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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Get ready, sports fans! The World Aquatics Championships 2025 is splashing into Singapore from July 11 to August 2 and it's creating ripples for all the right reasons. For the very first time, a Southeast Asian nation is hosting this massive event, with the Singapore Sports Hub and Sentosa Island being its pride. Image source: SwimSwam But here's the highlight: The medals. They're not only shiny – they're sustainable! Here is to the "Trash to Treasure" programme, where all championship medals will be crafted from recycled aluminium cans. Now, where are all these aluminium cans coming from? The organisers have partnered with five PAP Community Foundation pre-schools, eight primary schools and three secondary schools to collect 100,000 aluminium cans. Their plan is to turn them into 5,000...
The demand for aluminium in the packaging sector is primarily driven by beverage cans. Key factors fuelling the rising demand for beverage cans include the growing younger consumer base, the introduction of new product variations, and heightened environmental awareness among stakeholders. As per the data shared by Metal Packager, the global aluminium cans market is poised for significant growth. The projection suggests a hike from $61.1 billion in 2024 to $63.2 billion by 2025 and further expands to $94.5 billion by 2035. However, if we see the analysis by AL Circle, published in their report titled , "ALuminium in Packaging: Consumer trends and market dynamics", the global aluminium cans market in 2023 reached US$55.5 billion in 2023, which further escalated to US$58.2 billion in 2024....
Award-winning actress and entrepreneur Millie Bobby Brown is expanding the Florence By Mills Coffee lineup through a partnership with Collab Coffee, a leading coffee brand. The latest addition—ready-to-drink iced lattes—will be packed in recyclable aluminium cans and made with real milk. Image Source: Florence By Mills Coffee lineup Crafted for on-the-go enjoyment, these canned lattes blend popular flavours with a smooth, creamy finish, delivering a delicious coffee experience. Consumers can now find them on Walmart.com. All four flavours are available on Walmart.com in a six-pack, single-flavour format for $14.88. Individual cans of Original Chill, Vanilla Bliss, and Mocha Delight will soon be available at select Walmart stores. “Millie’s fans are year-round iced coffee enthusiasts, so...
Are you excited? iPhone has again created hype among the audience with its upcoming iPhone 17 pro leaks earlier this year. As per the latest information the upcoming model is touted to showcase more upgraded specifications. Apple’s iPhones have consistently set the pace, redefining the boundaries of technology and design. With the rumours of the much-awaited iPhone 17 pro around the corner, rumours suggest that the flagship smartphone is set to debut with a sleek, redesigned aluminium frame, an expanded camera island, and the cutting-edge A19 Pro chip. Meanwhile, Apple’s 2025 lineup could also welcome the ultra-slim iPhone 17 Air, blending style with performance. Although the iPhone 16 series is still fresh and a top seller, tech analysts and Apple enthusiasts are already buzzing with...
A new state-of-the-art aluminium cans manufacturing and beverage bottling plant is set to begin operations in Uzbekistan. Backed by East Can Solutions, a foreign-invested enterprise, the upcoming facility is expected to begin operations in June 2025. With a total investment of $90 million, including an $18 million loan from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the plant aims to reduce reliance on imported aluminium packaging while opening new opportunities for the country to access international markets. This will also drive export growth. Around 30 per cent of the plant's output will be supplied to Russia, Kazakhstan, and other CIS countries, with potential annual export revenues reaching $50 million. Located within the "Yangi Avlod" Free Economic Zone in Tashkent, the facility...
Ardagh Metal Packaging (AMP), a global leader in supplying sustainable and infinitely recyclable metal beverage cans, has reported strong financial outcomes for 2024, supported by robust operations and a comprehensive sustainability strategy. Image source: Ardagh Metal Packaging Backed by 4 per cent growth in European beverage can shipments and 2 per cent in American shipments, the Luxembourg-headquartered company achieved a revenue of $4,908 million in 2024, up by 2 per cent Y-o-Y from $4,812 million in 2023. The European business unit contributed USD 2,161 million to the Group's annual revenue, while the Americas business unit added USD 2,747 million. Ardagh's Adjusted EBITDA grew by 12 per cent from $600 million to $672 million, resulting in a minimised loss per share. According to the...
The US Department of Commerce has reportedly determined the excessive imports of disposable aluminium containers, pans, trays, and lids from China sold at unfairly low prices in the US market. As a result, the department has set final anti-dumping duties ranging from 193.90 per cent to 287.80 per cent, along with countervailing duties of 317.85 per cent. This decisive action, backed by the Aluminum Foil Container Manufacturers Association (AFCMA), will be applicable to imports entering the US 90 days before the preliminary rulings, addressing a significant rise in Chinese imports. The findings of insurmountable volumes of imports stemmed from an investigation after petitions being filed by AFCMA and some of its members for seeking relief. Further investigations will take place by the US...
Death Wish Coffee Co., the top-selling Fair Trade coffee brand in the U.S., has introduced its newest creation: premium aluminium canned lattes. Available in three bold flavours — Vanilla, Mocha, and Original — these lattes deliver the signature strength Death Wish Coffee is known for while catering to the growing demand for clean, convenient energy options. With aluminium canned coffee being the go-to choice for Gen Z and Millennials, the market has been missing a healthier alternative that aligns with their dynamic lifestyles — until now. Aluminium stands at the forefront of the circular economy thanks to its ability to be infinitely recycled without losing its original properties. In this sustainable cycle, aluminium cans emerge as the most eco-friendly beverage packaging option. Each...
Westlake Royal Building Products™ ("Westlake Royal"), a subsidiary of Westlake, has expanded its Cedar Renditions™ aluminium siding collection. The U.S. lineup now features five new solid colours — Aluzinc, Ironstone, Charcoal, Frost, and Black Silk — while a new premium woodgrain finish, Natural Whitewash, is available in the U.S. and Canada. Image Source: Westlake Royal The new colours introduce a fresh, versatile palette, giving homeowners and designers more choices to create their ideal aesthetic. Each shade brings its own distinct character, adding depth and style to any design: Aluzinc — A sleek, metallic grey, Aluzinc delivers a modern, monochromatic look, perfect for builders and architects seeking contemporary style. Ironstone — A striking evolution of charcoal, the shade brings...
A few years back, the word ‘nothing’ had little significance in our daily lives. But today, standing here in 2025, the tables have turned – ‘Nothing’ is not just another word but a brand that stands out in its own form. Image Source: Nothing website Premium design, fast charging & lots more Founded by OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei in 2020, the British consumer electronics manufacturer based in London has finally unveiled its much-awaited mid-range smartphone - the (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro series. Departing from the plastic and back panel of the previous Phone (2a) and (2a) Plus, the new Phone (3a) series now features aluminium and glass, delivering a more premium feel and enhanced durability. The mid-range smartphone market has seen little innovation, leaving a gap for something new....
Hindustan Power, a leader in renewable energy focusing on the Indian market, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Assam to invest INR 620 crore (US$ 70.96) in renewable energy projects. The company, led by Ratul Puri, signed the MoU for its upcoming 100 MW battery energy storage facility and 100 MW solar plants in Assam. Hindustan Power's ambitious 5 GW goal The agreement was formalised during the Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment and Infrastructure Summit held in Guwahati. Hindustan Power aims to build a 5 GW energy portfolio within the next three years, with its investment in Assam playing a key role in this growth. Ratul Puri, Chairman, Hindustan Power, said, “We are proud that Hindustan Power was the first company to develop a large solar power plant in...
The Mumbai-headquartered Indian multinational cement company UltraTech Cement has announced its foray into the wires and cables segment with a planned investment of around USD $200 million (₹1,800 crore) to establish a manufacturing facility in Gujarat. On February 25, 2025, the Aditya Birla Group's board approved a proposal to expand its presence in the construction value chain through its Building Products Division. The plant, set to be located near Bharuch, is part of the company's broader strategy to expand its presence in the construction value chain. According to UltraTech Cement, the facility is expected to be commissioned by December 2026. UltraTech stated that this aligns with its strategy to solidify its position as a leading provider of comprehensive building solutions. In...
Lulu Retail, a leading force in the retail industry, proudly announced the successful completion of its inaugural solar project at the Riyadh Central Warehouse in Saudi Arabia. This milestone underscores the group's dedication to sustainability, aligning with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 goals and driving progress toward a cleaner, greener future for the region. Lulu's dedication to renewable energy innovation The 502.7 kWp rooftop solar plant, developed in partnership with the Kanoo-CleanMax joint venture, is expected to produce 846 MWh of clean energy annually — cutting Lulu Group's carbon emissions by approximately 382 metric tonnes each year. This reduction is equivalent to planting nearly 9,000 trees over the next decade. The project sets a new benchmark for sustainability in the...
Hongqi, one of China's oldest and largest automotive groups (owned by FAW Group), has officially launched the Tiangong 05, an all-electric midsize sedan and the first model in the Tiangong series. Available in four variants, the vehicle is priced between RMB 159,800 and RMB 185,800. About Tiangong 05 Drawing inspiration from the Hongqi E009 concept car, the Tiangong 05 seamlessly blends signature design elements with a sleek, modern aesthetic. The front showcases a closed-off grille, distinctive leaf-shaped headlights, and Hongqi's iconic red emblem, creating a striking visual presence. The side profile features an elegant fastback silhouette with a dynamic, upward-sweeping waistline, adding a sense of motion even at a standstill. At the rear, L-shaped taillights echo Hongqi's evolving...
Zaha Hadid Architects, a British architecture and design firm, has unveiled plans for a striking cultural centre in Reggio Calabria, southern Italy, overlooking the Strait of Messina. The Centre of Mediterranean Culture will feature a sculpted, futuristic design with a facade crafted from locally produced, marine-grade anodised aluminium panels. The building's façade, crafted from locally sourced, marine-grade anodised aluminium panels, helps reduce solar heat gain while reflecting the region's distinctive Mediterranean light. Deep overhangs provide shade, limiting direct sunlight and mitigating glare from sea reflections. The facade will be 90 per cent opaque, carefully engineered to adapt to the region's wind conditions. Embracing advanced computer modelling — a growing focus for the...
Temperzone has introduced the Clever MT series, a line of all-aluminium air handling units (AHUs) designed for lightweight durability and exceptional corrosion resistance. Engineered for unmatched performance and excellence, these air handling units are lightweight, highly corrosion-resistant, and meticulously designed to deliver outstanding performance. Inclusion of aluminium The Clever MT is engineered with a robust all-aluminium construction featuring anodised aluminium profiles and base channels. The units are built with double-skinned inner and outer panels made from marine-grade 5005 aluminium, coated with protective paint and filled with high-density polyurethane foam insulation for superior thermal efficiency. The T2/TB2 panels, with a 65mm tropical profile and 50mm thermal break,...
Aprilia, an Italian motorcycle and scooter manufacturer known for its high-end superbikes, naked bikes, adventure bikes, and streetfighters, has been experimenting with a carbon fibre frame for its RS-GP MotoGP race bike since 2023. As per the information, a recent patent application from parent company Piaggio reveals new structural details of the latest RS-GP prototype chassis, which combines carbon fibre and aluminium bonded with adhesive rather than bolts. Image Source: Aprilia website Use of aluminium & carbon fibre Aprilia has been actively testing carbon frames on its MotoGP bikes throughout 2023 and 2024, though it has yet to commit to using them in competition. The swingarm pivot area is primarily aluminium, with two cast components labelled "4R" and "4L" in the patent drawings....
Donald Trump's 25 per cent tariff on imported aluminium and steel has left many domestic industries worried about price hikes of end products, including the food retail industry, as it is one of the largest consumers of these metals, relying heavily on imports. The local and small companies of soft drinks, beer, and pre-packaged foods are bracing for price rises. Although breweries have yet to receive feedback from can manufacturers on how they expect the tariff to impact aluminium can pricing, they hope for no positive effects. "If everything goes up [to] 25 per cent, that's all the margin for a small business," said Matt Malloy, co-founder of Dorchester Brewing. "It becomes a push, and then it becomes not worth it any longer." Two weeks earlier, a giant like Coca-Cola also warned of...
