions, an aluminium extrusions manufacturing facility in Niles. Investigators from the State Fire Marshal’s Office are examining a fire and reported that the fire started at the paint booth of BRT Extrusions. Emergency crews responded to reports of a large fire in the paint booth on N. Main Street just before 2:15 p.m. Fire Chief John Stevens stated that firefighters quickly extinguished the...
Prince Shaiubu Audu: ALSCON's revival, a strategic move to reinvigorate Nigeria's aluminium industry
The Federal Government of Nigeria has launched a major initiative to revive the Aluminium Smelting Company of Nigeria (ALSCON), a key player in the country's industrial sector. Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shaiubu Audu, stated that the revival aims to reinvigorate the local economy, generate employment, and strengthen Nigeria's standing in the global aluminium market. Image Source: Federal Ministry of Information & National Orientation During his two-day facility tour of ALSCON in Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom State, from Monday, January 27, to Tuesday, January 28, 2025, Prince Shaiubu Abubakar Audu underscored the critical importance of restoring the company to full operational capacity. ALSCON's revival He emphasised that the revival of ALSCON goes beyond aluminium production; it is...
Eco-friendly EDM technique reduces waste & improves aluminium alloy sustainability
Researchers are advancing sustainable practices by optimising electric discharge machining (EDM) processes for aluminium alloys. A recent study highlighted significant improvements in machining efficiency and environmental impact for Al6061 alloys. By employing cryogenically treated brass electrodes and deionised water as the dielectric fluid, the study demonstrated innovative techniques that enhance EDM performance while aligning with sustainability goals. Image Source: MDPI EDM has long been valued for its precision in creating complex geometries but faces challenges like low machining rates and environmental concerns associated with traditional dielectric fluids. While kerosene oil is effective, its emissions pose significant environmental risks, highlighting the need for sustainable...
Alupro to exhibit at 2025 ADF, showcasing recycling innovations in aluminium packaging
Alupro, the aluminium packaging recycling organisation, will showcase its offerings at the 2025 Aerosol & Dispensing Forum (ADF), part of Paris Packaging Week at the Expo Porte de Versailles. The show will take place on January 28-29 and will bring together hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of delegates to explore advancements in the sector, technological innovations, and growth opportunities within the industry. Image Source: Aerosol & Dispensing Forum (ADF) At Stand T26, Alupro will showcase its latest initiatives, campaigns, and behavioural change programs. In addition, the organisation will host a dynamic panel session on best practices in aerosol recycling, bringing together prominent European experts from across the packaging supply chain. Commenting on the event, Giddings said,...
Secat strengthens small-scale production & testing with new aluminium extrusion press in Nicholasville
Secat, Inc., a metallurgical research laboratory specialising in aluminium product and process technologies, has expanded its capabilities by adding a new aluminium extrusion press at its Nicholasville Pilot Lab in Kentucky. Image Soure : Secat, Inc. This new equipment enhances Secat’s ability to conduct testing, development, and small-scale production, offering improved precision and flexibility in extrusion processes. The press, generously donated by a manufacturer of equipment for extrusion billet and rolling slab production, will be shipped and installed at the Nicholasville facility. The Alubin extrusion press is a 600-ton press with a 4-inch container, occupying approximately 1,000 sq ft of space in Secat’s lab. The line is equipped with a run-out table, stretcher, saw, and billet...
Mananalu powered by Boomerang Water: Jason Momoa champions new technology to eliminate single-use plastic bottles
Mananalu, the eco-conscious aluminium-bottled water brand founded by Jason Momoa, the 'Aquaman' star, has been making waves since 2019. The company is on a mission to remove single-use plastic bottles with recyclable aluminium ones. The company has unlocked several strides in this journey, with the recent one relaunching as Mananalu Powered by Boomerang Water. Image Source: Mananalu This new model ensures healthy, sustainable water while eliminating single-use plastic waste that harms the environment. Utilising Boomerang Water technology, which won the 2024 SXSW Product Innovation Award, the bottling systems are about the size of a hotel ice maker. They can sanitize, rinse, fill, and cap 400 to 500 aluminium or glass bottles per hour with ultra-purified water. After consumption, the...
Taural India signs MoU with Maharashtra Government, promoting industrial development in Tier II regions
Taural India, a prominent integrated aluminium foundry, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Maharashtra to expand its manufacturing operations in Supa, Ahilya Nagar. This collaboration represents a major stride in promoting industrial development and enhancing self-reliance in Tier II regions of the state. The agreement was signed at the Maharashtra Pavilion during the World Economic Forum in Davos, in the presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis and other senior officials. The upcoming facility in Supa will be four times larger, positioning the company to meet increasing demand across sectors such as energy, defence, aerospace, marine, railways, and healthcare. “We are excited to announce this MoU, which involves an investment...
Chinalco announces the construction of its upcoming aluminium alloy flat ingot project in Yunnan
On December 29th, Chinalco (Yunnan) Green Advanced Aluminum-based Materials Co., Ltd. announced the construction of its much-awaited 400,000-tonne aluminium alloy flat ingot project, alongside the unveiling of Chinalco Green Materials (Zhaotong) Co., Ltd. Once the project is completed and operational, it is expected to produce large-size 5 and 6 series aluminium alloy flat ingots. This production line will lead in the domestic market, enhancing both the technical quality and product grade. It is also expected to reduce environmental pollution and metal loss caused by the secondary remelting of aluminium ingots, allowing for a more efficient conversion of electrolytic aluminium resources into industrial advantages. This, in turn, will boost the added value of the products. By 2025, Yunnan...
Combining sustainability with skincare: Coors launches first-of-its-kind face-roller in 12-ounce aluminium cans
Coors Light, known for its sustainable packaging promoting aluminium and other recyclable materials, has come up with a new release which is both unique and chilled at the same time. Coming up with something of this type is the first of its kind for a beverage brand company. Image Source: Molson Coors On Wednesday, January 25, the sustainable packaging company unveiled its latest creation: the "Coors Light Chill Face Roller," designed to make the Monday after the Super Bowl as relaxing and chilled out as possible. The face roller will be available in 12-ounce aluminium cans, blending the beauty trend of face rolling with the signature chill of a Coors Light. "At Coors Light, we've always believed in delivering refreshment and chill to our fans in unexpected ways. With the Coors Light...
Kepler Cheuvreux reinstates Hydro shares with a 'Buy' rating & price target of NOK 88
Kepler Cheuvreux, a European financial services firm specialising in research, execution, and asset management, resumed coverage of Norsk Hydro SA shares, assigning a Buy rating with a price target of NOK 88.00. A "Buy" rating from a stock analyst indicates their belief that the stock is either undervalued or has significant growth potential, making it a promising investment opportunity. Analyst Martin Granviken highlighted the cyclical nature of the aluminium market, emphasising the impact of global supply-demand dynamics on prices. Recent market reports indicate an upcoming aluminium supply deficit as Chinese production nears its capacity limit. This development is anticipated to drive aluminium prices higher over the next three years. Granviken noted that alumina prices reached record...
India’s first auto-robotic plant for aluminium doors & windows begins operations in Surat: Encore-Alcom
Encore-Alcom, prominent aluminium doors and windows manufacturer based in Hyderabad, announced the commencement of operations at its new manufacturing plant in Surat, Gujarat, on Tuesday. This facility, the largest in India for aluminium doors and windows production, is the country’s first to feature automated robotic technology. Spanning 184,000 square feet, the plant employs 500 people. The company plans to invest INR 60 crores in the facility in phases. Encore has already established a strong presence in wooden door manufacturing, marketing its products under the Encore brand in the south and the Alcom brand in the north. “We used German technology for the state-of- the-art new plant which has a capacity to produce 35,000 square feet per day. We will showcase our latest and innovative...
Leading the charge in end-of-life vehicle recycling with advanced aluminium recovery: Novelis
Aluminium recycling goes beyond sustainability; it serves as a key catalyst for economic growth, enhances supply chain resilience, and supports environmental responsibility. And talking about recycling, Novelis, the global leader in aluminium rolling and recycling, is leading the way in end-of-life vehicle recycling, going beyond just production scrap. Image Source: Novelis By utilising advanced scrap sortation and segregation technologies, the company aims to capture specific aluminium alloys from decommissioned vehicles, preserving their value and quality. In partnership with key industry players, Novelis is driving a circularity platform for end-of-life vehicles, optimising material flow, increasing access to high-quality recycled aluminium, and minimising landfill waste. Collaborating...
Circular economy in packaging: The recycling success of aluminium cans, glass & pet bottles
The grocery aisle is a kaleidoscope of colourful packaging crafted to grab the attention of the buyers and entice them to make a purchase. Be it aluminium cans, bottles, and other materials, the packaging story doesn't end once it is opened and recycled; the real story begins when the material returns to the shelves as a new product or is transformed into something very different. The latest report from the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) paints a reasonably positive picture: in 2022–23, packaging across all industries in Australia contained an average of 44 per cent recycled content. However, this figure hides significant variation between materials. To explore the differences, ABC Science examined three commonly used and relatively easy-to-recycle packaging materials —...
