AlCircle News Edited By "Staff Editor"
ReMA tentatively approves updated aluminium scrap grade amid rising recycled metal demand
The board of the Recycled Materials Association (ReMA) has given tentative approval to add a new specification called “ginger” to its ISRI Specifications booklet. The proposed ginger grade refers to wrought aluminium materials such as sheet, extrusion, and plate that are separated from mixed shredded scrap categories like zorba and twitch. These existing grades mainly contain shredded aluminium but allow higher levels of mixed metals and contaminants. Ginger is designed as a more refined and tightly controlled category. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " According to ReMA, the material must be dry and meet strict limits. It should not contain more than 1 per cent free magnesium, 1 per cent free zinc, and...
Dull blades and aluminium foils: What a 0.23 friction coefficient means for cutting performance
Scissors are precise tools. They work through a balance between two blades. If they stop cutting well, the issue is often at a micro-level on the cutting edge. A common online tip suggests cutting through layers of aluminium foil to sharpen dull scissors. While this may feel effective for a short time, it does not actually restore the blade’s sharpness in a scientific sense. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " The real problem hides in small edge flaws or dull spots. Aluminium foil does not solve them. Knowing this aids smart scissors care and timely pro-sharpening for lasting sharpness. Scissors cut by a shearing process. This means the two blades slide against each other and create high pressure at the...
CIE Automotive India approves merger with aluminium casting subsidiary
CIE Automotive India Ltd approved merging its full subsidiary, CIE Aluminium Casting India Ltd. This pulls all aluminium casting under the main company. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " The board cleared the scheme of amalgamation in line with the Companies Act and SEBI regulations. As the subsidiary is fully owned, no new shares will be issued, and its share capital will be cancelled upon completion of the merger. Also read: Gränges AB marches into Q2’26 of the aluminium industry after robust Q1 results The company said the move is expected to improve operational efficiency and reduce structural complexity. It may also help achieve economies of scale and better coordination across operations,...
Century Aluminum restarts Grundartangi potline early, targets near full output by July
Century Aluminum Company has resumed production at the second potline of its Norðurál smelter in Grundartangi, Iceland, several months ahead of schedule. The company confirmed that the first pots in Grundartangi’s second potline have been energised and the remaining units are expected to come online by the end of July to bring the production to near full capacity. The second potline accounts for nearly two-thirds of the plant’s total output. Also Read: Century Aluminum begins expanded production at Mt Holly Smelter The restart followed an unexpected transformer failure that had disrupted operations. Repair work was carried out by technical teams in coordination with equipment designers and manufacturers. Permanent replacement transformers have been ordered and are expected to be installed...
Short-term relief, long-term strain: CCTS impact on cement and aluminium sectors
India’s Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) has now come into force, and for the moment, its impact on cement and aluminium producers looks fairly moderate. Companies in these sectors are not expected to face serious financial strain straight away, although that position is likely to change as the rules become stricter over time. A review by ICRA ESG Ratings, based on 14 firms across both industries, suggests the scheme has been set up to ease businesses into a new regulatory environment rather than imposing high costs from the outset. The intention appears to give companies some breathing space while they begin adjusting to lower-emission operations. At this early stage, most firms should be able to deal with compliance costs without major difficulty. The initial targets leave enough...
New rail line proposed linking Sijimali and Kutrumali bauxite hills in Odisha
The Ministry of Railways has proposed a new rail link in Odisha to connect bauxite-rich areas in Rayagada and Kalahandi, despite ongoing resistance from tribal communities. The proposed broad-gauge line will link Tikiri station to the Kutrumali and Sijimali bauxite mines under the East Coast Railway’s Waltair Division. Mining rights in these areas have been secured by Vedanta and the Adani Group. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " Adani’s subsidiary, Kalinga Alumina Limited, has proposed an open-cast mining project over 701.792 hectares in Kutrumali, covering parts of Thuamul Rampur and Kashipur. The site holds an estimated 127.737 million tonnes of bauxite. A public hearing for environmental clearance is...
ASUS’s new military-grade ExpertBook Ultra highlights a signal focus on reliability
ASUS has launched its new ExpertBook Ultra, prioritising durability in business laptops. This highlights a premium market trend favouring reliability and longevity over just speed and looks. The ExpertBook Ultra meets MIL-STD-810H certification. It has been tested across 24 scenarios in 11 categories, including extreme temperatures, vibrations, and harsh environments. ASUS said the hinges are designed for long-term use, while the outer body can withstand high pressure. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " The device is built using AZ31B magnesium-aluminium alloy, a material used in aerospace and Formula 1 applications. It sports a nano-ceramic surface rated 9H for hardness. These traits boost durability for...
Coca-Cola unveils limited edition mini cans celebrating all 50 states for the US Semiquincentennial
Coca-Cola has launched a nationwide campaign ahead of the 250th anniversary of the United States, introducing a limited-edition series of mini cans. The collection includes 52 designs, representing all 50 states along with Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. Each can features local symbols and cultural elements combined with the brand’s classic design style, printed on aluminium mini cans. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " Some designs highlight widely recognised themes. California shows a surfer, Wisconsin features cheese, North Dakota includes the prairie rose, and Minnesota displays the eight-pointed star from its state flag. The aim is to reflect regional identity through simple visual elements. Also...
Sonoco’s Q1 2026 performance shows $67.6 million in net income
Sonoco Products Company reported its financial results for the first quarter ended March 29, 2026, showing mixed performance amid changing market conditions. The company’s business, including its aluminium and metal packaging segment, continued to face shifting demand and cost pressures. Net sales stood at USD 1.7 billion, slightly down by 1.9 per cent compared to the same period in 2025. The decline was mainly due to the divestment of its ThermoSafe packaging business, along with lower volumes. However, price increases and favourable exchange rates provided some support. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " Net income rose to USD 67.6 million from USD 54.4 million a year earlier. Diluted earnings per share...
Raoom completes $1.39 million acquisition of Alma Glass and Aluminium factory
The Raoom Trading Company successfully purchased the glass and aluminium factory of Alma Glass and Aluminium Manufacturing Co. in April 2026. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " The deal, first announced on November 23, 2025, was valued at SAR 5.2 million (USD 1.39 million), to be paid entirely in cash. The company stated that a cash consideration of SAR 5.2 million will be paid to cover the factory’s assets. The transaction was subject to approval from the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (MODON). Also Read: New developments in Section 232: what it means for metal imports Raoom confirmed that the acquisition was financed through existing bank facilities, ensuring no additional...
Canyon advances Minim Martap bauxite project, targets first shipment in Q3 2026
Canyon Resources Limited has progressed its Minim Martap Project in Cameroon to the execution level. It has confirmation of surface miner mobilisation, with trial mining on schedule for Q2 2026, and production of bauxite expected to occur in early Q2 2026. The first shipment is targeted for late Q3 2026 with a ramp-up to full export capacity in Q4 2026. Progress continues with regard to supporting infrastructure projects such as improvements to roadways, rail networks and terminal facilities. The arrival of the first seven locomotives at the Port of Douala is a significant achievement toward enhancing the integrated logistics chain for this project. In addition, construction has resumed on an Inland Rail Facility, which will allow for improved transportation from mine to port. AL Circle...
GAIL announces 600 MW solar project in Uttar Pradesh
GAIL (India) Limited has entered into agreements to develop a 600 MW solar power project in Uttar Pradesh, the company said on April 15, 2026. The project will come up at a solar park near Jhansi, with TUSCO Limited acting as the developer. The agreements were signed by Parivesh Chugh, executive director (strategic development and renewables) at GAIL, and Anil Tyagi, chief executive officer of TUSCO. The facility will incorporate a 550 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) to support grid stability and manage power supply more efficiently. Electricity generated from the project will largely be used to meet the captive energy needs of GAIL’s petrochemical complex at Pata in Auraiya district. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “ Global ALuminium...
New developments in Section 232: what it means for metal imports
A recent shift in US trade policy has introduced important changes for global metal exporters. On April 2, 2026, a new statement revised the existing Section 232 duties, altering how steel, aluminium, and copper imports are treated. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " Businesses that depend on supplying these materials to the US market face significant consequences of these changes and demand close attention. The table below shows the duties in place following the proclamation: Products Ad valorem duty rates Goods listed in Annex I-A (all aluminium and steel articles, most copper articles, and certain derivative steel articles) 50 per cent Goods listed in Annex 1-B (certain copper articles and certain...
Europe’s aluminium premium stays elevated despite discounted deals
Europe’s aluminium premium has climbed to a near four-year high, but buyers are resisting elevated levels, with at least one deal reportedly struck below the benchmark. Mercuria, a global commodities trader, sold metal at a discount of USD 10 to USD 15 per tonne below Fastmarkets’ assessed premium, reflecting weak buying interest. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " The duty-paid premium for aluminium in Europe rose to around USD 587.50 per tonne in early April amid concerns that escalating tensions in the Middle East could disrupt supply chains. However, deals are increasingly being negotiated below benchmark levels as sellers prioritise liquidity. In Europe, buyers usually pay the LME price plus a...
PPG launches coil-applied PVC-free coating for aluminium pet food cans in the US
PPG Industries has introduced a new interior coating for aluminium pet food cans in the US, marking what it says is the first coil-applied PVC non-intent (PVC-NI) solution of its kind in the market. The product, branded PPG NUTRISHIELD MAX PPG7590, is designed for draw-redraw (DRD) cans and easy-open ends typically used in wet pet food packaging. It comes as a single-component system, which means it doesn’t require mixing or adjustments before use, a shift from more conventional multi-component coatings. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026" That change is expected to simplify production at the plant level. By removing steps like formulation mixing and frequent changeovers, the coating can help reduce downtime...
Balexco moves toward public listing, approves 5% dividend, bonus shares
Bahrain Aluminium Extrusion Company (Balexco) has approved plans to convert into a public shareholding company and list on the Bahrain Bourse, subject to technical, financial and legal feasibility studies, with the board authorised to decide on execution and timing. The decision was taken at its Annual and Extraordinary General Meetings in Sitra, where shareholders also approved a 5 per cent capital increase through the issuance of 4.65 million bonus shares, raising paid-up capital to BD 9.773 million (USD 26 million) across 97.7 million shares. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " For FY2025, the company approved a profit distribution of BD 1.166 million (USD 3.1 million), including a 5 per cent cash...
Toyota grapples with Canadian policy shifts amid aluminium supply uncertainty
Toyota Motor Corporation is trying to manage two very different pressures at once, policy influence in North America and growing uncertainty around raw material supply. On one side, the company has joined hands with Honda Motor Company to form the Pacific Manufacturing Association of Canada. The idea is to have a more direct say in how Canadian policy evolves around electric vehicles, emissions rules and manufacturing support. For Toyota, this is less about short-term gains and more about positioning. Decisions around where to invest, which models to build, and how supply chains are structured often depend on policy clarity. Having a joint platform with Honda gives it more weight in those discussions, especially as Canada competes with the US and Mexico for future automotive investment....
Mexico moves to secure trade terms on aluminium, steel and vehicles as USMCA review approaches
President Claudia Sheinbaum said Mexico is seeking an early agreement with the United States on aluminium, steel and automobiles ahead of the review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " Speaking at a press conference, Sheinbaum said these sectors are important for Mexico’s economy. She further added, "We hope that a preliminary agreement can be reached" before the formal review process is completed. The comments came as Jamieson Greer, US Trade Representative, visited Mexico for trade discussions. Mexico is a major exporter of vehicles, auto parts, and machinery, with most shipments going to the United States. The upcoming USMCA review is significant for...
