AlCircle News Edited By "Staff Editor"
Samta Metals invests $70M in Morocco’s green aluminium & copper recycling facility
Samta Metals & Alloys, a subsidiary of India's Samta Group, is constructing an aluminium and copper recycling facility in the Atlantic Free Zone in Kenitra, Morocco. Image source: Flickr The company is investing USD 70 million in the development of the project within Morocco’s Atlantic Free Zone in Kenitra. Spanning 36,600 square meters, the eco-friendly plant is slated to commence operations by 2026, utilising renewable energy to produce its line of sustainable metal products. Also read: https://www.alcircle.com/news/new-50-million-recycling-facility-in-maryland-promises-to-boost-regional-sustainability-113906 Designed to align with Morocco’s circular economy objectives, the facility will have an annual processing capacity of 35,000 tonnes, targeting the recovery of approximately 19,200...
“Deploying processing facilities near cast houses minimises the carbon footprint by reducing the need for transportation and reheating of dross,” Frank Pollmann, TAHA International
Frank Pollmann, Founder, Taha International, is a German entrepreneur whose business roots are more than 30 years deep in the Gulf region. He founded TAHA International Corporation and led its transformation from a small trading company in Bahrain to a leading-edge provider of award-winning proprietary dross management services to cast house operators worldwide. Through this descriptive interview for AL Circle's 'Aluminium Industry: Focus Europe' e-magazine, Pollmann reflects on the challenges that the business has overcome as well as industry collaborations that have steered the business’ overall growth. AL Circle: From your perspective, what are the most significant challenges the European aluminium industry faces today regarding waste management, and how can TAHA contribute to...
“The aluminium industry operates in a high-risk environment where safety, productivity, and sustainability are critical. TRAKR leverages the power of IIoT and AI to address these challenges comprehensively,” Vikram Rastogi, Hacklab CEO
Vikram Rastogi has emphasised how TRAKR, a brand of HACKLAB Solutions, is transforming the aluminium industry by addressing its key challenges like safety, productivity, and sustainability, through Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). He also highlighted that data is the driving force behind TRAKR’s transformative impact on the aluminium industry. According to him, TRAKR harnesses data from cameras, sensors, and IoT devices, turning it into real-time, actionable insights that empower manufacturers to make smarter, faster decisions on the shop floor. He shared his views through an interview for AL Circle’s, ‘Digital Transformation in the Aluminium Industry,’ e-Magazine. Here is an excerpt of his interview with us. How does TRAKR's integration of IIoT and...
“In Europe, a key trend for rolling mills is portfolio diversification,” Rene Liedtke, Quaker Houghton
Rene Liedtke, Segment Leader Non-Ferrous Europe at Quaker Houghton, has a PhD in organic chemistry with a background in synthesis and instrumental analysis. He is also a subject matter expert for lubrication of aluminium processing with broad experience in project management from R&D and production. He shares his views through an interview for AL Circle ‘ Aluminium Industry: Focus Europe ’ e-magazine on the European aluminium market and how team Quaker Houghton is supporting the unique demands of the aluminium rolling industry. AL Circle: How do you see the outlook for the aluminium industry in Europe? René Liedtke: The outlook for the aluminium industry in Europe is very positive. It’s an unprecedented time of investment, fuelled primarily by the global macrotrend of sustainability....
“Overcoming a very challenging initial phase, solid pillars and core values were naturally built within the company that combined a desire for survival with a constant drive for improvement, innovation and competitiveness to,” Sergio Martínez, CEO, ALEASTUR Group
Sergio Martínez reflected on the company’s origins and evolution, highlighting how it started in 1974 with a modest facility producing refractories and auxiliary materials for the Spanish steel industry. He also elaborated on how the company’s early struggles laid the foundation for its enduring values and strengths. He explained that facing and overcoming significant initial challenges naturally instilled within the organisation a set of solid core values—chief among them a strong will to survive, paired with a relentless drive for improvement, innovation, and competitiveness. These traits became essential as the company moved into an increasingly open and globalised marketplace. Here is an excerpt of his interview with us. AL Circle: Aleastur Group has been producing grain refiners and...
A flag you can sip from: PATH’s MUSA bottle is redefining summer sustainability
PATH’s latest drop, the MUSA Bottle, isn’t just a tribute to American pride; it’s a limited-edition aluminium marvel that ticks every box for the eco-conscious patriot. Produced, filled, and shipped entirely within the United States, the bottle doesn’t just hydrate; it helps support domestic manufacturing jobs and cuts down on the carbon costs of international shipping. KLYR Rum, a Pennsylvania-based distillery, has unveiled a limited-edition bottle that transforms into an American flag, a bold statement of patriotism and innovation in the spirits industry. This release aligns with a growing trend of brands embracing patriotic packaging to resonate with consumers’ national pride. Distilled 12 times and filtered 18 times, KLYR Rum offers a clean, gluten-free spirit with zero sugar and...
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“Predictions are always difficult, and in the case of Mr. Trump, it is perhaps even more difficult,” Klaus Schmitz, Otto Junker
In this exclusive AL Circle interview for the ‘ Aluminium Industry: Focus Europe ’ e-magazine, Klaus Schmitz, Vice President Sales – Thermoprocessing Plants for Aluminium and Copper at Otto Junker, reflects on Europe’s aluminium evolution—where green imperatives meet geopolitical uncertainty. From electrification and recycling innovation to client-specific furnace engineering, Schmitz delves into the technologies, challenges, and policy shifts reshaping the continent’s aluminium future. AL Circle: Energy consumption is a critical concern in the aluminium industry. How is Otto Junker addressing the challenges of energy efficiency and sustainability in its product offerings, and what specific solutions have proven most effective in reducing the environmental footprint? Mr Klaus Schmitz,...
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“The UK aluminium industry is a vital component of the national economy,” Nadine Bloxsome, ALFED
At the helm of the Aluminium Federation (ALFED), Nadine Bloxsome offers a candid snapshot through an insightful interview for AL Circle’s 'Aluminium Industry: Focus Europe' e-magazine of the UK and European aluminium sectors, touching on demand dynamics, trade headwinds, and the critical push toward circularity. In this exclusive, she unpacks the challenges, opportunities, and ALFED’s vision for a resilient, low-carbon aluminium future. Here’s a sneak peek into the persona’s insights and beyond into his firm belief in the industry’s future. AL Circle: How would you describe the current state of the European and UK aluminium industries in terms of demand, production capacity, and market stability? Are there any significant shifts in the market that you foresee in the near future? Nadine...
Primero fortifies key role in South32’s Worsley alumina environmental upgrade
Primero Group, a leading engineering and construction company, has been awarded the tank design, fabrication, testing, and delivery package for South32’s Biological Oxalate Destruction (BOD) Project at the Worsley Alumina Refinery near Collie in Western Australia. Image for representation purposes only The BOD Project aims to implement a new process for managing sodium oxalate, a byproduct of alumina refining. This initiative utilises technology similar to that employed at Alcoa’s Pinjarra and Wagerup refineries, promising environmental benefits for ongoing operations at Worsley. Primero will collaborate with its sister company, RCR, based in Bunbury, to execute the project, thereby supporting local employment in the South-West region. The partnership underscores a commitment to regional...
Group Nirmal commits INR 1 billion to boost steel and aluminium production
On May 23, 2025, Group Nirmal announced a major capital expenditure to expand its output. The company will invest INR 1 billion (about USD 12 million) this fiscal year to boost steel wire and aluminium production. According to the company-issued release, steel wire capacity will increase by 7,000 tonnes per month and aluminium capacity by 5,000 tonnes per month. The bulk of the investment will equip the Khurda (Odisha) plant, with the remainder directed to the Deulti (West Bengal) facility. Image source: https://www.groupnirmal.com/ Company director Varun Saraf explained that the project is on a fast track, “Given our ongoing production cycle and short lead times, we aim to complete this expansion within the current calendar year to meet growing demand efficiently,” he said. Group Nirmal...
"The need to reduce carbon emissions in the atmosphere and use recyclable materials will increasingly push the use of aluminium in many industrial sectors," Antonio Perego, Sales Manager Aluminium Division at FIMI Machinery
Antonio Perego, Sales Manager Aluminium Division at FIMI Machinery, has shared with AL Circle the aluminium market is growing, and will continue to grow in countries like Turkey, India, Mexico. According to him, the main sectors to drive the aluminium market will be food and all industries related to the world of transport, such as batteries, ships, car bodies, etc. He says the need to reduce carbon emissions in the atmosphere and use recyclable materials will increasingly push the use of aluminium in many industrial sectors due to its high mechanical properties and low weight. AL Circle: How would you describe the current state of the European aluminium market? What are the biggest challenges and opportunities you foresee in the coming years? Antonio Perego: As a machine manufacturer, we...
Funds pivot from copper to aluminium amid market volatility
Image for representational purposes only The global commodities landscape is witnessing a significant shift as investment funds retreat from copper, citing heightened volatility and policy uncertainties, and increasingly turn their attention to aluminium. The US government's initiation of a Section 232 investigation into copper imports has introduced considerable turbulence into the copper market. This probe has led to pronounced price fluctuations and a notable decline in market participation. Specifically, fund positioning on the CME copper contract has decreased from 134,000 to 82,000 contracts, with both long and short positions being reduced. This instability has diminished copper's traditional role as a reliable economic indicator, prompting bearish funds to seek alternatives....
"China’s 2025-2027 action plan aims to boost clean energy adoption to over 30 per cent, increase recycled aluminium production beyond 15 million tonnes, and improve energy efficiency across at least 30 per cent of capacity by 2027,” Michelle Leung, Head of Asia Metals & Mining, Sustainability, at Bloomberg
Michelle Leung is the Head of Asia Metals and Mining, Sustainability at Bloomberg Intelligence, where she conducts comprehensive research on key metals in Asia, with a particular focus on China and an active speaker at global conferences. Prior to her current role, Michelle served as an ESG Analyst who specialized in climate-related ESG strategies and analysis, as well as ESG integration research and data, including ESG Scores. she took the lead in the ESG committee at Women in Finance Asia. Before working for Bloomberg, Michelle worked for various international and Chinese Investment banks. Her areas of expertise extend across sectors such as metals and mining and utilities in Asia. Notably, she has been recognized as one of the top-ranked analysts for institutional investor and...
"Our platform now helps businesses digitise their supply chains, streamline procurement, and access finance more easily. In FY24, Bizongo saw..," Prahlad Krishnamurthi, CEO of Bizongo
In a conversation with Prahlad Krishnamurthi, a dynamic business leader with over 19 years of hands-on experience in corporate transformation and high-impact coaching. Currently, as the CEO of Bizongo, Prahlad is at the forefront of reinventing B2B commerce, leveraging digital platforms and data-driven raw-material sourcing to streamline supply chains and empower industrial buyers and suppliers alike. Here is an excerpt of his interview with us. AL Circle: Can you walk us through Bizongo’s journey from its inception in 2014 to its expansion into the B2B vendor digitisation space? What challenges has the company faced along the way, and how have those experiences shaped its evolution? How has Bizongo’s vision transformed as it continues to revolutionise vendor digitisation? Prahlad...
Octopus Energy acquires MN Projekt, accelerating Germany’s shift towards a greener future
Octopus Energy Generation, the renewables arm of Octopus Energy Group, is charging ahead in Germany's clean energy transformation with a bold new move — the acquisition of MN Projekt GmbH, a top-tier green energy developer based in Hamburg. With a powerful 2-gigawatt pipeline in the works, MN Projekt is driving over 70 renewable energy projects across the country. The portfolio spans cutting-edge solar farms and advanced battery storage systems, with the first projects already shovel-ready and many more set to break ground soon. This acquisition marks a major step in accelerating Germany's shift to a greener, more resilient energy future. "Solar is now the fastest-growing sector in Germany's renewables mix. And with Germany racing towards 80 per cent renewable electricity by 2030,...
Aluminium & base metals risk management: Learn from the expert, Jorge Eduardo Dyszel
AL Circle presents an online course, " Aluminium and Other Base Metals: Understanding Risk Management and Hedging " . This exclusive course will be led by one of the world's leading risk management consultants for base metals, Jorge Eduardo Dyszel. Designed for beginners, the course offers in-depth insights into effective trading strategies and hedging techniques for the base metals market. So if you are aspiring to be a trader and learn from the best, it’s the right start for you. What's the webinar about? This is a month-long beginner-level course which has been exclusively designed by Jorge Eduardo Dyszel, known for his years of experience as a risk management consultant for base metals. The webinar will address the unique dynamics of the London Metal Exchange (LME) as well as the...
Re:Water rolls out its hospitality mat with 330ml recycled aluminium bottle
Re:Water, the British spring water brand known for its 100 per cent recycled aluminium bottles, has expanded its product line with a new 330ml bottle. This addition caters to the hospitality industry's growing need for sustainable, premium alternatives to single-use plastics. The new 330ml bottle, available in both still and sparkling variants, complements Re:Water's existing 500ml offering. A larger 750ml bottle is also slated for release later this year. Designed for reuse and full recyclability, the sleek aluminium bottle aligns with eco-conscious initiatives across various sectors. A survey involving over 2,000 UK adults and 1,300 professionals in the hotel and travel sectors revealed that 78 per cent of consumers prefer aluminium packaging over single-use plastic or glass....
Sidel launches EvoFILL Can Compact to enhance beverage canning efficiency
Sidel has introduced the EvoFILL Can Compact, a high-performance, space-efficient filling solution tailored for premium beverage producers operating at low to medium speeds, up to 40,000 cans per hour. This innovation caters to the increasing demand for flexibility and efficiency in the beer and carbonated soft drink sectors, particularly within the low-to-medium speed production market. Image source: Sidel The EvoFILL Can Compact is designed to handle a wide range of beverages, including carbonated soft drinks and hot-fill products while maintaining high precision and minimal product loss. Its compact 'plug and play' design integrates the seamer and process unit into a single block, reducing the machine's footprint and optimising the total cost of ownership (TCO). The system achieves a...
