Editors Pick: Where art meets sustainability, aluminium’s expanding role from industry to daily life

The "green metal" continues to push boundaries like never before. Apple's latest flagship smartphone, the iPhone 16, now boasts approximately 30 per cent recycled materials, with an impressive 85 per cent recycled aluminium in its enclosure. Aluminium is making its mark in nearly every sphere, driving the transition to a circular economy. Let's explore how aluminium is transforming industries across the end-user sector-

Driving towards a greener future – Transportation

The wheels on the bus go round and light—thanks to aluminium, it's a greener ride! The transportation sector began 2025 with some promising events.  

To begin with, Emirates, one of the world’s largest international airlines, launched its much-awaited brand-new Airbus A350 aircraft in India. The launch happened on Republic Day, January 26, 2025, a significant date in the Indian calendar. Composed of over 70 per cent of advanced materials like aluminium alloy, the new aircraft comes packed with the airline’s latest interiors and pioneering industry-first technologies, highlighting its dedication to customers in India and beyond, delivering unparalleled onboard comfort.

Lufthansa Group announced the introduction of 40 brand-new Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft to its value carrier, Eurowings. Constructed with high-strength alloys, including aluminium and titanium, the Boeing 737-8 MAX is designed to withstand extreme conditions while enhancing durability. Featuring next-generation, fuel-efficient engines, these aircraft will significantly reduce fuel consumption and noise emissions. The first Boeing 737-8 MAX delivery is scheduled for 2027, with the full fleet expected to be in operation by 2032. These advanced jets will replace the Airbus A319 and older Airbus A320 models.

Aluminium's inevitable features and strong characteristics have made it the choice of metal not just for airlines but beyond that –such as satellites. Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), the world's leading 'premium aluminium' producer, has unlocked another milestone with the launch of MBZ-SAT. The satellite had incorporated EGA's Celestial solar aluminium. Launched on Tuesday, January 14, from Space Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, USA, MBZ-SAT was developed by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) using EGA's Jebel Ali-produced Celestial solar aluminium.

Transportation is one of those sectors where aluminium has played a significant role in almost every mode and part. Like, IndyCar, a sanctioning body for open-wheel car racing in North America, is considering switching from traditional magnesium wheels to aluminium alternatives by 2026 or 2027- the reason being to overcome supply challenges over and for cost-cutting. The shortage of magnesium wheels has led IndyCar to consider aluminium as a more accessible and cost-effective alternative. Discussions with teams and suppliers are ongoing to develop aluminium wheels that maintain the same dimensions and weight as the current magnesium ones, ensuring consistent performance.

Classic, retro and adventurous – are some of the words which describe Royal Enfield. A dream for every bike enthusiast, the Indian multinational company has joined forces with Qualcomm Technologies. The company’s new EV brand, Flying Flea, will feature Qualcomm’s Snapdragon QWM2290 system-on-chip (SoC) and Snapdragon Car-to-Cloud Platform, delivering seamless connectivity, top-tier performance, and personalised riding experiences. Unveiled globally at the Milan Motorcycle Show in November 2024, Flying Flea motorcycles fuse cutting-edge technology with Royal Enfield’s iconic design. A forged aluminium frame ensures strength without excess weight, while a magnesium battery case enhances cooling efficiency and further reduces mass.

Kolkata Metro Railway has reaffirmed its commitment to replacing the existing steel third rail with aluminium alternatives on the downline of the Blue Line corridor, spanning from Belgachia to Tollygunge (Mahanayak Uttam Kumar), by August 2025, a spokesperson announced on Sunday, January 5. For the past 40 years, Kolkata Metro has relied on a steel third rail. However, in August 2023, it decided to adopt a composite aluminium third rail for all new corridors under construction, along with retrofitting existing steel third rail sections. With this transition, Kolkata Metro will join an elite group of global transit systems—including those in London, Moscow, Berlin, Munich, and Istanbul—that have upgraded to aluminium third rails for enhanced efficiency and performance.

It’s not just a ‘WRAP’ – aluminium’s role in packaging

From wrapping up food materials in our tiffin to becoming a crucial part of the beverage industry, aluminium has come a long way. The demand for aluminium in the packaging sector is primarily fuelled by beverage cans. While developed economies continue to drive this demand, developing countries are experiencing a faster-growing preference for aluminium cans. To learn more about the packaging sector, grab a copy of AL Circle's industry-specific report, "Aluminium in Packaging: Consumer Trends and Market Dynamics."

TÖST Beverages launched its signature sparkling beverages in sleek, portable 250-ml cans. Expanding its existing 750-ml and 250-ml bottle offerings, the new cans provide a stylish and convenient way to enjoy TÖST's sophisticated, sparkling flavours, the company announced. Designed to meet evolving consumer preferences, the new packaging offers a versatile and sustainable alternative while enhancing the brand's commitment to innovation. This launch follows the introduction of the TÖST Maker, an AI-powered microsite designed to craft the perfect toast, reinforcing the brand's forward-thinking approach.

Waldner North America (WNA) has teamed up with coffee brand Cambio Roasters to introduce the first aluminium coffee pods for Keurig brewers, commonly known as K-cups. Led by Kevin Hartley, former Chief Innovation Officer at Keurig Green Mountain, Cambio Roasters leverages Waldner's specially designed filling and sealing equipment to package the delicate aluminium pods with precision. This launch marks a significant leap toward sustainability in the North American coffee industry.

Coors Light, a brand renowned for its commitment to sustainable packaging using aluminium and other recyclable materials, has unveiled a unique and refreshingly cool innovation. In a first-of-its-kind release for a beverage brand, the company introduced the "Coors Light Chill Face Roller" on Wednesday, January 25. Designed to bring relaxation to the Monday after the Super Bowl, this innovative product merges the beauty trend of face rolling with Coors Light's signature chill. The Chill Face Roller will be available in 12-ounce aluminium cans, offering a creative blend of self-care and sustainability.

Net Zero Foods, a pioneer in sustainable food and beverage innovation, is thrilled to unveil ROBOT Kombucha—the world's healthiest cola. This premium, Coke-style drink combines the probiotic benefits of organic kombucha with the natural sweetness of organic honey, delivering a refreshing and health-conscious alternative to traditional sugary sodas. Packaged in 100% recyclable aluminium cans, ROBOT Kombucha redefines the cola experience with sustainability and wellness at its core.

In a recent development, Florida-based MSPFLA, Inc. has entered an exclusive distribution partnership with Caribbean Food Services in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, to wholesale its eco-friendly Tropical Water brand across the USVI. Packaged in reusable aluminium cans, this partnership aligns with USVI's conservation efforts, offering the local community, island visitors, retail outlets, and resorts a sustainable alternative to single-use plastic bottles. The US Virgin Islands (USVI) has always supported sustainable packaging and has taken action to reduce plastic pollution in the region.

Ball Corporation, the world's leading innovator in sustainable aluminium packaging, has partnered with Sweden-based Meadow to transform aluminium refill packaging solutions through a strategic investment. Meadow, known for its expertise in data-driven design and advanced packaging technology, will collaborate with Ball Corporation to develop fully recyclable aluminium cans as pre-filled cartridges for personal and home care products. While Ball will supply aluminium cans and can ends, Meadow's groundbreaking MEADOW KAPSUL technology will convert them into reusable dispensers, bringing a cutting-edge pre-fill packaging solution to market.

Mananalu, the eco-conscious aluminium-bottled water brand founded by Aquaman star Jason Momoa, has been making waves since its launch in 2019. In its latest milestone, Mananalu has been relaunched as Mananalu Powered by Boomerang Water, reinforcing its mission to provide sustainable hydration while eliminating plastic waste. This innovative model leverages Boomerang Water's award-winning technology, which won the 2024 SXSW Product Innovation Award. The compact bottling system—about the size of a hotel ice maker—can sanitise, rinse, fill, and cap 400 to 500 aluminium or glass bottles per hour with ultra-purified water. Once consumed, bottles are returned to the same machine for reuse, creating a fully sustainable, closed-loop process that redefines eco-friendly water consumption.

PPG, the American Fortune 500 company and global leader in paints, coatings, and speciality materials, has expanded its non-bisphenol A (BPA) HOBA internal coatings line with the launch of PPG HobaPro 2848. Engineered to meet the growing demand for aluminium packaging in water, wine, and other beverages, this innovative solution is being showcased at Paris Packaging Week 2025 (PCD), where it has also been named a finalist in the Aerosol and Dispensing Forum (ADF) Innovation Awards. PPG Hoba coatings are specifically designed for aluminium bottles, monobloc aerosols, and collapsible tubes, ensuring superior internal protection.

A for aluminium and A for architecture- the future of green construction

Architecture is a fusion of beauty and innovation, and aluminium often stands at its heart. From soaring skyscrapers to intricate facades, its lightweight strength, versatility, and sustainability make it the architect’s ultimate muse, shaping skylines and redefining innovation.

At the prestigious BAU Expo in Germany, Viva, Asia’s leading manufacturer of aluminium composite panels (ACP), unveiled SOLID X—India’s first pre-coated, ready-to-install solid aluminium panels. This groundbreaking innovation marks a new chapter in architectural design, offering unparalleled strength, versatility, and sustainability for modern facades and interiors. Meticulously engineered for exceptional performance, SOLID X sets new benchmarks in architectural materials. With an A1 fire rating, the highest classification for non-combustible materials, and a weather-resistant PVDF coating, these panels promise both lasting beauty and superior safety.

Silicon-based solar cells have dominated the renewable energy landscape for nearly four decades. Yet, their limitations—high costs, complex installation, and infrastructure demands—have spurred the search for more efficient alternatives. Enter photovoltaic ceramics, a revolutionary material poised to transform solar energy. Developed at ETH Zurich, these cutting-edge ceramics leverage nanostructures to convert sunlight into electricity with remarkable efficiency. Comprising aluminium oxide and perovskite nanoparticles, the material boasts exceptional optical properties and unparalleled light-capturing capabilities. The perovskite nanoparticles absorb photon energy, generating electrons that travel through the aluminium oxide lattice, producing a steady electric current.

Encore-Alcom, a leading aluminium doors and windows manufacturer based in Hyderabad has officially launched operations at its new state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Surat, Gujarat. Announced on Tuesday, this facility is India’s largest aluminium doors and windows production facility and the first in the country to incorporate automated robotic technology. Spanning 184,000 square feet and employing 500 people, the plant represents a significant step in scaling up advanced manufacturing. Encore-Alcom plans to invest INR 60 crores in the facility in phases, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and growth.

Aluminium’s continued dominance in today’s world

Launched in Malaysia in November 2024, the realme GT 7 Pro redefines flagship smartphones with its cutting-edge technology and innovative design. Among its standout features is the Silicon Anode battery, a game-changer in power efficiency. Crafted with a non-glossy aluminium frame, the GT 7 Pro offers a sleek, premium feel while ensuring exceptional durability. In an era where compactness and resilience are crucial, aluminium remains the material of choice. As smartphone manufacturers push the limits of hardware innovation—integrating larger RAM capacities and high-precision cameras—the need for lightweight yet robust designs has never been more essential.

Keychron is set to broaden its Hall-effect gaming keyboard series with the introduction of the full-size Keychron Q6 HE and the 75 per cent Lemokey P1 HE. Both models come equipped with QMK firmware for extensive personalisation, a gasket-mounted design, and Gateron’s double-rail magnetic switches, delivering a superior typing feel and exceptional gaming performance. Keychron has also confirmed that these keyboards will be available in various ISO layouts. While both keyboards share aluminium plates and cases, the P1 HE features silicone bean gasket mounts, offering a stiffer feel compared to the Q6 HE, which utilises silicone strips for a different typing experience. Despite their similarities, these subtle distinctions ensure each model caters to varying preferences in both gaming and productivity.

Bower-based Norscot Joinery Ltd is excited to announce a strategic partnership with Origin, a leading UK manufacturer of custom aluminium doors and windows. Known for its high-quality timber frame kits, windows, and doors, Norscot is now set to become Britain’s northernmost supplier of Origin’s premium aluminium products. With this collaboration, Norscot expands its offerings to include a diverse range of aluminium doors and windows, available in over 150 RAL colours—allowing homeowners to perfectly match or contrast with their décor. This move aligns with the growing demand for sustainable building materials, as aluminium is fully recyclable, durable, and low-maintenance, making it a top choice for eco-conscious living.

Conclusion

As we wrap up this edition of Editor’s Pick, it’s clear that aluminium continues to play an indispensable role across industries—from transportation and packaging to architecture and consumer electronics. With sustainability at its core, the metal is driving innovation, enhancing efficiency, and supporting the global shift toward a circular economy. As 2025 unfolds, aluminium’s influence will only grow stronger, shaping the way we travel, build, and consume. Whether in cutting-edge aerospace advancements, sustainable beverage packaging, or architectural breakthroughs, the metal of the future remains resilient and versatile. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to explore the dynamic world of aluminium in the months ahead. Until next time, keep innovating, exploring, and embracing the possibilities of aluminium!

Image Sources: Emirates, Boeing, Royal Enfield, Mananalu, Viva