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, seawater and caffeine ideal for producing hydrogen fuel: MIT engineers
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) engineers have come up with an interesting discovery focussing on aluminium, soda cans and caffeine. The team led by Douglas Hart, is developing efficient and sustainable methods to produce hydrogen gas, considered a "green" energy source for powering engines and fuel cells without emitting climate-warming gases. They have discovered that exposing pure aluminium from soda cans to seawater results in a reaction that produces hydrogen gas, which can be used to power engines or fuel cells without emitting carbon. This reaction can be accelerated with the addition of caffeine. “We’re showing a new way to produce hydrogen fuel, without carrying hydrogen but carrying aluminium as the ‘fuel. The next part is to figure out how to use this for trucks,...
Beiersdorf & Novelis lead sustainability goals with 80% recycled aluminium packaging for Nivea Crème
Nivea, the brand synonymous with the colour blue, is internally transforming itself into a green company by increasing the use of recyclable aluminium as a raw material for its packaging solutions. According to the latest reports, Beiersdorf, a German multinational company, has committed to making its global skincare products more sustainable. With this, Beiersdorf, in collaboration with Novelis, has now incorporated at least 80 percent recycled aluminium into its Nivea Creme tin, a change anticipated to reduce the company's carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions by approximately 8,000 tonnes between now and 2025. In 2022, the beloved Nivea Soft was reformulated to be vegan, resulting in a notable reduction of around 40 percent in CO2e emissions from the formula. As per AL Circle’s...
Shandong Institutes validates Baotou Aluminum's thermal coal testing capability for the third time in a row
Baotou Aluminum has achieved a significant milestone by successfully passing the national thermal coal testing capability verification for the third consecutive year. The Shandong Institute of Metallurgical Science Co., Ltd conducted this verification, which was authorised by the China National Accreditation Service for Conformity Assessment (CNAS). Following a thorough on-site inspection and data audit, experts have affirmed that the Baotou Aluminum Center laboratory's testing capabilities and technical proficiency are exceptional. As a result, the laboratory has been officially certified. Moving forward, the central laboratory will further enhance its inspection and testing capabilities to bolster its technical support for the green, low-carbon, and high-quality development of service...
China-based Guochao Aluminum delivers robust H1 results, surpassing Q2 targets by 2.47%
China-based Guochao Aluminum recorded a total industrial output value of RMB 820 million during the first half of 2024 (H1). In the second quarter (Q2) alone, the company produced over 12,000 tonnes of aluminium, generating an output value of RMB 615 million and surpassing the quarterly target by 2.47 per cent. The primary economic indicators demonstrated both "stable growth" and "exceeding the halfway mark." The impressive results of the second quarter are a testament to the dedication and persistent efforts of all departments at Guochao Aluminum. The General Dispatching Room effectively coordinated resources to ensure the successful achievement of quarterly targets. Meanwhile, the production department adopted a problem-solving approach, continuously optimised the product structure, and...
Aluminium Doctor sets new industry standards in Durban North with SABS ISO 9001 certification
Aluminium Doctor, a Durban North-based company known for its aluminium and glass manufacturing and installation industry, recently achieved the SABS ISO 9001 certification. This certification distinguishes Aluminium Doctor from its competitors and validates its vision of delivering cutting-edge operations. Durban North is an area to the north of Durban in the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. "Achieving our ISO certification was no walk in the park, the entire process took a year and meant re-engineering many different aspects of our business. The result is a business well prepared to deliver consistently high-quality products and services based on tried and tested systems. We feel that our ISO accreditation validates our commitment to cutting edge...
Quantum Fishing's budget-friendly saltwater solution features high-strength aluminium frames
Quantum Fishing has introduced its new line of budget-friendly saltwater fishing reels, the Strive Spinning Reels, at ICAST 2024. The Strive series will be available in six sizes (2500 to 8000), each featuring high-strength aluminium frames. These durable aluminium frames ensure the internal gearing remains perfectly aligned throughout the reel's lifespan. Additionally, the Strive reels incorporate Quantum's SEALOQ technology, with both the body and spool fully sealed to IPX6 standards, preventing water, salt, and grit intrusion. The reel handle is equipped with an oversized power knob, enhanced with rubber over-moulding for a secure grip even when wet. Features of the aluminium-framed fishing reels SEALOQ™ 6 Protection: Fully seals the body and spool (rated to IPX6), actively shielding...
LME aluminium price plunges by US$47.5/t, losing 4.98% W-o-W; SHFE price edges up by US$20/t
The previous trading day, LME aluminium opened at US$2,298 per tonne, hit a high of US$2,303 per tonne and a low of US$2,266 per tonne, and closed at US$2,277.5 per tonne, down US$17.5 per tonne, a decrease of 0.76 per cent. Aluminium prices have been significantly down since the beginning of July. After witnessing bearish growth for the past two days, on Thursday, both LME aluminium cash bid price and LME aluminium official settlement price dwindled by US$47 per tonne, or 2.07 per cent, and US$47.5 per tonne, or 2.09 per cent, to settle at US$2,218 per tonne and US$2,218.50 per tonne, respectively. W-o-W, the benchmark price also fell US$116.5 per tonne, or 4.98 per cent, from US$2,335 per tonne. The 3-month bid price and 3-month offer price also declined by US$37 per tonne, or 1.60 per...
Co-op launches 94-store trials of new BWS chillers in recyclable aluminium cans
Co-op has initiated a 94-store trial featuring new BWS chillers for single-serve cans. The entire range, available in single-serve recyclable aluminium cans and displayed in new BWS chiller sections, includes pre-mixed cocktails, craft beers, ciders, wines, and ready-to-drink spirit mixers, providing Co-op members and customers with a wide variety of choices. As per AL Circle's "Global Aluminium Industry Outlook 2024" report, the demand for recycled aluminium has grown steadily during the last decade. While the overall production for aluminium is likely to improve by about 2.3% in 2024, the demand for recycled aluminium is forecasted to grow at about 4.2 per cent. About the trial This trial includes ready-to-drink beverages, craft beers, ciders, wine, and cocktails, catering to the...
Constellium’s Muscle Shoals facility to boost its annual casting capacity with DoD’s $23 million investment
Constellium announced that the U.S. Department of Defence (DoD) has selected its Muscle Shoals, Alabama facility for a $23 million investment under Title III of the Defence Production Act. This funding, awarded through the Defence Production Act Investments (DPAI) Program, will be overseen by the Manufacturing Capability Expansion and Investment Program (MCEIP) within the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defence for Industrial Base Policy. About the investment The investment will support the installation of cutting-edge casting equipment at the site of a previously dismantled Direct Chill aluminium casting centre. This upgrade is expected to boost the plant's annual casting capacity by 300 million pounds. With this increased capacity, Constellium aims to enhance its use of recycled...
Intalco Aluminum commits $5.25 million to enhance environmental safety & compliance at Ferndale
Intalco Aluminum LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Alcoa Corporation, the operator of the closed aluminium smelter in Ferndale, has agreed to a $5.25 million settlement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This settlement addresses violations of the Clean Air Act identified during a 2019 EPA inspection. Operations at the site began in 1966, and in 1984, the smelter shipped a record 286,000 tonnes of aluminium, a strong, durable, and lightweight metal essential for manufacturing aircraft and consumer goods such as refrigerators, air conditioners, and cooking utensils. According to Mark Personius, the director of Whatcom County Planning and Development, Intalco has submitted an application for a permit to demolish its former smelter site at Intalco Works. Personius informed...
LME aluminium price moves up by US$5/t, but loses 4.18% W-o-W; SHFE price contracts by US$15/t
The previous trading day, LME aluminium opened at $2,319 per tonne, hit a high of $2,327 per tonne and a low of $2,293 per tonne, and closed at $2,298.5 per tonne, down $16 per tonne, a decrease of 0.69 per cent. After witnessing a fall for the past few days, the LME aluminium cash bid price and LME aluminium official settlement price moved up by US$4.5 per tonne or 0.19 per cent and US$5 per tonne or 0.22 per cent. The prices as of Tuesday, July 23 settled at US$2,263 per tonne and US$2,264 per tonne. W-o-W the LME aluminium benchmark price had declined by US$99 per tonne or 4.18 per cent from US$2,363 per tonne. As per the LME price graph, both 3-month bid price and 3-month offer price inched down by US$1 per tonne or 0.04 per cent and US$0.5 per tonne or 0.02 per cent to settle at...
Bunting-Redditch metal separators at MRF successfully recover aluminium and steel
The Neath Port Talbot materials recycling facility (MRF) in South Wales, UK, was designed and installed by Ken Mills Engineering (KME). The plant features metal separation equipment designed and built by Bunting-Redditch, including a Permanent Overband Magnet and an Eddy Current Separator. The container recycling MRF in Neath Port Talbot processes dry-mixed recyclables, including aluminium cans, film, and plastic. Its design allows for easy future modifications, enabling the council to incorporate additional separation technologies, such as optical sorting. “The Bunting metal separators are just one stage in a successful recycling process. The ability to successfully recover the steel and aluminium is dependent on the feed. The excellent plant design means that there is liberated feed to...
Yulin New Materials Group reports impressive H1 results with a 22.7% surge in revenue Y-o-Y
Shaanxi Nonferrous Yulin New Materials Group recently reported that their production and operations have been stable and robust this year. From January to June, the company saw a 22.70 per cent increase in operating income and a 17.30 per cent rise in total profit compared to the same period last year. Scientific and technological innovation has emerged as a defining feature of Yulin New Materials Group. The company is making significant strides in the development of cutting-edge, high-performance aluminium-based materials, a testament to its commitment to staying at the forefront of the industry. Notably, their advancements in "aluminium electrolytic anode carbon slag decarbonisation and sodium removal technology for preparing aluminium fluoride and lithium phosphate" have reached an...
CCT’s aluminium lug jar lid a perfect choice for the food packaging industry: New research shows
Consumer Convenience Technologies (CCT), the company behind the aluminium EEASY Lid, the first major innovation in jar lids in nearly 80 years, has announced a new peer-reviewed white paper. This paper examines the removal torque and hermetic seal performance of the EEASY Lid compared to traditional jar lids. The White Paper The white paper, "New Aluminum Lug Closure Reduces Removal Torque while Ensuring Hermetic Seals in Glass Jars," highlights CCT’s EEASY Lid as a significant innovation for the food packaging industry. The study compared the EEASY Lid with traditional steel lug jar lids, the industry standard, assessing both sealing performance and the torque required to remove the lids. Jars filled with tomato sauce and sealed with both types of lids were evaluated. The Cornell...
SMM A00 aluminium ingot price descends by RMB140/t; Low-carbon aluminium price drops to RMB20,117/t
According to the Shanghai Metals Market (SMM), China’s A00 aluminium ingot price has declined by RMB 140 per tonne to settle at RMB 19,290 per tonne as of today. China has been experiencing a continuous fall in domestic aluminium ingot prices since early July, owing to bearish demand among downstream consumers. Today, the average prices are expected to stand between RMB 19,270 per tonne and RMB 19,310 per tonne, with the spot contract price to be traded at a discount price of RMB 80 to RMB 40 per tonne. The A00 aluminium ingot prices have declined in all the provinces, with the highest in Shenyang, which fell by RMB 160 per tonne and settled at RMB 19,240 per tonne. In Gongyi and Foshan, the prices dropped by RMB 150 per tonne and RMB 130 per tonne to settle at RMB 19,190 per tonne. As...
Upcoming iPhone series to feature aluminium alloy frame & much more: Leaks suggest
Apple is a brand that resonates with innovation, sustainability, loyalty and creativity, so it is no wonder customers relate to it intimately. A recent leak has unveiled detailed configurations for Apple's upcoming 2025 iPhone lineup, including the iPhone 17 series and the iPhone SE 4. Constructed with an aluminium alloy frame, the iPhone SE 4 is expected to be priced between $499 (approximately RM2337) and $549 (about RM2572). Reports suggest that the iPhone SE 4 will be released between March and May 2025. It will feature a 6.06-inch LTPS screen with a 60Hz refresh rate and will be powered by Apple's latest A18 processor. The iPhone 17 series has seen significant upgrades. The iPhone 17 will feature a 6.27-inch screen with LTPO technology, an A19 processor, a dual rear camera, and an...
Coca-Cola's new themed aluminium cans capture the essence of unity at Olympic & Paralympic Games
Coca-Cola's new campaign, launched in July, captures the essence of unity and celebration at the Olympic and Paralympic Games with the theme "It's magic when the world comes together." As the world prepares for Paris 2024, the campaign highlights the unifying power of sport to bridge differences and promote cross-cultural connections. Themed aluminium cans Launched shortly after Coca-Cola was honoured as Creative Brand of the Year at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, the campaign features a unique design on aluminium cans. These cans showcase half of a hug, and when two cans are placed side by side, they complete the embrace, a design that truly stands out. "Our differences are what make us unique, but when we come together, that's when the 'Real Magic' happens....
Tadweer Group's 25 new RVMs strengthen Abu Dhabi's aluminium cans recycling efforts
Tadweer Group has rolled out 25 Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) at key locations throughout Abu Dhabi, such as Umm Al Emarat Park and Zayed International Airport, with further installations on the way. This initiative is a collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC), ADNEC Group, the Department of Municipalities and Transport, and Khadamat Facilities Management as part of UAE University. About the partnership This partnership aims to maximise the value of waste by employing advanced solutions like waste masters and anaerobic digesters, along with other innovative technologies. Tadweer Group is showcasing its dedication to research and development by introducing technologies such as Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) to promote a circular economy and support...
