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.
FGIA releases updated AAMA 611-24 specification for anodised architectural aluminium coatings
The Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) has recently updated its architectural grade aluminium oxide coatings specification. The revised document, AAMA 611-24, is titled "Specification for Anodized Architectural Aluminum." The document outlines the latest test procedures and requirements for architectural product coatings applied to extrusions and panels. This new version supersedes the 2020 update and is now available for purchase in the FGIA online store. The Anodized Specification Task Group, under the direction of the AMC Finishes Committee, has updated the AAMA 611-24 document. This revision includes new testing information for a corrosion resistance procedure. The updated AAMA 611-24, along with other FGIA publications, can be purchased from the FGIA online store at a...
China expands carbon trading market to aluminium, steel, and cement to curb industrial pollution
At the opening ceremony of the 2024 Global Energy Transformation Conference on September 7, Huang Runqiu, Minister of Ecology and Environment, emphasised the need to accelerate green and low-carbon development in China. By the end of the year, key emission industries, including aluminium, steel and cement, will be integrated into the national carbon emissions trading system alongside the power industry. What is carbon trading market A national carbon trading market is a carbon pricing system that facilitates the buying and selling of carbon credits and renewable energy certificates. It aims to meet climate goals and advance climate actions in a cost-efficient manner. Adopting carbon emissions trading is a vital policy tool for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, such as carbon dioxide,...
LME aluminium official settlement price moves up to US$2368/t; SHFE price descends by US$4/t
Last Friday, LME aluminium opened at US$2,384 per tonne, hit a high of US$2,394 per tonne and a low of US$2,340 per tonne, and closed at US$2,341.5 per tonne, down US$36.5 per tonne or 1.53 per cent. On Friday, September 6, both LME aluminium cash bid price and LME aluminium official settlement price moved up by US$2 per tonne or 0.08 per cent to clock at US$2,367.50 per tonne and US$2,368 per tonne. As per the LME graph, both 3-month bid price and 3-month offer price added US$7 per tonne or 0.29 per cent and US$6.5 per tonne or 0.27 per cent to settle at US$2,388 per tonne and US$2,388.50 per tonne. On the same day, December 25 bid price and December 25 offer price increased by US$4 per tonne or 0.16 per cent to dock at US$2,497 per tonne and US$2,502 per tonne. LME aluminium opening...
Guizhou Aluminum unlocks new achievement with the production of double zero foil
Guizhou Aluminum New Materials Co., Ltd. (Gui Aluminum New Materials) has recently achieved a major milestone in aluminium foil production. The company has successfully manufactured double zero aluminium foil with a thickness of 0.006mm, width of 1700mm, weight of 17,760kg, and a roll diameter of 2321mm, all without a single breakage. This accomplishment demonstrates Gui Aluminum's advanced production capabilities and significantly boosts its market competitiveness. The ability to produce such large-diameter rolls of high-quality foil highlights the company's expertise in process control. It positions them well to meet the increasing demand for premium aluminium foil products. Building on this technological breakthrough, Gui Aluminum New Materials plans to leverage this success as a...
Upstream weekly recap: EGA leads UAE with digital GHG emissions tracking, boosting decarbonisation efforts
In recent developments across the upstream sector of the aluminium industry, significant changes and milestones have been reported. The upstream sector includes bauxite, alumina and primary aluminium. Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) has pioneered digital greenhouse gas emissions tracking in the UAE, enhancing transparency and aligning with national decarbonisation goals. Additionally, China's Ministry of Commerce has announced countermeasures against Canada in response to new tariffs on Chinese imports, including aluminium, electric vehicles, and steel, involving WTO dispute proceedings and anti-discrimination investigations. Indian Railways' East Central Railway (ECR) has experienced a notable increase in freight income in the first months of the 2024-25 financial year. In August 2024,...
Sunstone and Geely Baikuang join forces to construct a 600,000-tonne prebaked anode project
On August 20th, Sunstone Development announced the signing of a capital increase agreement with Geely Baikuang to jointly invest 290 million yuan into Tiandong Baikuang Santian Carbon Co., Ltd. Following the capital injection, Sun-stone Development will hold a 66 per cent stake, while Geely Baikuang will own 34 per cent. The funds will be allocated to constructing a 600,000-tonne prebaked anode production facility. About Sun-stone Sun-stone Development has consistently ranked first in China for anode exports over several years as a leading global manufacturer of prebaked anodes. Geely Baikuang, part of the Geely Science and Technology Group, is a major enterprise group involved in coal, electricity, electrolytic aluminium, alumina, carbon, aluminium deep processing, and ecological...
FIN Windows & Doors embraces sustainability with Capral’s LocAl® lower-carbon aluminium
The name "FIN" represents "First in Newcastle," highlighting FIN Windows and Doors' pioneering role and longstanding presence in Newcastle's building industry for over fifty years. Dedicated to serving the Newcastle, Central Coast, and Hunter Valley regions, FIN Windows and Doors has built a solid reputation for delivering high-quality window and door products, becoming a trusted name in the local community. FIN & Capral aluminium FIN's enduring success is largely attributed to its longstanding partnership with Capral Aluminium. FIN's commitment to sustainability is evident in its operations and product offerings. Their collaboration with Capral has allowed FIN to incorporate LocAl® lower-carbon aluminium into their products, aligning with their broader goal of minimising environmental...
Viva launches lightweight aluminium composite panels for safer Indian bus bodies
Viva ACP, Asia's leading manufacturer of metal composite panels, has introduced advanced Aluminium Composite Panels (ACPs) designed to enhance the safety and performance of bus bodies in India. This initiative resulted from the stricter regulations the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways implemented for bus construction, emphasising improvements in passenger safety and vehicle quality. These new ACPs from Viva offer several advantages, including reduced vehicle weight, improved fuel efficiency, and superior overall performance. The lightweight panels also comply with the Ministry's latest safety standards, aiding manufacturers in meeting the updated regulations. As the Indian electric bus market is set for rapid growth, fuelled by government initiatives, Viva ACP's panels are...
Gränges’ upcoming facility to produce ATEX-certified aluminium powder for AM by Q1 2025
Gränges Powder Metallurgy SAS, located in Saint-Avold, France, is investing in a new post-processing line for producing aluminium powders for Additive Manufacturing (AM). The line will feature ATEX-certified sieving, homogenising, and packing equipment within a closed workspace to ensure optimal safety and cleanliness. It is expected to be fully operational by the first quarter of 2025. With over three decades of experience, Gränges Powder Metallurgy specialises in high-performance aluminium alloys through inert gas atomisation. The company is renowned for its Dispal range of low-thermal expansion AlSi alloys, widely used in the semiconductor and precision optics industries. In addition to Dispal, Gränges produces standard AlSi10Mg powders and custom aluminium alloys tailored to specific...
LME aluminium benchmark price moves down to US$2366/t; SHFE price loses US$3/t
On Thursday, LME aluminium opened at US$2,392 per tonne, with a high of US$2,410 per tonne, a low of US$2,363 per tonne, and closed at US$2,378 per tonne, down US$21.5 per tonne, a decrease of 0.90 per cent. On Thursday, September 5, both LME aluminium cash bid price and LME aluminium official settlement price inched down by US$1.5 per tonne or 0.06 per cent to clock at US$2,365.50 per tonne and US$2,366 per tonne. As per the LME graph, 3-month bid price and 3-month offer price moved down by US$5 per tonne or 0.20 per cent and US$6 per tonne or 0.25 per cent to settle at US$2,381 per tonne and US$2,382 per tonne. December 25 bid price and December 25 offer price slipped by US$5 per tonne to halt at US$2,493 per tonne and US$2,498 per tonne. LME aluminium opening stock came in at 836925...
Zooz to enter the US market with its non-alcoholic wellness drinks in aluminium cans
Zooz, a new non-alcoholic wellness drink, is set to mark its entry into the US market. The unique mushroom-based beverage will be launched in recyclable aluminium cans, targeting the growing no and low-alcohol market. Created by former personal trainer Daniel Soos, Zooz aims to transform adult soft drinks with its unique ingredients and focus on health and well-being. About the drink With £1.25 million in seed funding, the brand is set to carve a new niche in the no-and-low sector. Zooz, featuring the potent Cordyceps and Lion's Mane mushrooms, is a beacon of health in a sea of beverages. Its refined flavour profile is a testament to its appeal to health-conscious consumers seeking a healthier alternative to traditional alcoholic drinks. The drink is free from sugar, gluten, and...
Founder of Matawuzeni BMG earns Sacca recognition amidst challenging situation
Bhekuzulu Gumbi, 26, founder of Matawuzeni BMG, has been honoured with the Southern Africa Change Catalyst Award (Sacca) for entrepreneurs. Representing northern KwaZulu-Natal, Gumbi's company, which specialises in metal doors and windows, has overcome significant challenges, including late payments, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and rising costs. Despite these obstacles, Matawuzeni BMG has maintained resilience, delivering general construction and fabrication services to its clients. Gumbi described the awards ceremony at Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre as an inspiring event that provided valuable insights and set a motivating tone for the day. Gumbi highlighted that the day's pinnacle was the awards ceremony, where he was honoured with the SDG9 award for his...
Editor's Pick: From space to transportation, aluminium's expanding role in our daily lives
As a writer, the world of aluminium has always intrigued me to ask – 'What's next?' With every passing day, the use or the reach of aluminium goes beyond the realm of imagination. Aluminium's importance is not just limited to the industrial sector but has also reached the unexplored terrains of Mars. Yes, you read it right. As per reports, scientists have devised a novel method to warm Mars by introducing engineered particles composed of iron or aluminium, into its atmosphere as aerosols. Lighter, faster, greener: Aluminium's expanding footprint in transportation Well, this is not just it. The green metal has always been a cornerstone in revolutionising the transportation sector. From the wheels to the body, integrating aluminium components significantly reduces vehicle weight, enhancing...
LME aluminium price descends to US$2367.50/t; SHFE price loses US$17/t
On Wednesday, LME aluminium opened at US$2,412.5 per tonne, reached a high of US$2,418.5 per tonne, a low of US$2,370.5 per tonne, and closed at US$2,399.5 per tonne, down US$16 per tonne, a decrease of 0.66 per cent. On Wednesday, September 4, both LME aluminium cash bid price and LME aluminium official settlement price dropped by US$14.5 per tonne or 0.60 per cent to clock at US$2,367 per tonne and US$2,367.50 per tonne. As per the LME price graph, 3-month bid price and 3-month offer price descended by US$18.5 per tonne or 0.76 per cent and US$17 per tonne or 0.70 per cent to halt at US$2,386 per tonne and US$2,388 per tonne. On the same day, December 25 bid price and December 25 offer price contracted by US$29 per tonne or 1.14 per cent to peg at US$2,498 per tonne and US$2,503 per...
Canadian Solar and SOLARCYCLE forge cradle-to-cradle solar module recycling partnership in the US
Canadian Solar Inc. has formed a cradle-to-cradle strategic partnership with SOLARCYCLE, a leading U.S. solar recycling company, to deliver comprehensive recycling services to its customers in the United States. This partnership enables Canadian Solar to become one of the first crystalline silicon solar module manufacturers to provide comprehensive recycling services to its U.S. customers. "By including upfront recycling services as an add-on to the price of a solar module, Canadian Solar is helping to move the entire industry forward to ensure that we are truly sustainable, from cradle-to-cradle. We will look back on their leadership in this moment as one of the key strategies the solar industry used to embed our core values into our core operations," said Suvi Sharma, CEO and Co-Founder...
Q2 2024: UK's aluminium packaging recycling rate continues upward trend with 3% growth
The UK's aluminium packaging recycling rate has once again shown significant gains in the second quarter (Q2) of 2024. As per the NPWD data, UK witnessed a 3 per cent increase in recycling volumes compared to the same period last year. Data from NPWD As per the data published by the National Packaging Waste Database (NPWD), a total of 45,246 tonnes of aluminium packaging were collected for recycling during Q2 2024. This includes 29,831 tonnes from kerbside, bring, and on-the-go systems, reflecting a 4 per cent year-on-year rise. Additionally, 13,156 tonnes were recovered from incinerator bottom ash. So far this year, 84,222 tonnes of aluminium packaging have been collected, reaching 59 per cent of the annual target of 140,431 tonnes. The market is not only ahead of schedule but also on...
LME aluminium benchmark price falls by US$8.5/t; SHFE price adds US$2/t
On Tuesday, LME aluminium opened at US$2,424 per tonne, with a high of US$2,428.5 per tonne, a low of US$2,394 per tonne, and closed at US$2,415.5 per tonne, down US$8.5 per tonne, a decrease of 0.35 per cent. As per the LME aluminium graph, on Tuesday, September 3, both the cash bid price and official settlement price dipped by US$8.5 per tonne or 0.35 per cent to stand at US$2,381.50 per tonne and US$2,382 per tonne. On the same day, both 3-month bid price and 3-month offer price lost US$10.5 per tonne or 0.43 per cent to dock at US$2,404.50 per tonne and US$2,405 per tonne. December 25 bid price and December 25 offer price descended by US$11 per tonne and US$16 per tonne to clock at US$2,527 per tonne and US$2,532 per tonne. LME aluminium opening stock came in at 843925 tonnes. Live...
World’s biggest aluminium shipbuilder, Austal, leads the green revolution with Capral’s LocAl®
Australian shipbuilder Austal has announced its commitment to using LocAl® low-carbon aluminium from Capral to enhance sustainable manufacturing and responsible procurement practices. Capral & Austal Austal, renowned for its advanced defence and commercial vessel platforms, offers various products, including passenger ferries, patrol boats, high-speed support vessels, surface combatants, and innovative multi-role vessels. Capral, a long-time supplier to Austal, provides proprietary aluminium extrusions and rolled products essential for their varied manufacturing requirements. By integrating sustainability into its operations, business planning, and investment decisions, Austal is making significant progress in aligning its strategies with the expectations and needs of stakeholders,...
