
Romania’s aluminium can recycling rate increased to 80.5 per cent in the first nine months of 2026, compared with 75 per cent in the same period last year, according to data published by RetuRO, the administrator of the country’s Deposit Return System (DRS), and analysed by Every Can Counts. The number of aluminium cans returned between January and September was 6.3 per cent higher than in the corresponding period of 2025. The return rate also improved to 85 per cent from 82 per cent a year earlier. Aluminium cans were the only packaging category to record growth in the first nine months of 2026, as the total number of deposit-bearing containers placed on the market declined by 2.4 per cent. The number of cans placed on the market increased by 2 per cent, while plastic and glass packaging...
Following major international fitness trade gatherings like FIBO, commercial gym operators and wellness studios are expanding their mind-body exercise offerings. Global market demand for commercial Pilates equipment continues to accelerate across Europe, North America, and the Asia-Pacific region. In particular, lightweight yet structurally resilient aluminium reformers have become the preferred choice for modern studio spaces. However, this sudden surge in commercial demand presents significant procurement challenges for studio managers, franchise operators, and equipment distributors. While exhibition halls and online B2B platforms showcase hundreds of visually similar machines, the underlying structural engineering varies dramatically between manufacturers. Evaluating a wholesale basic...
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The Atom and Spectrum series laser projectors designed by Kvant bagged the 2023 iF Design Award in the Industry/Tools product design category. The panel of 132 independent experts globally praised the product's creative design and a foamed aluminium composition. Foamed aluminium is a semi-product of aluminium that swells its internal structure when heated to a foaming temperature. Aside from the benefits of less weight, a smaller footprint, and enhanced stiffness, it gave us nearly infinite sculpting, resulting in this amazing design. The iF award represents excellent design and is a quality seal for professional and trade users. Kvant collaborated on this winning idea with the Slovak Academy of Sciences and Werkemotion, a Bratislava-based transport and industrial design company. At the...

Firefly Fire Pumps Pvt Ltd, an Indian producer of fire-safety pumps, has obtained seven intellectual property registrations for its diverse product line. Firefly pumps are engineered to exceed the highest fire protection industry requirements, using premium materials such as aluminium, gunmetal, and stainless steel for unrivalled dependability and longevity. These cutting-edge fire-fighting pumps are now protected against counterfeiting under Industrial Design Registration Class 29-01, safeguarding market authenticity and reinforcing Firefly's image. They are designed for smooth operation and provide a hassle-free electric start as standard, with rope start as a backup option. The registered intellectual property includes high-impact goods capable of rising from depths of 7 metres in only...

MCC Group Ltd, an independent, family-owned company specialised in retail packaging solutions, is pleased to announce a partnership with Europe's premier aluminium foil tray maker Cuki Cofresco to sell their revolutionary foil tray products in the UK market. Due to a lack of foil resources in the UK, this endeavour is expected to offer a new stable supply of foil tray goods for British food producers and merchants. Fulvio Buffa, director of the professional division, Cuki Cofresco, said, "With retailers having to look to more sustainable packaging solutions for food products, aluminium foil trays have quickly become one of the most popular choices for manufacturers. It's expected that this market will continue to grow in the coming years, and as one of few manufacturers now supplying the...

Ball Corporation, the world’s leading producer and supplier of sustainable aluminium packaging for beverage, personal care and household products, is exhibiting its latest aluminium can and bottle portfolio at the BevNET Live Summer 2023 event, starting today, June 14. It is a 2-day event on June 14 and 15, whereby registered attendees can witness Ball Corporation’s exclusive “slim” can range and Alumi-Tek® aluminum bottles. They can explore the products and learn about special features. As per the report, Ball is also sponsoring the BevNET Live Official Happy Hour from 4-6 p.m. on June 14 to encourage attendees to stop by and check out the latest beverage packaging innovations. Ball Corporation leads the aluminium beverage packaging industry with a wide range of offerings made from 75...

A team of researchers led by Prof. Dr Birgit Esser from the University of Ulm, along with Prof. Dr Ingo Krossing and Prof. Dr Anna Fischer from the University of Freiburg, has developed a positive electrode material made of an organic redox polymer based on phenothiazine. The material can be exclusively used in aluminium-ion batteries for breathtaking performances. In their experiment, aluminium batteries with this material stored a record-breaking capacity of 167 milliampere hours per gram (mAh/g). This organic redox polymer outperforms graphite, which has been the primary electrode material in batteries so far. Their findings have been published in the journal Energy & Environmental Science. During charging, the electrode material oxidizes and absorbs complex aluminate anions. The...

Gautam Solar, a solar module producer, debuted N-type TOPCon (Tunnel oxide passivated contact) and Mono PERC Solar modules at Intersolar Europe, a key event for the solar industry. In contrast to the traditional design with a white back-sheet and silver anodised aluminium alloy frame, the new solar modules have a black back-sheet and black anodised aluminium alloy frame. According to the company, lightweight bifacial modules include a high-quality transparent back-sheet that offers strong rear side power while keeping the module's weight low, minimising handling concerns. These have 108 half-cut cells on an M10 wafer. TOPCon solar modules are available in two sizes: 420 Wp-435 Wp for distributors, EPCs, and developers in the residential, commercial, and industrial (C&I) sectors and 565...

Stromer introduces the exquisite ST7 ARBR e-bike, a limited-edition masterpiece crafted with reference from the Red Bull Racing team's mesmerizing matte blue colour. The bike's sustainable design adds a hydro-formed aluminium framework to its properties. Though it is not a collaboration with the Red Bull Racing Formula 1 team, this bike is still an exceptional wonder that will captivate any cycling enthusiast. The bike boasts a remarkable 110-mile range battery, a powerful rear hub motor, and a 12-speed electronically shifted gearbox, all complemented by a Gates carbon drive belt. The ST7 ARBR edition by Stromer is constructed with its well-known hydro-formed aluminium sports frame and comes with a rigid aluminium fork. Trail riders and enthusiasts can upgrade the ST7 ARBR with an...

McLaren, the world-renowned supercar maker, has made its mark in India by introducing the much-anticipated Artura hybrid electric sports car . The McLaren Artura is the first vehicle to use the McLaren Carbon Lightweight Architecture (MCLA), developed exclusively for hybrid purposes. This ground-breaking platform combines a carbon-fibre tub with aluminium crash beams and an aluminium rear subframe for structural robustness and weight reduction. The Artura PHEV is powered by a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 engine with 585 horsepower and a rear-mounted electric motor with 95 hp and 225 Nm of torque. In 2022, the transportation sector's aluminium consumption was estimated at 25.9 million tonnes. In 2023, demand is expected to reach 26.3 million tonnes. Furthermore, aluminium is one of the top...

Heatwaves across the City of Victoria are making people find solutions to beat the heat. From planting trees to installing misting stations, the city is doing every bit to stay cool. Currently, around 13 misting stations have been installed across the city. The new stations are solid aluminium , stand close to six feet tall, and contain water bottle-filling taps. A cooling water mist is dispensed by pressing a button. This year's misting stations are an upgrade over last year's, which were constructed of plastic and attached to fire hydrants as part of the city's severe heat response plan. Aluminium is one of the most sustainable and recyclable materials on the earth. Recycling aluminium serves current and future generations by preserving energy and other natural resources. Aluminium is...

Gaming on the go is a popular trend, with devices like the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck making it possible. Asus has joined the market with its new offering, the ROG Flow Z13, which boasts a lightweight aluminium chassis. Depending on a user's needs, this portable device can be utilised as a tablet or gaming laptop. It comes with a detachable magnet keyboard and can support the company's XG Mobile external GPU. The ROG Flow Z13 is a premium product aimed at gamers and content creators. The tablet's design hasn't changed much from its predecessor, but it still stands out from other devices in the market. The aluminium alloy chassis is engraved with spacecraft-inspired designs and uses an anti-fingerprint coating to prevent handmarks. The device has a kickstand that can be opened to 170...

Happy Rainy Days' HR002 series umbrella features dual-strand carbon fibre rods with a rigid aluminium shaft. It has an extraordinary water-repellent coating for quick drying abilities and an extended lifespan. Plus, the one-touch automatic foldable design and Japanese cloth canopy make it user-friendly, as one can shake off raindrops and dry the umbrella in a flick. The HR002 series of umbrellas have a UPF level of 50+, which can obstruct 99% of UV rays from the sun; even on windy days, it will be of utmost importance to a user. These umbrellas are made of lightweight and durable materials, including a combination of aluminium and carbon fibre for the rod, making them slimmer and more robust than conventional umbrellas. In Singapore, where heat waves can be intense, the canopy of Happy...

Marlish Waters from the UK has launched a new 150ml beverage can for its tonics and mixers range. To be retailed by mid-June, the new glass-free aluminium format launch will focus on four of the Northumberland-based brand’s most popular SKUs – English Tonic Water, Premium Lemonade, Ginger Ale and Soda Water. The co-founder and director of Marlish Waters, Joe Evans, notified: “Aluminium cans are infinitely recyclable and both cheaper and easier to recycle than glass. Cans also take less time to chill down in a fridge, requiring less energy to do so. Research has also shown that 150mls is the perfect quantity for a single-serve spirit and mixer, meaning no leftover mixer going to waste.” “If you then add in that fact that we have our own on-site canning line, powered by renewable energy,...

Chong Zi En, a 26-year-old National University of Singapore (NUS) student, has used his design skills to create an assistive walker, Paw Wheels, for mobility-impaired senior dogs. This special device was created with the help of hollow aluminium tubes and other lightweight components. Chong was inspired by his experience caring for a senior handicapped dog during his national service at the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Military Working Dog Unit. He found lifting the dog's weak hind legs challenging for a walk, even with a wheelchair. This encouraged him to design a low-cost, lightweight, adjustable walker that is comfortable and safe for dogs of different sizes. He researched existing mobility aids for dogs, spoke to owners of handicapped dogs, and worked with an animal physiotherapist to...

The end user segment was busy with superlative innovations this week. Apple CEO Tim Cook's much-awaited Apple Vision Pro contains 100% recyclable aluminium for better circularity. Nespresso introduced its Vertuo Pop machine, which is made from 80% recycled aluminium and offers 25 unique coffee blends and single-origin options in multiple cup sizes. Chanel put sustainable approaches at the helm, switching to aluminium to create its flagship Chance eau de toilette range. We also came across Volgren, a joint venture between Volvo and Grenda, exploring the application of Capral's LocAl low-carbon aluminium for producing desired bus parts. Since building its first bus in 1979, Volgren has been committed to creating reliable, comfortable, and long-lasting vehicles with lower operating costs...

The premium coconut water brand 100 Coconuts is now seeing remarkable results in the Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) channel, notably with Amazon. 100 Coconuts was given the coveted Amazon's Choice distinction in the second quarter of 2023. They ascend category ranks while influencing its top and bottom lines, marking a key milestone in the brand's momentum and development. The brand is known for producing pure coconut water and other similar drinks in recyclable aluminium cans . Going with the current scenario, many companies are using aluminium cans for their products. Aluminium cans are among the best circular economy supporters as they are infinitely recyclable. "We are proud to have Amazon as a valued partner in our business. The Amazon's Choice recognition is a tremendous honor, and it...

Orange Bikes has focused on swiftness and racing since its beginnings in the late 80s. Their latest addition, the Stage 7, is an enduro race bike with 29" wheels, 170/165mm travel, and designed for the fastest courses in the world. The bike's lightweight aluminium frame is the most amazing feature that aids in agile manoeuvres. This bike combines Orange's new STRANGE power link with big travel and a full 29" setup for a bike crafted for speed. The Switch 7, Stage 7's sibling, has been well-received and has proven its worth in compact and competitive world-class enduro events. However, Stage 7 was specifically created to focus on speed and uses feedback from the World Cup team to create a warp-speed vehicle. The bike's frame originating from the UK has been produced by skilled craftsmen...

PGT Innovations (PGTI) recently announced the successful completion of its acquisition of Eco Enterprises, a reputable Miami-based company renowned for producing high-quality aluminium windows and doors that are highly resistant to impact. With this strategic acquisition, PGTI now owns 100% of the shares of Eco Enterprises, having initially acquired 75% of its ownership stake in 2021. This acquisition is a significant milestone for PGTI, as it will enable the company to broaden its aluminium product lines and expand its glass production capacity. Additionally, it will bolster the company's supply chain and create new opportunities for growth in both the commercial and residential markets. By leveraging Eco Enterprises' expertise and reputation in the industry, PGTI is well-positioned to...

Gunna Craft Soft Drinks will reportedly launch three flavours of immunity-boosting lemonades in resealable 500ml aluminium bottles. The drinks – Tropical, Raspberry, and Twisted – are made from natural ingredients and contain vitamin C and zinc. They are claimed to be the first flavoured soft drinks available in this format. Gunna will introduce the product to the market via Amazon and the brand’s online store this summer. The drinks will also be available in a smaller packaging of 330ml aluminium cans, with two additional flavours over the coming months. Gunna, which called on to ban plastic bottles last year, said the new packaging would set a goal for the soft drinks sector, leading all other similar companies to transition from plastic to aluminium bottles. “We’ve invested heavily in...