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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Germany's renowned premium light alloy wheels manufacturer BOREBT, its wholly owned subsidiary DYMAG Technologies Ltd. and Advanced International MultiTech (AIM), a Taiwanese composite materials expert, have come together for the development of an advanced carbon wheel technology. Image source: borbet.de The collaboration focuses on enabling seamless integration of the OEM operations with carbon-hybrid wheels. DYMAG's patented BX-F design for this initiative is set to create new milestones in providing lightweight, high-performing wheel solutions. This shall meet the evolving demands in the automobile sector with a hike in efficiency, safety and performance, making it OEM-ready innovation. With the collaboration at focus, these firms aim to accelerate the development and industrialisation...
Global beverage giant The Coca-Cola Company and leading packaging manufacturer Toyo Seikan have jointly received the Research and Development Category prize at the 49th Kinoshita Award, hosted by the Japan Packaging Technology Association. The recognition comes for their groundbreaking achievement in developing the world’s lightest, most innovatively designed can for the 185g Georgia-brand coffee, launched in April 2024. The award celebrates the duo’s success in reducing material usage by 13 per cent compared to conventional cans of the same size, reducing the can body weight from 7.0 grams to an incredible 6.1 grams. This remarkable feat was made possible by Toyo Seikan’s proprietary Compression Bottom Reform (CBR) technology, which enhances can strength while minimising aluminium use....
Crown Holdings, Inc. has announced the promotion of Gary Gavin, currently President of the company’s North American Beverage Can business, to President of the Crown Americas Division, effective July 1, 2025. In this expanded role, Mr Gavin will oversee Crown’s beverage can operations across North America, Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico, as well as its North American tinplate businesses, which include food and aerosol cans and metal closures. He will report to Djalma Novaes, Jr, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, and will remain based in Tampa. Gary Gavin joined Crown in January 2023 after a distinguished 29-year career at International Paper Company (IP), where he held a series of increasingly senior roles spanning sales, operations, and general management. Djalma Novaes,...
Despite the widespread awareness about sustainability, confusion around recycling persists among consumers in the United Kingdom (UK), further leading to undermined efforts in circular packaging. Aquapak's research shows that nearly 70 per cent of British consumers are unaware of the proper packaging to recycle. As per the report drafted by Recycling Magazine, out of five people, only one person reads the recycling instructions behind the packaging and the demographic for this. People between the ages of 25 and 34, one out of three people, which constitutes 31 per cent, read the instructions, and when the age group reaches 65 and above, it drops to 17 per cent of the demographic reading it. Regarding understanding the instruction provided, nearly 10 per cent of British consumers believe...
BMW stole the spotlight once again at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este, where its Motorrad division pulled the wraps off the jaw-dropping RR concept, a glimpse into the future of the brand's next-generation superbike. Built with performance at its core, the RR concept is as much about speed as about striking presence. What truly capture attention are the exposed carbon fibre and aluminium elements, reflecting BMW's ambition to set a new standard in lightweight construction. Every component, from the frame to the sculpted aluminium tail, has been optimised for performance and efficiency. BMW has revealed that the bike is powered by a water-cooled inline four-cylinder engine, the same powerhouse used in motorcycles competing in the FIM Superbike World Championship. Delivering over 227...
The low-calorie beer market is experiencing remarkable growth, fuelled by consumers seeking healthier alternatives that still allow for enjoyment and celebration. From 2022 to 2024, the segment surged by 95.1 per cent, compared to a modest 2.8 per cent rise in regular beer sales, according to GlobalData. This growing preference for low-calorie options ranks among the top 10 consumer priorities, signalling a major shift in habits. Enter Gunnen, a pure malt low-carb beer designed to disrupt the category. With a forward-thinking concept tailored to evolving consumer expectations, Gunnen is poised to redefine the beer experience. Packed in an eye-catching aluminium can produced by Ardagh Metal Packaging (AMP), the cans feature thermochromic ink that changes colour when the beer reaches its...
Alufold Direct Limited, an aluminium door and window manufacturer based in Blackburn, UK, has been facing financial difficulties for some time now, during which a potential sale of the business ultimately fell through. Attempts to secure alternative funding also failed, leading the directors to conclude that the company could no longer continue operating in its current form. As a result, most of the 100 employees working at the aluminium door manufacturing company were laid off, typically due to restructuring, downsizing, or financial difficulties. Mark Hodgett, joint administrator and partner at FRP, said, "Alufold Direct is a recognised player in the UK aluminium fenestration market, but unfortunately, the business became increasingly constrained by liquidity pressures." The company...
India has achieved a futuristic shift by using aluminium formwork within the construction process, making it easier for the major builders. Extensive utilisation of aluminium formwork in concrete casting has led India to witness revolutionary growth in the overall construction sector. Image source: IndiaMART For concrete casting, aluminium formwork is utilised within the durable yet lightweight aluminium panels, aiding in traction for the big giants in the Indian construction sector. Some of the propitious in using the aluminium formwork are: Offers speed, cost-effectiveness and precision in attaining scalable building projects Faster construction cycles with reduced labour costs and improved quality control Efficient alternative to traditional Reinforced Concrete Construction (RCC) 100...
Concerns over slowing business continue to resurface as the United States’ steep tariffs on aluminium and steel imports weigh heavily on domestic manufacturing industries. While the packaging sector has repeatedly raised red flags, the building and construction industry is now warning of mounting challenges amid the newly raised 50 per cent import duty — an issue that remained unresolved in the US-China trade talks held on June 11. Image source: Autodesk American real estate and construction companies are largely drawing attention to the potential financial strain that aluminium and steel tariffs could impose, using hypothetical cost projections to illustrate the impact. In a recent webinar, Sarah Vakili, Senior Director of Business Planning and Strategy at Skanska USA Building, one of...
The 2025 Paris Air Show, started on June 16 at Le Bourget, is going beyond just showcasing aerospace wonders – it marks a key point for big players in the aluminium industry. Constellium's spot at Chalet B47 highlights the event’s dual focus on cutting-edge technology and green practices. Image source: Numix Core innovation: Airware® and sustainable performance At one of the most prestigious aerospace events, Constellium is showcasing its Airware® aluminium-lithium alloy, a unique solution created to build next-generation aircraft and spacecraft. Airware® excels with its high strength-to-weight ratio, lower density, and strong resistance to fatigue and corrosion. These characteristics make it perfect to construct lighter planes that use less fuel and produce fewer emissions. For a company...
Ovni, the French-built brand, is already turning heads for its newly launched all-aluminium 50ft centre boarder titled the Ovni 490. Designed by the renowned Mortain/Mavrikios team in collaboration with CBA, the yacht has been Crafted to meet what the French yard calls strong demand for a 50-footer with a pilothouse, this latest model marries rugged bluewater capability with refined, contemporary comfort. An all-aluminium centreboarder is a sailboat built entirely from aluminium and equipped with a pivoting centreboard instead of a fixed keel. This design offers key advantages - a shallow draft for exploring coastal and shallow waters, excellent resistance to impact and corrosion, and rugged durability ideal for long-distance cruising and off-the-grid adventures. Drawing inspiration from...
Four standout facilities of Ball Corporation, an American aluminium manufacturing company in Colorado, have received the prestigious award "Plant of the Year" in various regions across the globe. These regions include Paraguay and Manaus in South America, the Kettering plant in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and the Bowling Green facility in North & Central America. Image source: ball.com Three cheers for Paraguay & Manaus Paraguay continues to set the benchmark for the third time in a row by earning the Dream Team Award. The award was not only provided on the grounds of production but also by the people working within the facility and their dedication to meeting the purpose of all the aluminium cans made. Moreover, the Paraguay team believes quality is not something to set but...
As Indian and U.S. officials engaged in closed-door negotiations to finalise trade deals ahead of July’s tariff hikes, a parallel development added friction to an already delicate situation. The Trump administration formally rejected India’s request for consultations at the World Trade Organization (WTO)—its second such attempt—this time over the steep 25 per cent tariff on auto parts. Image source: vecteezy.com The juxtaposition of collaborative trade discussions and WTO resistance has triggered a wave of speculation about Washington’s real intentions. While on one hand, Trump has defended its position by citing national security grounds, which exempts the tariff from WTO jurisdiction, on the other, he has expressed his willingness to hold one-on-one discussions with India on the auto...
Sunjay J. Kapur, the prominent chairman of Sona Comstar and former President of the Automotive Components Manufacturers Association (ACMA), tragically passed away at the age of 53. The industrialist suffered a fatal cardiac arrest while playing polo in the United Kingdom, in a sudden incident reportedly triggered by an insect sting or swallowing during the match. In a poignant parallel to his demise, just hours prior, Kapur had expressed condolences on X for the victims of the June 12 Air India flight crash in Ahmedabad (India), “Terrible news of the tragic Air India crash in Ahmedabad. My thoughts and prayers are with all the families affected. May they find strength in this difficult hour.” Kapur, who steered Sona Comstar into a global auto components powerhouse, was not only an...
Stockholm-based packaging tech innovator Meadow and Novelis, the global leader in sustainable aluminium solutions is embarking on a new partnership to enhance the circularity within the packaging chain. Through this newly signed agreement, Novelis joins Meadow’s trusted network of aluminium supply chain partners bringing world-class expertise and a strong sustainability focus to support Meadow’s cutting-edge packaging solutions. The partnership supports a shared ambition to boost the use of recycled aluminium in producing Meadow’s innovative pre-fill solution the Meadow KAPSUL ™ advancing its mission to create a more circular and sustainable option for the global consumer packaging market. With Novelis now on board, alongside industry leaders like Ball Corporation, DRT Holdings, and...
Crown Holdings, Inc., the U.S.-based global packaging company specialised in beverage and food cans packaging, has announced that Carlos Baila intends to step down as President of Asia Pacific region, effective June 30, 2025. As a replacement, Dr John Rost, currently serving as the Senior Vice President, will take the position from July 01, 2025. Image source: crowncork.com/ Dr Rost has been the firm's senior vice president of technology, sustainability, and regulatory affairs since 1997 and has been in a highly responsible position. He successfully developed a global regulatory team throughout his time at the company. He further instrumented in creating and leading the firm's current sustainability team, which launched the firm's globally acclaimed Twentyby30 program. Later, in 2023, he...
Freshwrapp, the flagship food packaging brand from Hindalco, has rolled out its latest nationwide campaign titled, “Bacteria ki Entry ko Rokey” with none other than renowned chef and author Vikas Khanna leading the charge. At the heart of the campaign is the introduction of the Freshlock Shield, a powerful promise of protection featuring aluminium that helps block bacteria from entering your food. The message is clear: when it comes to keeping food fresh, safe, and hygienic, Freshwrapp aluminium foil outperforms old-school methods like cloth, newspaper, or tissue. Speaking on the collaboration, Chef Vikas Khanna said, “Food is one of the purest expressions of love in every Indian home—but how we store that food is often taken for granted. I’ve used aluminium foil often as it’s hygienic,...
For the first time in the Middle East, Dubai played host to the ‘Every Can Counts Global Managers Meeting’ a dynamic four-day event that brought together sustainability champions and communications experts from more than 21 countries. This landmark gathering marked a pivotal moment for the innovative programme, which is dedicated to inspiring people to recycle their aluminium cans wherever they are. Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), the UAE’s largest industrial company outside the oil and gas sector, joined forces with leading can-makers Crown and CANPACK to introduce the Every Can Counts programme in the UAE during COP28. This initiative is designed to encourage consumers to sort and recycle aluminium cans, supporting efforts to reduce emissions and conserve valuable resources. A global...
