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.
Alcoa secures ASI V3 recertification, highlighting its commitment towards sustainability
Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) announced that Alcoa was recently recertified with the ASI Performance Standard V3. The recertification was provided for Alcoa’s Aluminerie de Bécancour Inc. and Aluminerie de Deschambault facilities in Canada, encompassing Aluminium Smelting, Casthouse, and associated administrative operations. Since June 1, 2023, all recertifications must adhere to the updated 2022 Standards. With this recertification, Alcoa has effectively transitioned to the 2022 ASI Performance Standard. Launched in May 2022, the ASI Performance Standard V3 and Chain of Custody Standard V2 establish a higher benchmark for responsible production, sourcing, and stewardship within the aluminium value chain. The ASI Performance Standard V3 outlines 11 principles and 62 criteria...
Northwest Aluminum reports strong H1 performance with Y-o-Y growth of 68.37% in profit
During the first half of the year, Northwest Aluminum experienced a significant 68.37 per cent increase in profit compared to the previous year. The company also optimised its operating cash flow by 63.19 per cent and reduced its asset-liability ratio by 6.88 per cent. Product sales saw an uptick of 7.67 per cent, and the cost-to-expense ratio improved by 0.05 per cent, reflecting substantial cost reduction and efficiency enhancement. Electricity consumption was reduced, resulting in a cost savings of 1.25 million yuan. The scrap rate decreased by 0.56 per cent Y-o-Y, contributing an additional RMB 530,000 in revenue. In collaboration with the Technology Management Department, the Extrusion Manufacturing Department undertook the "Online Quenching of 6-series Aluminum Alloy Extrusion...
Constantia Flexibles to unveil innovative print solutions for aluminium at FACHPACK 2024
At FACHPACK 2024, Constantia Flexibles will showcase its innovative print service for aluminium and PET die-cut dairy lids, marking a first in the industry. Additionally, they will present various sustainable packaging solutions, including a paper twist-wrap and a compostable coffee capsule lid. Constantia Flexibles asserts it is the only flexible packaging company capable of digitally printing full-surface, water-based designs on aluminium without affecting its sealing properties. While the current technology supports printing on aluminium and PE, plans are underway to expand this capability to all substrates in the future. The company claims that over 90 per cent of its portfolio offers recyclable alternatives and will present its '360-degree materials approach' at the trade fair,...
SMM A00 aluminium ingot price closes the week with a surge of RMB230/t; Low carbon aluminium price gains RMB232/t
On Friday, August 9, China’s A00 aluminium ingot price surged by RMB 230 per tonne to settle at RMB 19,010 per tonne. The average price ranged between RMB 18,990 per tonne and RMB 19,030 per tonne. The spot contract price may be traded at a discount of RMB 70 to RMB 30 per tonne. As per the SMM data, the domestic aluminium ingot prices have hiked in all the provinces, with the highest being in Gongyi, Foshan, Wuxi, and Hangzhou. The prices in the region mentioned have surged by RMB 230 per tonne to reside at RMB 18,930 per tonne, RMB 18970 per tonne and RMB 19,010 per tonne. In the other areas like Linyi, Shenyang and Tianjin the A00 aluminium ingot price have expanded by RMB 200 per tonne and RMB 180 per tonne to come in at RMB 19,010 per tonne, RMB 18,960 per tonne and RMB 18,990 per...
LME aluminium benchmark price moves up by US$2/t; SHFE price adds US$3/t
The previous trading day, LME aluminium opened at US$2,272 per tonne, hit a high of US$2,285 per tonne and a low of US$2,256 per tonne, and closed at US$2,284 per tonne, up US$11 per tonne, or 0.48 per cent. On Thursday, August 8, both LME aluminium cash bid price and LME aluminium official settlement price moved up by US$2 per tonne or 0.90 per cent to settle at US$2,204 per tonne and US$2,204.50 per tonne. As per the LME price graph, both 3-month bid price and 3-month offer price went down by US$4per tonne or 0.17 per cent and US$3 per tonne or 0.13 per cent to clock at US$2,258 per tonne and US$2,260 per tonne. December 25 bid price and December 25 offer price dipped by US$5 per tonne or 0.20 per cent to dock at US$2,413 per tonne and US$2,418 per tonne. LME aluminium opening stock...
India’s imported aluminium scrap prices fall by upto 1.6% amidst stable LME prices
India has experienced a drop in imported aluminium scrap prices week-on-week, influenced by stable LME prices. This week, prices for all grades have decreased by up to 1.6 per cent, creating market uncertainty and prompting a cautious stance among participants. Three-month LME aluminium prices remained steady within the range of $2,225 to $2,250 per tonne, showing no significant movement week-on-week. LME-registered warehouse stocks are at 922,000 tonnes, with aluminium prices continuing to hover near three-month lows. In Europe, the holiday season has contributed to a bid-offer disparity in the market. According to BigMint's assessment, Tense scrap from the UAE has decreased by $30 per tonne to settle at $1,700 per tonne. Similarly, Zorba 95/5 from the UK saw a reduction of $15 per...
Disrupted global trade routes fuel India’s aluminium alloyed ingots import by 60% in H1 2024
India's imports of alloyed aluminium ingots soared by 60 per cent in the first half of 2024, reaching approximately 112,158 tonnes compared to 70,780 tonnes during the same period in 2023. In the first half of 2024, alloyed ingots constituted a significant portion of the country's aluminium semi-finished imports, accounting for 62 per cent of the total 196,482 tonnes. Reasons for the surge The Red Sea crisis, which began in October 2023 and escalated over time, led to a shipping crisis that severely disrupted global trade and supply chains. This situation particularly affected routes through the Suez Canal, a vital passageway that handles roughly 30 per cent of the global container trade. Consequently, trade volumes decreased significantly in early 2024. Ships were forced to reroute...
Alcoa invests R$9 million to upgrade Poços de Caldas plant with new compressors
Alcoa has announced plans to modernise its Poços de Caldas (MG) plant from August to December this year, focusing on enhancing operational excellence and energy efficiency. The investment will involve replacing two ageing Ingersoll-Rand compressors, which have been used since 1975, with five new, state-of-the-art Gardner models. This upgrade will bring numerous benefits, including a daily reduction of 8,360 kWh in electricity consumption. It will also improve air quality by reducing humidity, extending equipment lifespan, and decreasing noise levels through cabin-mounted devices. Additionally, the project is expected to save approximately 240 m³ of water per day, cut R$25,000 annually in chemical product consumption, and lower health risks. “The implementation of this project is an...
New agreement highlights Yunnan Aluminum's commitment to green technology & sustainability
On July 24th, Yunnan Aluminum signed upstream and downstream cooperation agreements for four industrial chains in Kunming. This development significantly accelerated the company's efforts to strengthen its industrial chain. About the agreement Yunnan Aluminum and its subsidiaries signed cooperation agreements with Sichuan Furong Technology Co., Ltd., Shanghai Huafeng Aluminum Co., Ltd., and Yunnan Jiantao New Materials Co., Ltd. The agreements, facilitated by the green energy and industrial chain extension platform established by the Yunnan Energy Bureau, include projects such as a 3C electronic high-end green aluminium alloy initiative, a green aluminium heat transmission material project for new energy vehicles, and a green low-carbon aluminium-based material industry project. The...
First in Asia: Marubeni completes sales of Rio Tinto’s RenewAl™ to Fujisash Group
Marubeni has finalised the sale of Rio Tinto's low-carbon aluminium billets to Fuji Light Metal and FUJISASH Co., Ltd. (collectively known as the "Fujisash Group") as part of a strategic collaboration with the global mining group Rio Tinto. This marks the first sale of RenewAl™ low-carbon aluminium billets in Asia, enhancing environmental values and contributing to sustainable supply chains. Marubeni is committed to contributing to a sustainable future by supplying responsible aluminium to diverse clients and supporting the decarbonisation of the entire supply chain. The Fujisash Group is dedicated to reducing carbon emissions throughout its supply chain and manufacturing processes. About the collaboration This collaboration builds on Marubeni's strong, long-standing business relationship...
LME aluminium benchmark price dwindles by US$47.5/t; SHFE price nosedives by US$57/t
The previous trading day, LME aluminium opened at US$2,261 per tonne, reached a high of US$2,283 per tonne, a low of US$2,227 per tonne, and closed at US$2,262 per tonne, down US$1 per tonne, a decrease of 0.04 per cent. On Monday, August 5, both LME aluminium cash bid price and LME aluminium official settlement price nosedived by US$47.5 per tonne or 2.14 per cent to clock at US$2,166.50 per tonne and US$2,167 per tonne. 3-month bid price and 3-month offer price declined by US$46 per tonne or 2.02 per cent to dock at US$2,226 per tonne and US$2,226.50 per tonne. December 25 bid price and December 25 offer price dwindled by US$50 per tonne or 2.05 per cent and 2.04 per cent to stand at US$2,385 per tonne and US$2,390 per tonne. LME aluminium's opening stock was 921625 tonnes. Live...
Hyke chooses 100% PCR aluminium for its packaging: Launches new bottle designed with Vetroplas
Aluminium's versatility and protective characteristics have cemented its status as a top choice for packaging. Its role in the push toward sustainability, supported by its infinite recyclability without losing quality, makes aluminium an essential alternative. Hyke has recently enhanced its packaging by introducing a new aluminium bottle for its gin. This innovation is collaboration with Vetroplas Packaging and Neville & More, utilising Envases products distributed in the UK by Vetroplas. The 70cl aluminium bottles are crafted entirely from 100 per cent post-consumer recycled (PCR) aluminium, a choice that conserves natural resources and reduces the carbon emissions typically associated with the production of new aluminium. By using recycled aluminium, Hyke achieves a significant 40 per...
Ciltech and Capral come together to manufacture sustainable jetty systems featuring LocAl
Ciltech, a West Australian jetty and pontoon manufacturing specialist is committed to making all of its jetty systems fully recyclable. For this, the company has partnered with Capral, known for its sustainable production practices. Ciltech excels in providing products and services to the marine, mining, and construction sectors. "One of the two biggest developments is probably putting more emphasis on sustainability and reducing carbon on the aluminium aspect and the HTPE side. Just using something like Carpal's Lower-Carbon Aluminium (LocAl), we can reduce carbon emissions up to 76 per cent in our framework, that's a lot of reduction of CO2. We're also exploring the use of more environmentally friendly materials to replace polystyrene and foams, prompted by events like the Queensland...
From bean to cup in seconds: Diamond Brew hits the US market in hexagon-shaped aluminium pod
Chicago-based startup Diamond Brew has made its debut in the US as the nation's first brewless coffee, revolutionising the instant coffee market. This innovative product comes in a unique hexagon-shaped aluminium pod and offers a premium barista experience. Douglas Yu, the visionary founder of Diamond Brew, said, "Brewless coffee is truly a modern evolution of instant coffee that meets the increasing demand for hassle-free, high-quality caffeine and resonates with contemporary consumer lifestyles. I'm excited to introduce Diamond Brew to the US market. With Diamond Brew, coffee lovers can finally enjoy the taste of freshly brewed coffee without the need for brewing equipment or lengthy preparation times." About Diamond Brew Known to fully dissolve in both hot and cold water while offering...
LME aluminium price closes the week with a fall of US$14/t; SHFE price grows to US$2677/t
The previous trading day, LME aluminium opened at US$2,279 per tonne, with a high of US$2,304 per tonne and a low of US$2,257 per tonne, and closed at US$2,263 per tonne, down US$10.5 per tonne, a decrease of 0.46 per cent. On Friday, August 2, both LME aluminium cash bid price and LME aluminium official settlement price dropped by US$14 per tonne or 0.62 per cent to settle at US$2,214 per tonne and US$2,214.50 per tonne. As per the LME price graph, 3-month bid price and 3-month offer price also slipped by US$14 per tonne or 0.61 per cent and US$14.5 per tonne or 0.63 per cent to halt at US$2,272 per tonne and US$2,272.50 per tonne. December 25 bid price and December 25 offer price descended by US$10 per tonne or 0.40 per cent to peg at US$2,435 per tonne and US$2,440 per tonne. LME...
Upstream Weekly Recap: India grab global highlight with 1.2% growth in aluminium production; Vedanta’s demerger plan receives greenlight
This week, notable developments have surfaced in the upstream aluminium sector, covering bauxite, alumina, and primary aluminium. To begin with, India has secured a significant global position as the second-largest aluminium producer. The rise in aluminium production indicates robust economic activity across industrial sectors like energy, infrastructure, building and construction, automotive, and machinery. On July 31, 2024, Vedanta Ltd. announced that it had obtained clearance from the BSE and NSE for its proposed demerger. This approval is a pivotal step in Vedanta's strategy to split into six independent, publicly listed entities, including those in the aluminium, oil, and gas sectors. Apart from this, following a month of unabated decline, the LME aluminium benchmark price witnessed...
Baotou Aluminum secures its first international foreign invention patent in Nigeria
Baotou Aluminum has recently secured an international invention patent for an "aluminium electrolytic process adjustment method" and has obtained an invention patent authorisation certificate in Nigeria, marking the company's first foreign invention patent authorisation. This patented method involves predicting the operational trends of the electrolytic cell by analysing voltage deviation and voltage noise deviation values. By doing so, it allows for the implementation of control measures to adjust the electrolytic cell pre-emptively, thereby preventing significant fluctuations. The method focuses on controlling the working voltage, aluminium fluoride feeding conditions, and aluminium output tasks. This approach enhances the electrolytic cell's operational efficiency while ensuring swift...
Brazilian startup leads the way in green packaging with aluminium canned mineral water
The mineral water market is experiencing a significant transformation as aluminium cans, once in a supporting role, are now challenging the dominance of traditional plastic bottles. Recognising this shift, the startup Dane-se has capitalised on the rising popularity of aluminium cans to capture consumer interest. Founded in 2023 by CEO Gregório Machado, Dane-se identified an opportunity to innovate within the mineral water industry by creating a fun and engaging brand. The startup's mission is to change the habit of consuming water from plastic bottles by offering a 100 per cent recyclable alternative, thereby reducing the environmental impact of plastic waste on the planet. "Aluminum cans are already the biggest differentiator in the mineral water market, where plastic bottles still...
