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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Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) is introducing Schweppes Mix, a new range of ready-to-drink cocktails in 250ml aluminium cans. This brings Schweppes' renowned mixer expertise to the pre-mixed cocktail market for the first time and is expected to launch nationwide in April. With a legacy rooted in trust, flavour, and craftsmanship, Schweppes has been a staple in the mixer industry for both bartenders and consumers. Now, the company is elevating the ready-to-drink cocktail experience by combining premium spirits, perfectly balanced flavours, and its signature high-quality mixers, all packaged in a sleek, single-serve can for ultimate convenience. Gin Twist and Paloma Bliss are the two new flavours that will be launched in 250ml aluminium cans. Schweppes Mix is the perfect choice for...
Whispers of a lighter Apple Vision headset have been floating around for months, and they resurfaced with fresh momentum recently. According to a report by Bloomberg, the tech giant is planning to incorporate both aluminium and titanium, with the former gracing the outer shells, maintaining its sleek, familiar look and holding onto its sustainability factor. On the other hand, rumours suggest that titanium will feature in the internal structures of future Vision Pro models. Adding to the intrigue, the leaker tease suggests that the new, lighter model could sport a colour palette inspired by the iconic black finish of the iPhone 5 era — a nostalgic nod wrapped in cutting-edge innovation. Aluminium is a key component of Apple’s sustainability strategy, with the company making notable...
Just weeks after unveiling the Oppo Reno 13 and Reno 13 Pro in India, fresh leaks are already stirring excitement about the next chapter in the Reno series. Shared by renowned tipster Digital Chat Station on Weibo, the leaked images hint that the upcoming Oppo Reno 14 is taking a stylish trip down memory lane — showcasing a design that seems to draw heavy inspiration from classic iPhone models, especially the iconic iPhone 12. Given that the Reno 13 and Reno 13 Pro both featured durable aluminium mid-frames, it is likely that the Reno 14 will continue this trend, aiming for a sturdy yet refined construction. It remains uncertain whether the Reno 14 will include the rumoured “Magic Cube” button, a feature speculated to debut with the Oppo Reno 14 Pro. Although Oppo hasn't officially...
Maxion Wheels, a global leader in wheel manufacturing, announced its participation in Transport Logistic 2025, scheduled from June 2–5 in Munich, Germany, where it will reportedly showcase its latest commercial vehicle wheel offerings, including its newly introduced forged aluminium truck wheels, aiming to meet the evolving demands of the transportation industry. Image source: maxionwheels.com The new line of aluminium truck wheels features the most in-demand sizes and is available in three premium finishes, delivering top-tier durability and visual appeal. Thanks to aluminium’s lightweight properties, the wheels also enhance fuel efficiency and increase payload capacity. Mark Gerardts, Chief Executive Officer of Maxion Wheels, stated, “Our new forged aluminium wheels not only complete...
Construction Éco-bâtiment, in partnership with ACAL System, unveiled the world’s first aluminium volumetric apartments in Québec, Canada. The project, named Lofts de l’Aluminium, also called ‘a world-first’, was developed to promote sustainable and efficient housing solutions. The six-unit, three-storey complex showcases the potential of aluminium in modular construction. Image source: eco-batiment.ca From a carbon perspective, the aluminium used in the project is produced in Québec using hydroelectricity, considered one of the greenest power sources globally. Its use in prefabricated volumetric modules, built off-site and assembled on-site, combined with EPS insulation, reduced foundation needs and costs by around 30 per cent. The collaboration between Construction Éco-bâtiment and ACAL...
In celebration of Earth Day on Tuesday, April 22nd, the spirit of sustainability has taken a bold and artistic form in Preston’s Avenham Park. Every Can Counts (ECC), the non-profit organisation that promotes recycling of aluminium beverage cans has unveiled a striking new installation at the Avenham Park in Preston to highlight the importance of recycling. Created from more than 700 recycled drink cans, the '#EveryCanCounts CANvas' is a collaborative effort between the non-profit recycling initiative Every Can Counts and Preston City Council. The ‘CANvas’ was brought to life by local mural artist Shawn Sharpe, renowned for his vibrant work across the North West and his mural workshops for both children and adults in Preston. Shawn painted the Earth Day-themed artwork directly onto the...
Researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) have found that partially replacing copper in EV conductors with aluminium can reduce vehicle weight and improve energy efficiency. They propose using cold welding to combine the strengths of both metals without sacrificing conductivity. In this process, aluminium and copper bond at the atomic level along the contact surface. While higher temperatures typically improve mixing, they also tend to produce brittle intermetallic phases—crystals that form between the metals and hinder conductivity. Cold welding helps avoid these, preserving electrical performance. To prevent the formation of brittle crystals, researchers at NTNU have developed a new method called Hybrid Metal Extrusion and Bonding (HYB). PhD research...
The United Kingdom aerosol industry marked a return to growth phase in 2024 after a three-years declining notion, with total production rising to 1.45 billion units, a 1.97 per cent increase over 2023. After a prolonged period of stagnation between 2021 and 2023, where production hovered around 1.44 billion units, this uptick signals renewed momentum for the sector. The figures, released by the British Aerosol Manufacturers Association (BAMA), are based on contributions from UK-based fillers and are considered a reliable snapshot of current market activity. Alike world trend, UK’s personal care aerosols continue to dominate, accounting for approximately 75 per cent of all fillings in 2024. According to retail sales data from Kantar World Panel, this category saw a 3 per cent increase over...
British startup Longbow, founded by former Tesla and Lucid engineers, has unveiled two groundbreaking electric sports cars, the Speedster and Roadster, marking the debut of the world's first featherweight electric vehicles. These models aim to redefine electric performance by combining ultra-lightweight design with high-end engineering. Image source: Longbow Motors Central to Longbow's innovation is its bespoke aluminium chassis, which provides exceptional stiffness while minimising weight. The Speedster weighs just 1,973 pounds and the Roadster comes in at 2,194 pounds, both significantly lighter than typical electric vehicles. This lightweight construction enhances agility and efficiency, offering a unique driving experience. Performance-wise, the Speedster accelerates from 0 to 60...
On April 15, 2025, Steelforce Packaging, a global leader in metal trading and packaging solutions, announced its business expansion with the launch of a dedicated Aluminium Division. This move represents the company’s sustainable commitment and diversification goal in key global markets. The company also named the Global Director of Aluminum Business Unit. as Angelica Papageorgiou, demonstrating a promptness in its decision. Image source: LinkedIn The expansion of focus Consumers worldwide are increasingly seeking products that are sustainable and endlessly recyclable. This unmatched demand is only possible to be fulfilled by aluminium which is believed to be the future of the global packaging industry. With this launch, the company can now offer a full spectrum of metal packaging...
Aluminium has become a vital material in pharmaceutical packaging. It acts as a robust barrier against moisture, oxygen, and light—key environmental factors that can degrade the safety and effectiveness of medications. Ten Acres Pharmacy, led by sustainability champion Dr Sonya Frausto, is ushering in a new era of eco-conscious pharmaceutical care. As the first pharmacy in Sacramento to adopt Pillumina's durable, fully recyclable aluminium bottles, Ten Acres is setting a powerful precedent for local businesses striving to minimise waste and promote sustainability in healthcare. To know more about the use of aluminium in the pharmaceutical sector, get your hands on AL Circle's report on Packaging . Last year, over 7 billion prescriptions were filled in the U.S., but only 3 per cent of...
Saint James Iced Tea, the fastest-growing iced tea brand in the US, announced a major packaging expansion at the beginning of this month. The brand introduced 100 per cent recyclable aluminium bottles, besides its previous tetra packaging. This milestone highlights Saint James’ commitment to sustainable production, while continuing to offer the premium organic iced tea that defines its leadership in the category. Image source: saintjamesicedtea Aluminium bottles mark a significant step in Saint James’s end-to-end sustainability journey. Paired with ethically farmed ingredients from certified organic and fair trade sources, the aluminium bottle reduces energy use and embraces infinitely recyclable materials, helping to cut down landfill waste. The launch also introduces a refreshed label...
Fagerhult, the sustainable lighting company has announced the use of extruded aluminium profiles made with 75 per cent recycled content from end-of-life products. This material is now integrated into high-volume product families—where it can have the greatest impact. The move is expected to lower Fagerhult’s carbon footprint by approximately 225 tonnes of CO₂e annually. The change applies to products sold in larger volumes. Models such as Notor 65, Notor Recessed, Notor 36, Fjord, Vil, Multilume Hydro, and Sentra are now manufactured using recycled aluminium. This initiative is part of Fagerhult’s ongoing, systematic sustainability efforts and marks a significant step toward reducing Scope 3 emissions—those indirect greenhouse gas emissions associated with purchased materials. Fagerhult’s...
Chrysler is set to celebrate a century of automotive innovation in 2025, marking 100 years since its founding. From April 16-27, the brand will take centre stage at the 2025 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS), which itself commemorates 125 years. This dual milestone will spotlight Chrysler’s evolution with a showcase of three key models representing its past, present and future. Image source: Chrysler At the heart of the exhibit will be the 1924 Chrysler Six, the brand’s first production car, which introduced engineering breakthroughs like aluminium pistons and hydraulic brakes, cutting-edge for its time. Alongside it, the 2025 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid exemplifies Chrysler’s present-day leadership in the minivan segment, boasting class-exclusive Stow 'n Go seating and hybrid...
i2r Packaging Solutions, a UK-based manufacturer of aluminium trays, has added another range of sustainable containers. The company has expanded its Ultra container range with the introduction of a new 260mm x 260mm x 50mm format. Specifically developed for large ready-to-cook meals and multi-portion food items, the company highlights that this latest addition offers improved strength while maintaining a lightweight design. Set to launch soon with a premium retailer for pasta-based family meals, the new tray provides a direct alternative to conventional packaging solutions. Tom Cliffe, i2r’s sales director, said, “This profile fills a niche for manufacturers producing large, premium ready-to-cook products. The Ultra design offers a distinct competitive advantage in strength and shelf...
Adventure just got a sleek new sidekick! Jeep has pulled the wraps off its 2025 Wagoneer Overland Special Edition at the New York International Auto Show and the Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah. Limited to just 2,000 units, this off-road beast blends rugged strength with refined charm perfect for thrill-seekers with a taste for luxury. Image source: Jeep Aluminium plays a pivotal role in the Overland’s design. The SUV rides on 20-inch aluminium wheels paired with 32-inch all-terrain tyres, enhancing durability and reducing unsprung weight. This contributes to improved handling and fuel efficiency, aligning with sustainable automotive practices. Built on the Series II trim, the Overland Edition boasts a Quadra-Drive II 4x4 system with an electronic limited-slip differential and a...
On April 11, 2025, the United States International Trade Commission (USITC) reportedly determined to issue antidumping duty orders and countervailing duty orders that imports of disposable aluminium containers, pans, trays, and lids from China are causing material injury to the US industry. The Commission found that these products are sold in the US at less than fair value and are subsidised by the Chinese government. This decision follows a complaint filed in May 2024 by the Aluminum Foil Container Manufacturers Association (AFCMA) and its member companies, including Durable Packaging International, Handi-foil Corp., and Reynolds Consumer Products. USITC plans to publicly post its full report about the aluminium container determination by May 26, 2025. Image for representational purposes...
As Expo 2025 Osaka begins, the UK Pavilion welcomes visitors with the theme 'Come Build the Future—a tribute to British creativity'. Wrapped in a pixelated skin of folded, perforated aluminium panels, the pavilion's façade shifts gently with the changing daylight and transforms after dark to reveal a glowing Union Jack. This dynamic, light-responsive surface pays homage to the origins of programmable technology—such as punch cards, looms, and binary code—while drawing a thread from Britain's historic textile industries to its modern-day leadership in gaming, digital design, and systems thinking. Designed by London-based WOO architects, the pavilion features a striking, angular modular design that reflects the nation's journey from the Industrial Revolution to the digital era, blending...
