France-headquartered Drone Volt has unveiled its Hercules 100 heavy-lift cargo drone, combining an aluminium-and-carbon chassis with a payload capacity of up to 100 kilogrammes (kg). Introduced in flight at the UAV Show in Bordeaux on October 9, 2026, the foldable octocopter is designed for industrial logistics, civil protection, firefighting and defence. Designed and assembled in France, the aircraft marks the company’s move from the 25 kilogrammes class to a 100 kilogrammes payload platform. Aluminium and carbon highlight the design The Hercules 100 has a maximum take-off weight of 197 kg. It weighs 52 kg without batteries and 97 kg with its battery pack, leaving capacity for a full 100 kg payload. Its chassis combines aluminium and carbon fibre, with a wheelbase of 3,300 mm. When...
Bering Yachts has presented the first hull of its BC60 aluminium explorer catamaran, marking the shipyard’s move to a twin-hull platform while retaining the long-range capability and structural robustness associated with its established explorer vessels. The 18.9-metre vessel has already been delivered and is afloat, with founder and CEO Alexei Mikhailov providing a detailed walkthrough of its design and onboard systems. Measuring 18.9 metres (60 feet) in length overall, with an 8.6-metre beam, the BC60 is designed as a displacement explorer rather than a high-speed production catamaran. Its all-aluminium construction, shallow draft and substantial fuel capacity are intended to support extended passages and greater autonomy at sea. The vessel has a draft of 1.58 metres and carries more...
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Amidst growing concern over the future of UK automotive manufacturing, British sports car maker Lotus has moved to reassure the government that it remains committed to its Norfolk roots. At an urgent meeting on Sunday, the company confirmed to Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds that it has no plans to close its Norfolk factory despite preparing to resume production following a reduction in US tariffs. In a statement on X, it said, "Lotus Cars is continuing normal operations; there are no plans to close any factory," 1,300 UK jobs saved The meeting was prompted by reports that Lotus was considering shifting sports car production to the US, an option that could have put 1,300 UK jobs at risk and marked a significant setback for the country's car industry. Lotus's Chinese parent company,...
The US beverage can industry aims to offset its manufacturing cost inflation by using recycled aluminium, which is exempt from the 50 per cent tariff on aluminium and steel. By using recycled aluminium, the entire industry would shield nearly 70 billion cans, an industry valued at USD 36.95 billion in 2024, from potential financial threats and loss. Recently, the Trump administration has applied a 50 per cent tariff on imports of consumer packaged goods made from aluminium and steel, creating a robust tension among manufacturers. However, this created a nudge towards using recycled aluminium for beverage can packaging. US beverage can production According to the IMARC report, the aluminium beverage can production in the US in 2024 was 155.8 Billion Units and is expected to reach 209.7...
Dirty Labs, an award-winning brand, is revolutionising the entire home cleaning process through the launch of new innovative Bio Enzyme Liquid Dish Soap in a sustainable package. The green chemistry formula is used in this particular dish soap, which is available starting June 17. This Liquid dish soap is packed up in a recyclable, sustainable, and eco-friendly aluminium bottle. Apart from this new dish soap, the company has been using other sustainable packaging materials for many of its products, such as bio-enzyme laundry detergent, which mostly uses cardboard and wooden scoops across all its products. However, the inclusion of aluminium is a first for the consumable manufacturing brand. Image source: Dirty Labs David Watkins, Dirty Labs’ Co-Founder and CEO, said, “Dirty Labs exists to...
With the rising demand for electric vehicles and electronic devices, the development of high-capacity, fast-charging, and cost-effective rechargeable batteries has become increasingly urgent. Aluminium-ion batteries (AIBs) have emerged as a promising candidate thanks to aluminium's abundant reserves, high theoretical capacity, and excellent safety profile. However, their practical capacity remains limited, primarily due to the shortcomings of current cathode materials. This is where Researchers from China's Jiangnan University and Dalian University of Technology came into the spotlight. The team developed innovative MoS₂/rGO nanoflower cathodes for aluminium-ion batteries (AIBs). While AIBs hold significant promise due to aluminium's abundance, high theoretical capacity, and strong safety...
In the global automotive industry, the implications of stricter emission regulations and fuel efficiency targets have created an urgency for manufacturers to adopt efficient technologies with lightweight components. Mahindra, an Indian automobile manufacturing company, is now slowly shifting from steel to aluminium and here's everything you need to know about the transition. Image source: pinterest.com Over the past twenty years, Mahindra has methodically redesigned its powertrain systems, which include internal combustion engines (ICEs) and electric drivetrains, to reduce weight, enhance thermal efficiency and prepare platforms for strict regulations such as India's BS6 and upcoming CAFE standards. This lightweight effort was not the result of one major innovation but rather a gradual,...
Investing in one of the best suitcases goes far beyond functionality; it’s about expressing your style and intent every step of the journey. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or gearing up for that one special trip, the luggage you travel with makes a statement as powerful as the outfits packed inside. And today’s modern travellers want that statement to reflect more than taste - they want it to speak of purpose. A purpose where along with admiring the beauty of the world, travellers also seek a luggage that blends aesthetics with environmental responsibility. Enter Samsonite and HUGO BOSS with their latest collection of aluminium capsule luggage - sustainable bag makers on a mission to shape the future of travel, infusing creativity and sustainability and challenging industry norms....
Anheuser-Busch’s recently proposed USD 17 million investment is turning up a fizz in Houston! The manufacturer of Budweiser, Bud Light, ULTRA, Busch Light, and Stella Artois, is investing a fortune in its Houston brewery as part of “Brewing Futures” initiative. Source credit: WebWire The recently announced USD 17 million investments is part of Anheuser-Busch’s USD 300 million ventures for strengthening the manufacturing capacity, ensuring sustainability and enhancing US jobs. In today’s news, it is reported that over the last three years, almost USD 50 million has been invested in the Houston brewery of Anheuser-Busch. With a continuous investment for over 165 years in its employees, local communities, and breweries, the iconic brewer has been strengthening manufacturing hubs in America....
Sustainability is now right on track with London North Eastern Railway (LNER) trains, which range between Scotland and London, offering new spirits by Dutch Barn Vodka, Farm Distillery's Y-Gin, and Scottish Common Ground Whiskey, all packed in a 100 per cent postconsumer recycled aluminium bottle. These collaborations share common values, all of which point to sustainability. Image source: linkedin.com Dutch Barn Vodka, well known for its ultra-smooth flavour, and Y-Gin, for its distinctive London Dry-style gin, champion Yorkshire's culinary heritage through a blend of botanicals and an eco-conscious twist. Meanwhile, Scottish Common Ground Whiskey is a new in-line spirit released by Brand Tap Group. These partnerships among the three companies demonstrate a commitment to sustainability...
Canned food producers in the United States are voicing growing concern over the disruptions caused by the country’s unpredictable trade policies. Andy Russick, a canned fruits and tomatoes manufacturer, has highlighted how rising tariffs have led to surging raw material costs, calling the strategy only a blunt tool to counter cheap Chinese imports. Previously, soft drink, beer and pre-packaged food companies had also echoed similar concerns. With heightened tariffs on aluminium and steel imports, questions are now mounting over the future direction of global packaging—are we heading towards more instability and rising costs in the supply chain? Before entering the trade war, the packaging sector faced challenges in imports of Chinese fruit cocktails, similar canned foods, and vegetables...
A symbol of Italian ingenuity and style on wheels, Fiat has always managed to grab the spotlight. Be it for their stylish outlook or for their comfort, Fiat has always tried to stand above people’s expectations. This time, the Italian automobile manufacturer has made headlines by becoming the first carmaker to incorporate PolyAl for its flagship Fiat Grande Panda. This clearly proves that the aluminium recycling market is not just booming but also coming up with endless possibilities. Each Fiat Grande Panda model includes PolyAl, a recycled composite extracted from the thin layers of polyethylene and aluminium found in everyday drink cartons. Derived from around 140 recycled beverage cartons, now cleverly repurposed into the car’s central console, dashboard, and interior front and rear...
What if every sip you take is a mixture of taste and sustainability at the same time? This is what Cia. Müller de Bebidas, the iconic maker of Cachaça 51, has recently launched. Just in time for the 2025 June festivities, the limited-edition Cachaça 51 and Cachaça 51 Ouro is already turning heads with a bold, eye-catching makeover packed in the new aluminium cans, adorned with unique designs inspired by the woodcut art of renowned Pernambuco artist J. Borges. “As a strategy, we brought together two Brazilian icons, Cachaça 51 and the art of J. Borges, to create packaging that pays homage to this tradition with great respect and identity,” said Marina Flávia da Silva, head of Marketing and Trade Marketing at the company. Known for its unique colour palette and bold imagery, Borges captures...
Huawei, the Chinese multinational cooperation and technology company, has finally launched its much-awaited smartphone – the nova Y73 in the Philippines. Designed for everyday hustle, this affordable smartphone punches well above its weight both in power and durability. Wrapped in aerospace-grade aluminium alloy, the latest smartphone isn’t just long-lasting but is built to survive the chaos of daily life, combining style with strength. Thanks to 360° full fall resistance, 1.8-meter drop protection, and the ability to withstand 65kg of pressure, the Nova Y73 is rugged where it counts. A spacious 6.67-inch Eye Comfort Display that’s easy on the eyes during those binge-watch sessions, this smartphone comes with an IP64 rating, which means that it can handle dust and splashes like a pro. And...
Australia-based East Coast Canning + Printing is set to launch its latest game-changing creation, the ‘BulletProof’, hailed as the world’s most durable digitally printed can. This outcome results from three years of relentless innovation and precision testing. This proprietary breakthrough redefines what digital Printing can achieve. Packed in sustainable and recyclable aluminium cans, this game-changing innovation is designed to withstand the toughest conditions without compromising visual brilliance, BulletProof offers unmatched durability, expanded creative freedom for brand designers, and rock-solid integrity for labels and logos - sip after sip. “Digitally printed aluminium cans present an incredible opportunity for sustainable packaging across almost every beverage category, from...
Due to a sweeping debt restructuring at Ardagh Group, billionaire Paul Coulson, who has worked at the global packaging giant for over 35 years, will have to relinquish his control over the company. Creditors will take over the charge by paying Coulson USD 250 million in return as part of the proposed deal. Image source: logonoid.com With the USD 250 million, Coulson is asked to exit his powers over the Group's glass operations and stakes in AMP. It has surfaced that the firm is undertaking debt restructuring due to heavy debt worth USD 12.5 billion, where bonds will refinance roughly USD 2.5 billion by August 2026, besides undertaking recapitalisation efforts. Currently, AMP's 76 per cent is owned by the Ardagh Group, which reportedly had greater financial performance in the recent...
In the first quarter of 2025, Farther Finance Advisors LLC increased their holdings in Ball Corporation by 51.3 per cent, owning 1,474 post-purchase shares after purchasing an additional 500 shares in the same timeframe. As per the recent filing with the US Securities and Exchange (SEC), the organisation holds shares worth USD 77,000 in Ball Corporation. Based on reports shared by multiple research analysts, Truist Financial, back in April 2022, cut their target price of Ball's shares from USD 65 to USD 58, setting a "buy" rating. On the same note, on April 7, UBS Group lowered its target share price from USD 55 to USD 54, marking it as a "neutral" rating. Additionally, on April 15, Mizuho lowered its share price target from USD 63 to USD 58, setting it as an "outperform" rating. On the...
When President Trump invoked Section 232 ‘national security’ tariffs on imported auto parts (effective May 3, 2025), it was a uniform 25 per cent duty on key systems from transmissions to lithium-ion batteries. Panic spread far and wide! And then, to temper the immediate cost shock for US automakers, the Department of Commerce rolled out an ‘Offset Credit’ mechanism. But, answers to what exactly the mechanism is, how to leverage it, and how beneficial the mechanism can be for US automakers and global businesses are found scattered across the board. Image for referential purposes only In 2024, the United States of America solidified its position as the world’s leading market for automotive products, importing a record USD 474.3 billion worth of vehicles, engines and parts while exporting...
Sonoco Products Company, a global leader in sustainable, value-added packaging, including steel and aluminium, has announced the appointment of Paul Joachimczyk as Chief Financial Officer, effective June 30, 2025. Joachimczyk brings extensive financial leadership experience, having most recently served as Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Corporate Secretary at American Woodmark Corporation, one of the largest cabinet manufacturers in the United States. Before that, he held the role of Vice President of Finance at TopBuild Corp., a construction services and distribution company headquartered in Daytona Beach, Florida. His earlier career includes finance leadership roles at Stanley Black & Decker, as well as General Electric’s Healthcare and Capital Markets divisions. “We...
Whittley Marine Group, a leading Australian trailer boat manufacturer and retailer, has broadened its lineup with the launch of the new Whittley AL Series, a range of aluminium boats that are now available at all five Whittley Boating Centre locations nationwide. The AL Series features six compact aluminium boat, motor, and trailer (BMT) packages, each under 5.5 metres in length. Designed to offer budget-friendly, ready-to-launch options for Australian boating enthusiasts, the series includes a variety of popular styles such as bow riders, side consoles, centre consoles, runabouts, and open tiller steer models. Whittley Marine Group’s General Manager, Brock Cohen, stated that the introduction of aluminium models supports the company’s strategic vision of delivering a comprehensive trailer...
