South Asia’s beverage-can manufacturing capacity continues to expand, with Bangladesh preparing to enter the industry through a USD 100 million aluminium beverage can plant while new and expanded facilities advance across India, Pakistan and Afghanistan. However, the planned Bangladeshi project still faces a key infrastructure hurdle: securing a gas connection before production begins. Chinese-owned Alu Hi-Tech Industries Ltd is developing Bangladesh’s first aluminium beverage can plant at Kaliakoir Hi-Tech Park in Gazipur, north of Dhaka. The facility is designed to produce around 1 billion cans annually, with approximately 90 per cent of its output earmarked for export markets. The company registered with the hi-tech park in 2024, when work on the project began. Construction has...
Europe’s beverage-can market outperformed other regions in the third quarter, prompting Ardagh Metal Packaging (AMP) to accelerate its investment plans with two new production lines at existing facilities in the UK and Spain. Global beverage can shipments rose 2 per cent year on year in the three months to September 30, while Europe recorded 6 per cent growth, contrasting with a 1 per cent decline across the Americas. AMP announced the expansion alongside third-quarter results that exceeded its own earnings guidance, allowing the company to raise its full-year adjusted EBITDA outlook. Chief executive Oliver Graham said demand remained resilient across the company’s markets, supported by strength in key beverage categories and continued gains for cans within the wider packaging mix. The...
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Estrella Damm is marking its 150th anniversary in 2026 with a year-long programme of celebrations, including a large music festival held in Barcelona in May, limited edition can packaging and the launch of a refreshed visual identity for consumers worldwide. As part of the anniversary campaign, the beer brand partnered with Crown to introduce a limited-edition packaging range featuring seven different 440ml aluminium can designs. The campaign was developed in the UK, where Estrella Damm operates its first brewery outside the Iberian Peninsula through the Damm Eagle Brewery in Bedford, England. The limited-edition cans are fully recyclable and are inspired by Barcelona, the city where the brand originated. Each design highlights different elements of the city's culture, architecture and...
Aluminium consumption in India's transportation sector increased from 0.70 million tonnes in 2020 to 1.35 million tonnes in 2025, nearly doubling in five years at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 14 per cent. The growth momentum is expected to continue, with consumption projected to reach 3.82 million tonnes by 2035. In comparison, global transportation-sector aluminium consumption rose from 22.57 million tonnes in 2020 to 27.1 million tonnes in 2025, reflecting a CAGR of 3.73 per cent. However, growth in overall consumption masks a structural gap. Despite producing more than 28 million vehicles in 2023-24 and recording strong growth in electric mobility and transport infrastructure, aluminium use per vehicle in India remains significantly lower than in major automotive...
Titagarh Rail Systems aims to achieve full domestic manufacturing of aluminium railway coaches by FY27, marking a significant step in India's efforts to localise advanced rolling stock production. The Uttarpara-based rail equipment manufacturer has already supplied aluminium coaches for the Pune Metro project and has secured an additional order to produce 12 more aluminium trainsets. The company previously depended on imports of flat packs and sub-assemblies from Italian rolling stock manufacturer Firema for aluminium coach production. However, it has since invested in the machinery required to manufacture these components domestically, enabling it to move towards complete in-house production. According to the company, the localisation drive will allow it to manufacture aluminium coaches...
Design studio Unknown Surface Studio has unveiled UNFOLD, a thematic pavilion created for Aluframe that challenges traditional ideas of temporary architecture. The project presents a new approach to exhibition spaces by focusing on circular material use and long-term sustainability. Rather than building a short-term structure that becomes waste after an event, UNFOLD has been designed as a regenerative system. The pavilion is intended to continue contributing to material life cycles long after the exhibition ends. It functions not only as an exhibition venue but also as a model for future temporary architecture that prioritises reuse and adaptability. The idea for the pavilion came directly from Aluframe’s warehouse environment. Inside the facility, rows of aluminium profiles stored in...
Kenda Americana Tire and Wheel, the American segment of the brand, has announced a major expansion of its trailer wheel portfolio. Expanding the aluminium wheel and the Dexstar range, the launch would reinforce Kenda’s presence across the recreational vehicle (RV) and trailer segments. The new additions to the portfolio include three aluminium alloy wheel models of AM05, AM08, and AM09 aluminium trailer wheels, and two finish options under the Dexstar range, viz., Nardo Grey and Black with Red Stripes. Discover: The Gulf aluminium market risks, China impact, alumina supply, carbon costs, and logistics disruptions shaping pricing and trade in Gulf Disruption Roadmap The AM05 Aluminium Trailer Wheel strikes a balance between contemporary design and strength and durability. Made from...
Luxury fashion house Louis Vuitton has unveiled Horizon Aluminium, a new luggage collection developed by collaboration with industrial designer Marc Newson. The collection marks the tenth anniversary of Louis Vuitton Horizon Aluminium Collection travel range and is the brand's first luggage line made entirely from aluminium. According to the company, the suitcase is built from a single-piece aluminium shell and does not use visible rivets. Traditional external hinges have also been replaced with concealed internal hinges, giving the luggage a cleaner appearance. The aluminium surface has Louis Vuitton's Monogram pattern, which the company said helps strengthen the shell by spreading stress evenly across the surface. Explore: The most comprehensive and forward-looking industry-focused...
iPhone 18 Pro Max i mages are leaked that claim to show aluminium frames in three colours — Dark Cherry, Cloud Blue and black. While the names have not been confirmed by Apple, the leak gives a closer look at the rumoured dark red finish that has been linked to the iPhone 18 Pro lineup in earlier reports. The shade appears similar to the "dark cherry" or "red wine" colour that has been the subject of speculation in recent months. The leaked images also show a light blue variant called Cloud Blue. The colour appears brighter than the pale blue finish seen on Apple's MacBook Air models, while the black option follows the darker finishes typically offered in the Pro range. The images reportedly show aluminium body frames, though their authenticity has not been verified. For forward-thinking...
Beverage companies are facing a shortage of aluminium can sheets at a time when demand for soft drinks and beer has surged due to extreme summer temperatures across India. Industry executives said some companies have reduced production, while others are increasing the use of PET and glass bottles to meet demand. The shortage has been linked to India's dependence on imported aluminium can sheets. A large share of supplies comes from countries such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia, and recent shipping disruptions in West Asia have added to supply pressure. Industry sources said import delays related to Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) requirements had already affected supplies earlier this year before the situation worsened. The issue has also highlighted a gap in India's aluminium industry. The...
More than 5.45 million electrified vehicles, including battery electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and hybrids, were sold across Europe, China and the United States during the first quarter of 2026. While Europe delivered double-digit growth driven by stronger demand in its largest automotive markets, China and the United States recorded declines following changes to incentive programmes. Europe remained the strongest-performing region among the three major markets tracked in the latest EV sales review by PwC. Total EV sales across the European Union, the UK and EFTA countries reached 2.43 million units in Q1 2026, representing a year-on-year increase of 18 per cent. BEV sales rose 26 per cent to 724,000 units, PHEV sales increased 32 per cent to 354,000...
Baglietto has launched the first unit of its 50-metre Fast50 series, the all-aluminium flagship of the shipyard's Fast range. The yacht, which was unveiled in 2024 and sold shortly after its debut, will now undergo final outfitting and sea trials ahead of its scheduled delivery later this year. Designed by Francesco Paszkowski, with naval architecture by Pierluigi Ausonio and interiors developed by Paszkowski in collaboration with Margherita Casprini, the yacht reinterprets Baglietto's heritage of high-performance aluminium vessels while incorporating design elements from the shipyard's more recent T-line models. The 50-metre yacht remains below the 500GT threshold and is powered by four MTU 2000 M96L engines, giving it a top speed of 30 knots. Developed entirely in aluminium, the vessel...
Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD says its new aluminium frame technology has reduced vehicle weight while improving structural performance in the Yangwang U8L SUV. According to the company, the frame is around 56 kg (more than 120 lbs.) lighter than a comparable steel structure and has passed a 12-tonne lifting test. The U8L project focused on developing a full-size vehicle frame capable of delivering high strength and corrosion resistance without the weight penalty associated with conventional steel-intensive designs. BYD engineers evaluated multiple material options, including advanced steel and titanium alloys, before selecting aerospace-grade 6-series and 7-series aluminium alloys. A key part of the project was the adoption of a low-pressure casting process jointly developed with...
Meadow has unveiled a refill system built around aluminium packaging, aimed at consumer goods companies seeking to reduce waste and comply with new packaging regulations. The launch comes as businesses prepare for stricter packaging requirements under the European Union’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and California’s Senate Bill 54 (SB54). Aluminium plays a central role in the system’s design. The company said the metal’s durability and recyclability make it suitable for repeated use, while its protective properties help preserve product quality. According to Meadow, the refill solution has been designed for retail and commercial environments with a focus on operational efficiency, product protection and waste reduction. Explore: The most comprehensive and...
The final boat in a four-vessel order for Saudi Arabian urban developer Neom has now been delivered by Spanish shipbuilder Moggaro Aluminium Yachts, bringing the project to completion. According to Moggaro, the latest handover took place after a period of uncertainty caused by ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region. In a social media update, the company said the vessel had safely reached its destination and was prepared to enter service. The contract covered the manufacturing of four hybrid-powered dive boats, each measuring 16 metres in length. The first of the series entered service in 2025 and is based at Neom’s Sindalah Sports Complex. Neom commissioned the hybrid aluminium-inclusive vessels to support both scuba-diving operations and a range of recreational outings. Alongside...
Johannesburg-based aluminium beverage can manufacturing company Nampak delivered a resilient first-half (H1) FY2026 performance, backed by stronger profitability in its beverage operations, lower finance costs and continued balance sheet improvement, despite a sharp contraction in its Diversified business segment. The company reported normalised headline earnings of ZAR 346 million (USD 21.34 million) in H1 , up 9 per cent from ZAR 317 million (USD 19.55 million) year-on-year, while normalised headline earnings per share (HEPS) increased 8 per cent to 4,131.6 cents , reflecting improved earnings quality and lower borrowing costs. As noted by the CEO Riaan Heyl, the H1 result depicted a “performance resilience despite headwinds in Diversified with the strategic clarity, revenue growth...
Canovation and CANPACK have announced a collaboration to support the next phase of development for CanReseal, a resealable aluminium can-end system. The partnership is intended to help move the technology from late-stage development toward pilot-scale deployment and future commercial applications. Under the agreement, the two companies will work on the remaining development and manufacturing activities needed to prepare CanReseal for implementation on pilot production lines. Canovation said the collaboration combines its proprietary resealable can-end technology with CANPACK’s manufacturing expertise and global presence in the beverage packaging sector. The companies aim to bridge the gap between product development and large-scale manufacturing by focusing on technical validation and...
Canpack has partnered with Art of Packaging to encourage young designers, students and emerging creative talent to explore new possibilities in aluminium can design. The collaboration aims to position aluminium cans as a creative platform while helping designers understand how bold concepts can be translated into commercially viable packaging solutions. Through the initiative, the two organisations will encourage participants to rethink conventional design limitations and develop ideas that combine creativity with real-world production requirements. Canpack said its expertise in eight-colour dry offset printing and decorative effects would help bridge the gap between creative ambition and execution, enabling more advanced and production-ready can designs. “Partnering with Art of Packaging...
Printmann Offset is accelerating its expansion in southern India with a new 150,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Hyderabad, strengthening its presence in one of the country’s fastest-growing packaging markets. The Mumbai-based packaging company currently supplies cartons, labels, leaflets and aluminium foil packaging across both primary and secondary packaging segments. The new facility is expected to become operational before the end of the current financial year and forms part of the company’s broader ambition to become a pan-India packaging player. Hyderabad expansion follows HSOP acquisition The new facility comes after Printmann’s majority acquisition of Hyderabad Security Printers and Offset Printers (HSOP), the first major step under the company’s “Printmann 2.0 & Beyond”...
Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer BYD has unveiled engineering details behind the advanced one-piece aluminium frame used in its luxury SUV, the Yangwang U8L. The company disclosed that the development programme began in 2023 and involved building what is said to be China’s largest integrated automotive casting machine, in collaboration with the aerospace-focused supplier Hantek. The latest update sheds more light on a major milestone first highlighted earlier when the Yangwang U8L introduced the world’s first one-piece low-pressure-cast aluminium vehicle frame. The integrated structure spans nearly 4.2 square metres and incorporates wall thicknesses ranging from 4 mm to 50 mm, presenting a production challenge that many in the automotive sector had previously considered...
