Mexico’s expanding electric vehicle (EV) market is creating new opportunities across battery production, materials, charging infrastructure and electronics, as Chinese companies look to move beyond vehicle exports towards broader overseas supply-chain partnerships. Hong Kong could play a strategic role in connecting Mexican businesses with mainland China’s manufacturing capabilities, investment and research resources. According to the source commentary, Mexico’s EV market has evolved considerably over the past 16 years, with more brands offering vehicles across different price ranges and driving ranges, alongside the expansion of residential, corporate and industrial charging infrastructure. However, demand for EV purchases is growing faster than the capacity to maintain them,...
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...
Grow with
AL Circle
The global transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is revolutionising the automotive industry, driven by increasing concerns over air pollution and stringent emission regulations imposed by governments worldwide. With the environmental imperative to reduce fossil fuel dependency, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) have gained substantial traction among consumers, with USD 4216.91 billion in 2024. This shift has also sparked a corresponding rise in the demand for lightweight materials such as aluminium in automobile manufacturing. One of the key factors accelerating the adoption of EVs is their lower maintenance cost compared to traditional petrol and diesel vehicles. The COVID-19 pandemic initially dampened the automotive market, with a sharp decline in...
Mixed-Up Cocktail Co. (Mixed-Up), the creator and producer of bold, Ready-to-Drink (RTD) aluminium canned craft cocktails, has announced the plan to expand its facility further in 2025. According to IWSR's RTDs Strategic Study 2024, demand for ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages grew by an average of 2 per cent, with Mexico seeing the highest growth at 8 per cent and Germany at 4 per cent. Image Source- Mixed-Up website In response to this demand, Mixed-Up successfully launched in Japan in late spring, with plans to continue growing its presence into 2025. Looking to capitalise on potential opportunities, especially in Japan, Mixed-Up is taking significant steps to support its growth in 2025. The brand has secured a 45,000 sq ft facility capable of producing over 20,000 cases of cocktails per...
India’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, Hero MotoCorp, is intensifying its efforts in the electric vehicle (EV) space to capture a larger market share. The company, which launched its Vida brand in 2023, has been expanding its presence across the country, with a presence in over 116 cities and 203 touchpoints. Downstream product manufacturer, aluminium die-casted automotive parts manufacturer Sundaram Clayton (also known as TVS Holdings), is also in on its game-changing strategy to revolutionise the face of the electric vehicle market in India. Hero to establish independent electric vehicle unit Hero MotoCorp Ltd, one of India’s leading two-wheeler manufacturers, continues to intensify its efforts in the electric vehicle (EV) sector. With a market share in the mid-single digits, the...
As the world continues to navigate the complexities of vaccine safety and efficacy, one ingredient has found itself at the centre of a contentious debate: aluminium. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vocal advocate for vaccine safety reform, has repeatedly raised concerns about the potential health risks associated with aluminium in vaccines. “You wonder why a whole generation of children is allergic to stuff,” Mr. Kennedy said during a 2021 interview. “It’s because we’re inducing allergies, pumping them full of aluminium.” But, if it all were true, doctors, parents and researchers would not favour vaccines of such kind. Would they? And moreover, does science support such statements at all? A brief history of aluminium in vaccines The use of aluminium in vaccines dates back to the 1920s when...
Net Zero Foods, a leader in sustainable food and beverage innovation, is excited to introduce ROBOT Kombucha—the world’s healthiest cola. This cool, super-premium Coke-style drink packed in 100 per cent recyclable aluminium cans blend the health benefits of organic kombucha with the natural sweetness of organic honey, offering a game-changing alternative to traditional sugary soft drinks. Image Source - ROBOT Kombucha website A healthy option to choose By using organic honey, the brand also highlights the critical need to protect pollinators. With no organic honey currently produced in the UK due to pesticide use, ROBOT Kombucha supports ethical beekeeping abroad while advocating for sustainable farming practices at home. Traditional colas are often linked to high sugar content and...
Quality Pack International Ltd. (QPC) plans to establish a vertically integrated aluminium beverage can manufacturing and non-alcoholic beverage filling facility in the Alat Free Economic Zone, Azerbaijan. Set to commence operations in 2025, the QPC factory represents a $211 million investment in Azerbaijan’s Alat Free Economic Zone. Image Source: Quality Pack International Ltd Designed as a regional production hub, the facility will cater to local and regional beverage brands, supplying empty cans and fully packaged beverages. The facility will manufacture and fill aluminium beverage cans in 250 ml, 330 ml, and 450 ml sizes, with an annual production capacity of 600 to 800 million cans and a filling capacity of 300 to 400 million cans, depending on size distribution. Beyond establishing...
PPG, the American Fortune 500 company and a global supplier of paints, coatings, and specialty materials has expanded its non-bisphenol A (BPA) HOBA internal coatings line with the introduction of PPG HobaPro 2848. Image Source: PPG Designed to meet the rising demand for packaging water, wine, and other beverages in aluminium bottles, this innovative solution is being showcased at Paris Packaging Week 2025 (PCD). It has also been recognised as a finalist in the event’s Aerosol and Dispensing Forum (ADF) Innovation Awards. PPG Hoba coatings PPG Hoba coatings are designed for aluminium bottles, monobloc aerosols, and collapsible tubes, providing superior internal protection. PPG HobaPro 2848 is a non-bisphenol, PFAS-NI, and non-phenolic internal liner, offering a durable, versatile, and...
Mananalu, the eco-conscious aluminium-bottled water brand founded by Jason Momoa, the 'Aquaman' star, has been making waves since 2019. The company is on a mission to remove single-use plastic bottles with recyclable aluminium ones. The company has unlocked several strides in this journey, with the recent one relaunching as Mananalu Powered by Boomerang Water. Image Source: Mananalu This new model ensures healthy, sustainable water while eliminating single-use plastic waste that harms the environment. Utilising Boomerang Water technology, which won the 2024 SXSW Product Innovation Award, the bottling systems are about the size of a hotel ice maker. They can sanitize, rinse, fill, and cap 400 to 500 aluminium or glass bottles per hour with ultra-purified water. After consumption, the...
Coors Light, known for its sustainable packaging promoting aluminium and other recyclable materials, has come up with a new release which is both unique and chilled at the same time. Coming up with something of this type is the first of its kind for a beverage brand company. Image Source: Molson Coors On Wednesday, January 25, the sustainable packaging company unveiled its latest creation: the "Coors Light Chill Face Roller," designed to make the Monday after the Super Bowl as relaxing and chilled out as possible. The face roller will be available in 12-ounce aluminium cans, blending the beauty trend of face rolling with the signature chill of a Coors Light. "At Coors Light, we've always believed in delivering refreshment and chill to our fans in unexpected ways. With the Coors Light...
Encore-Alcom, prominent aluminium doors and windows manufacturer based in Hyderabad, announced the commencement of operations at its new manufacturing plant in Surat, Gujarat, on Tuesday. This facility, the largest in India for aluminium doors and windows production, is the country’s first to feature automated robotic technology. Spanning 184,000 square feet, the plant employs 500 people. The company plans to invest INR 60 crores in the facility in phases. Encore has already established a strong presence in wooden door manufacturing, marketing its products under the Encore brand in the south and the Alcom brand in the north. “We used German technology for the state-of- the-art new plant which has a capacity to produce 35,000 square feet per day. We will showcase our latest and innovative...
Emirates is preparing to launch its brand-new Airbus A350 aircraft in India on Republic Day, January 26, 2025, a commemoratory date in the Indian calendar. This launch on Republic Day is a token of appreciation for its Indian customers, paying respect to the Indian Republic. The noteworthy debut will feature daily flights to Mumbai and Ahmedabad. With this addition, Emirates will now serve five destinations in its network. The introduction of Emirates’ new aircraft to India, which boasts the airline’s latest interiors as well as industry-first technologies and innovations, underscores Emirates’ commitment to its customers in India and beyond, offering exceptional levels of comfort on board. The aircraft benefits from advanced aerodynamics, ensuring a smooth ride and increased efficiency....
At the renowned BAU Expo in Germany, Viva, Asia's leading manufacturer and supplier of aluminium composite panels (ACP), introduced SOLID X—India's first pre-coated, ready-to-install solid aluminium panels. This revolutionary product ushers in a new era of architectural design, blending exceptional strength, versatility, and sustainability to transform modern facades and interiors. Image Source: Viva SOLID X aluminium panels SOLID X aluminium panels are meticulously engineered to offer outstanding performance, establishing new standards in architectural materials. With an A1 fire rating—the highest classification for non-combustible materials—and a weather-resistant PVDF coating, these panels guarantee both enduring beauty and safety. Crafted with parallel flatness to reduce internal...
Lufthansa Group has announced the deployment of 40 brand-new Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft to its value carrier, Eurowings. The gradual integration of these advanced short- and medium-haul jets will position Eurowings as one of the operators with the youngest fleets in European aviation. Image Source: Business Traveller About Boeing 737-8 MAX The Boeing 737-8 MAX incorporates aluminium in its construction. This aircraft is built using high-strength alloys, including aluminium and titanium, engineered to endure extreme conditions. Equipped with cutting-edge, fuel-efficient engines, these next-generation aircraft will significantly lower fuel consumption and noise emissions. The first delivery of the Boeing 737-8 MAX is set for 2027, with all 40 aircraft expected to join the fleet by 2032....
Waldner North America (WNA) has partnered with coffee brand Cambio Roasters to introduce the first aluminium coffee pods for Keurig brewers, also known as K-cups. Led by Kevin Hartley, the former Chief Innovation Officer at Keurig Green Mountain, Cambio Roasters utilises Waldner's specially designed filling and sealing equipment to package the fragile aluminium cups. Image Source:Cambio Roasters Launch of K-cups in North America The launch of aluminium K-cups in North America represents a major step forward in sustainability. Hartley points out that 40 million plastic coffee pods are discarded in landfills and oceans every day. In contrast, aluminium can be recycled endlessly, with over 60 per cent of all aluminium ever produced still in use. "We are thrilled to collaborate with Cambio...
Norwegian TSO Statnett is set to trial aluminium pylons as a more sustainable and safer alternative to traditional steel pylons. Pylons, also known as electricity transmission and distribution towers, serve as the structural supports for high-voltage electrical cables, enabling electricity transmission from generation sites like power stations or wind farms to distribution networks that supply homes and businesses. Image Source: Statnett Hydro to supply recycled aluminium The development of aluminium pylons is part of Statnett’s technology plan, which focuses on advancing sustainable alternatives and enhancing the safety of its technical solutions. A key criterion for awarding the pylon contract was minimising climate impact, leading to the use of recycled aluminium. Norsk Hydro will...
Welcome back to another edition of Editor's Pick, where we bring you an exciting collection of comebacks, innovations, groundbreaking launches, and more. As 2025 begins to unfold, I can't help but wonder: Where did 2024 disappear to? Both November and December served as a pivotal moment for aluminium's end-user sectors—a time to reflect on the successes of the past year and lay the groundwork for a brighter, more sustainable future. What is that one thing that aluminium can't do? The question is a bit difficult to answer. Because aluminium is omnipresent – from our kitchen to the industries, aluminium's adaptability and sustainability have cemented its significance across diverse sectors, including automotive, construction, packaging, aerospace, and consumer electronics. The year 2024 has...
Emirates Global Aluminium wears another hat of success on the occasion of the landmark launch of MBZ-SAT, as the region's most advanced satellite contains EGA's Celestial solar aluminium. Launched on Tuesday, January 14, from the Space Launch Complex 4E at the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, US, MBZ-SAT was developed by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), using EGA's Celestial solar aluminium produced in Jebel Ali smelter. Aluminium has been a critical material used in space technologies since the launch of the first satellite in 1957, owing to its unique properties like lightweight, strength and resistance to corrosion. Aligned with the 'Make it in the Emirates' programme, EGA and MBRSC's collaboration represents a remarkable milestone in the space sector. 'Make it...
Bike enthusiasts, prepare for a thrilling ride into the future! Flying Flea, Royal Enfield’s electrifying new EV brand, has teamed up with Qualcomm Technologies to revolutionise the two-wheeler experience. The collaboration brings Qualcomm’s Snapdragon QWM2290 system-on-chip (SoC) and Snapdragon Car-to-Cloud Platform to Flying Flea’s electric motorcycles, promising smooth connectivity, performance, and rider personalisation. Image Source: https://flyingflea.royalenfield.com/ Unveiled globally at the Milan Motorcycle Show in November 2024, Flying Flea motorcycles blend advanced technology with Royal Enfield’s timeless style. With Qualcomm’s innovation at its heart, these bikes aim to redefine how riders interact with their machines. Tech-powered riding redefined The Snapdragon QWM2290 SoC,...
