
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...
Grow with
AL Circle

Galician shipyard AISTER has secured a contract to build an all-aluminium passenger catamaran, “Jeune France II”, for the French territorial community of Saint-Pierre et Miquelon, with delivery scheduled for September 2027. The vessel will replace the existing “Jeune France” operating between Saint-Pierre and Langlade Island. The project, valued at nearly EUR 4 million (USD 4.3 million), centres on a 22.5-metre-long catamaran with a 7.5-metre beam. Designed for a full-load displacement of 75 tonnes, it will accommodate up to 100 passengers. A key design challenge stems from the limited port infrastructure on Langlade Island. To address this, the vessel will feature beach-landing capability, allowing the bow to make controlled contact with the seabed. A hydraulic bow ramp is also included...

America’s three largest car manufacturers are bracing for a costly year, warning that rising commodity prices linked to the conflict in Iran could add roughly USD 5 billion to their costs. The disruption has tightened supplies of key materials such as aluminium and plastics, and may ultimately push up vehicle prices later in 2026. During last week’s first-quarter earnings updates, General Motors, Ford and Stellantis all pointed to mounting input costs. They highlighted pressures across logistics, energy, aluminium and DRAM memory chips as contributing factors. Also read: Double blow from the Middle East – aluminium supply disruptions and export challenges for the automobile industry General Motors has revised its forecast for commodity inflation in 2026 upwards, now expecting it to fall...

The iPhone 17 Pro Max has now been revealed, following a video leak from China, which highlighted the refurbishment process involved in bringing back its aluminium chassis. The device has been refurbished without changing the outer casing of the device itself. The video was posted on social media by an internet user, with the device showcasing obvious deformations around its side. There were numerous dents and scratches visible on its aluminium frame. This was done step by step, where the technician would focus on the broken part piece by piece. Precautions were taken during the process because the technician had to reshape the metal. Also Read: India cracks $50B iPhone exports, auto components are the next target with a 5 year CAGR of 14% - what it means for aluminium? As opposed to...

uCan-Packaging has unveiled a new seamless aluminium bottle design that moves away from the rounded look usually associated with metal packaging. The company’s latest container features sharp flat shoulders with near right-angle edges at the top and bottom, giving it a more structured appearance often seen in luxury glass packaging. The design is being positioned mainly for cosmetic and personal care products, where appearance plays a major role in branding. Also Read: Dull blades and aluminium foils: What a 0.23 friction coefficient means for cutting performance Creating that kind of shape with aluminium has traditionally been difficult because metal packaging is produced differently from plastic or glass containers. Rounded forms have generally been easier to manufacture, while sharper...

The global energy transition has reached a point where renewable policy and industrial metals are structurally interlocked. With one month into Q2 2026, solar installation subsidies and aluminium supply chains have formed a feedback loop that is actively redoing both markets. Aluminium, long described as ‘congealed electricity,’ sits at the centre of this convergence, with the solar PV sector accounting for around 87 per cent of incremental aluminium demand within renewables. What distinguishes the 2025-2026 phase is not growth, but correction. China’s solar PV subsidy withdrawal, the European Union’s conditional incentives, the US’ tightening domestic rules, and a sudden geopolitical-induced trade disruption in the Middle East have collectively dismantled the assumptions of the previous...

Ford Motor Company has raised its full-year earnings outlook by USD 500 million, supported by a sizeable tariff refund, even as rising aluminium costs and supply disruptions weigh on its operations, particularly for its flagship F-150 pickup. The automaker said a February ruling by the US Supreme Court, which struck down parts of the Trump-era tariffs, is expected to deliver USD 1.3 billion in relief. Ford recognised a paper gain from this anticipated refund in the first quarter, boosting earnings, though it cautioned that the timing of reimbursement remains uncertain. Despite the windfall, Ford’s upgraded guidance falls short of the total refund value, reflecting mounting cost pressures. The company now expects higher tariff-related expenses through the year, alongside elevated input...

Ardagh Metal Packaging SA reported its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026, showing revenue growth and improved earnings despite ongoing aluminium supply chain challenges. Revenue rose to USD 1.504 billion, up 19 per cent from USD 1.268 billion a year earlier, supported by higher input cost pass-through and favourable volume mix. Adjusted EBITDA increased 15 per cent to USD 179 million, exceeding the company’s guidance range. However, the company reported a net loss of USD 5 million, unchanged from the previous year. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " Global beverage can shipments declined by 1 per cent during the quarter. The Americas saw a 2 per cent drop, including a 5 per cent...

Leading American multinational packaging company, Crown Holdings, is planning to establish a two-line state-of-the-art aluminium beverage can manufacturing facility in Northern India. Its operations are said to start in the second half of 2027 with full capacity of 2.2 billion cans annually. Don’t miss out- Buyers are looking for your products on our B2B platform This facility is likely to meet India’s increasing demand for aluminium cans for alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, in line with the shift in consumer preferences and sustainability goals. The facility will incorporate advanced manufacturing technologies and adhere to global sustainability standards, representing Crown Holdings’ commitment to environmentally responsible packaging solutions. Also, the project will be backed by...

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...

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 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 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...

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...

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....

In the ongoing supply chain disruption, which is directly linked to the tension with Iran, Diet Coke is said to be the next victim. Why so? In many Indian cities, stock shortages are being faced by consumers because of the lack of availability of aluminium cans. Other than Diet Coke, this impact is also seen majorly in the Indian beer industry. Mumbai was the first city to face the supply issue, which has now reached Bengaluru, Pune and parts of Delhi-NCR. With the rising temperature, there is a surge in cola and beer demand and sales, where the retailers are reporting that their shelves are being emptied as soon as new stock arrives. Owing to this supply shortage, Coca-Cola India has not responded to inquiries, but industry insiders suggest that the shortage is particularly severe for...

As the geopolitical conflict in the Middle East disrupts the aluminium availability in the global automotive industry , Japan’s automotive sector comes into focus with a concerning exposure to supply chain vulnerability. Japan’s manufacturing sector is increasingly pressured as the Middle East conflict disruptions continue to affect aluminium supplies from the region. As companies usually maintain only about two months of inventory, the blockade of the critical shipping routes has prompted producers to reassess sourcing strategies and alternatives while scaling back output. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 across the value chain Japan’s dependence on the Middle East for importing aluminium becomes evident as the Japan...

U4 Marine, a shipyard in Turkey's Antalya Free Zone, has signed contracts for three new yacht builds. The projects include a 24-metre all-aluminium motor catamaran (U4801C), a 24-metre motor yacht (U4821), and a 22-metre motor yacht (U4721). All are due for delivery no later than the end of 2028. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " Details on the yachts are not public yet. U4 Marine stated it will share exterior and interior renderings, plus technical specs, once the design packages are complete. The yard focuses on custom motor yachts and catamarans, often using lightweight materials like aluminium and carbon for efficiency. Also read: Studies highlight aluminium’s potential as a safer alternative to...

Outdoor spaces are being thought about rather differently than they were a few years ago. What was once treated as an afterthought, somewhere to place a table or provide a bit of shade - is now often designed with the same care as an interior. El Yam Aluminium’s latest update reflects that shift, using its experience in aluminium pergolas to illustrate how expectations are changing across both private and commercial projects. Don’t miss out- Buyers are looking for your products on our B2B platform A clear takeaway is that the function alone is not enough anymore. The shade structures serve as a practical role but are highly expected to contribute to a part of the overall character of a space. A pergola or shaded walk area may define a seating area or simply make an outdoor setting feel...