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
Ball Corporation, the world’s #No1 innovative and sustainable aluminium packaging provider, has partnered with Meadow by making a minor investment in the company to revolutionise aluminium packaging solutions. Meadow is a Sweden-based company specialising in handling data to design, technology to artistry to create innovative solutions for aluminium refill packaging production. Image Source: Meadow The two companies will collaboratively produce fully recyclable aluminium cans as pre-filled cartridges for personal and home care products. While the former will contribute to the project by supplying aluminium cans and can ends, the latter, with its groundbreaking packaging technology, “MEADOW KAPSUL”, will turn them into reusable dispensers and bring the pre-fill packaging solution to the...
Use of aluminium furniture has become a standout trend in interior design, capturing the attention of homeowners and designers for its sleek aesthetics and practical functionality. Known for its lightweight yet durable qualities, aluminium seamlessly integrates into modern interiors, adding a sophisticated touch that suits a variety of decor styles—from minimalist to industrial chic. Image Source: Norscot Norscot & Origin A Bower-based company is thrilled to announce a new partnership with a prominent manufacturer of custom aluminium doors and windows in the UK. Norscot Joinery Ltd, known for its exceptional timber frame kits, windows, and doors in the Highlands, is set to become Britain's northernmost supplier of Origin's premium aluminium products. This partnership will broaden its...
TÖST Beverages is starting the New Year with the launch of its signature sparkling beverages in convenient 250-ml cans. Joining the existing 750-ml and 250-ml bottle offerings, the new cans provide a stylish and portable way to enjoy TÖST, the company announced. With the same sophisticated, sparkling flavour, the new packaging offers consumers a versatile and sustainable option, expanding the ways to savour TÖST. Image Source: TÖST website The rise towards using aluminium cans in the beverage industry is not surprising. Infact, in an era increasingly focused on minimising environmental impacts, the aluminium packaging industry emerges as a model of innovation and sustainability. From soft drinks in iconic beverage cans to gourmet foods in sleek containers, aluminium packaging is vital in...
Recycling aluminium cans is vital for sustainability, offering significant environmental and economic benefits. It conserves natural resources by reducing the need for raw material extraction, minimising the destructive effects of mining. With this, Downtown Inverness has added a beautiful and innovative sculpture. Image Source: Inverness Arts & Culture Alliance The sculpture, a turtle composed of recycled aluminium cans is the outcome of the collaboration between the city and the Inverness Arts & Culture Alliance. Eleven new aluminium turtle sculptures, inspired by the city’s beloved mascot, the cooter turtle, now bring joy to the area. Inverness is a city and the county seat of Citrus County, Florida, United States. "You can walk any of our boardwalks, any of our trail systems along the...
Keychron is en route to extending its Hall-effect gaming keyboard series with the full-size Keychron Q6 HE and the 75 per cent variant of the Lemokey P1 HE. Both the keyboards feature QMK firmware for personalisation, as well as gasket mount layouts and Gateron’s double-rail magnetic switches for a satisfying feel while typing along with exceptional gaming performance. The brand has confirmed the launch of both keyboard models in various ISO layouts. Image Source: Keychron In response to an enquiry by Notebookcheck, Keychron officials stated the release of the Lemokey P1 HE and Keychron Q6 HE in DE, UK, Swiss, and Nordic ISO layouts. However, it is yet to disclose a time frame for the ISO version’s market launch. Keychron is introducing two new Hall-effect gaming keyboards to stay afloat...
For nearly four decades, silicon-based solar cells have been the cornerstone of renewable energy. However, they come with significant drawbacks that limit their efficiency and affordability. Their installation is complex and costly, requiring substantial infrastructure. As a result, these challenges have driven researchers to develop photovoltaic ceramics—a groundbreaking material poised to revolutionise the solar energy industry. These photovoltaic ceramics developed at ETH Zurich harness nanostructures to convert sunlight into electricity. The material comprises aluminium oxide and perovskite nanoparticles, exhibiting unique optical properties and exceptional light-capturing capabilities. These nanoparticles absorb photon energy from sunlight, generating electrons that flow through the...
Aluminium is often touted as an architect's favourite metal. The green metal, renowned for its versatility, has become an increasingly popular choice in architecture, unlocking endless possibilities for innovative design. Its non-toxic, durable, and corrosion-resistant properties, lightweight nature, ductility, and malleability make aluminium a powerful tool for architects to unleash creativity. London-based architecture studio Gianni Botsford Architects has reimagined and expanded Norman Foster's 1960s extension by adding large-span aluminium-framed glazing in Hampstead, London. Known as Reciprocal House, the newly completed 280-square-meter family home is tucked away in a Hampstead mews, discreetly positioned behind a Victorian pub. The project involved replacing a deteriorating 1860s...
Norway has established itself as the world's leading consumer of electric vehicles, driven by continuous strategic planning, government policies, and incentives designed to promote EV adoption as part of the country's carbon reduction goals. Among all the electric vehicle variants, Norway particularly boasts the highest market share of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) worldwide, thanks to tax exemptions for making BEVs financially attractive over traditional combustion engine vehicles. A few years later, after BEV consumption exceeded expectations, the government removed some incentives and even reduced tax benefits. But fortunately, nothing dampened the enthusiasm for electric vehicle purchases. That's because, beyond economic incentives, the net-zero carbon emissions goal from the...
Precious Dragon Technology Holdings Ltd. has signed a Master Supply Agreement with China Aluminum Cans Holdings Ltd. for a three-year term beginning in January 2025. This agreement extends their previous supply arrangement and is classified as a continuing connected transaction under the Listing Rules, necessitating approval from independent shareholders and compliance with other regulatory requirements. Image Source- FREEPIK Precious Dragon Technology Holdings Ltd., incorporated in the Cayman Islands with limited liability, is actively engaged in transactions related to aluminium cans and has a strong market presence in this industry. China Aluminum Cans Holdings Ltd is an investment holding company involved in designing, developing, manufacturing, and selling aluminium aerosol cans....
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has granted a conditional loan guarantee of US$1.45 billion to Hanwha Qcells, a Korean-owned solar manufacturer, to support the development of its vertically integrated manufacturing facility in Cartersville, Georgia. Image Source: FREEPIK This loan, part of the DOE's Title 17 Clean Energy Financing program, will aid in the construction of a facility with a 3.3GW nameplate capacity. The plant will produce silicon ingots, wafers, cells, and modules, where aluminium is a common metal impurity mixed with silicon wafers. This is added to improve the ability of the devices to conduct electricity. This process is called doping. With this, the plant also aims to become the largest vertically integrated solar manufacturing hub in the U.S. Qcells initially...
Kolkata Metro Railway is re-commits to conclude the replacement of the existing steel third rail with aluminium resorts on the down line of the Blue Line corridor, spreading between Belgachia and Tollygunge (Mahanayak Uttam Kumar), by August 2025, a spokesperson announced on Sunday, January 5. According to the Press Information Bureau, in Kolkata Metro Railway, the power to the metro rake is supplied to rolling stock at 750V DC through steel third rail. The Third Rail Current Collector (TRCC) made of steel fitted on metro rake collects the current from third rail. Kolkata Metro Railway has been using steel third rail for the last 40 years. Kolkata Metro Railway decided in August 2023 to use composite aluminium third rail in all the upcoming corridors being undertaken for construction...
IndyCar is considering replacing its traditional magnesium wheels with aluminium alternatives by 2026 or 2027, aiming to reduce costs and address supply challenges. Magnesium wheels, valued for their lightweight and rigidity, have been standard in high-performance racing, including IndyCar and Formula 1, since the 1990s. However, sourcing these wheels has become increasingly difficult due to limited vendor availability and the large quantities required for all IndyCar entries. Image Source: https://www.hyveeindycarweekend.com/ O.Z. Racing and BBS are the primary suppliers of IndyCar wheels, with O.Z. being the more prominent provider. The scarcity of magnesium wheels has prompted IndyCar to explore aluminium as a more readily available and cost-effective alternative. Discussions are...
The Realme GT 7 Pro, launched in Malaysia in November 2024, stands out as a cutting-edge flagship phone and is one of the first to feature a Silicon Anode battery. The Realme GT 7 Pro's frame is crafted from non-glossy aluminium, offering a premium feel and exceptional durability. Image Source: Realme website In the fast-paced world of smartphones, where compactness and durability are paramount, aluminium stands out as a preferred material. As manufacturers push the boundaries of hardware capabilities—incorporating more RAM and high-precision cameras—ensuring lightweight yet sturdy designs becomes essential. Its solid build quality rivals that of other flagship devices, and at just 222 grams, it's lightweight enough for comfortable use over extended periods. Powered by the robust Qualcomm...
With consumer preferences increasingly prioritising sustainability, transparency, and efficiency, aluminium is gaining prominence as the material of choice due to its recyclability, lightweight nature, and ability to maintain product quality. Image Source- Tropical Water As per the latest update, Florida-based MSPFLA, Inc., has formed an exclusive distribution partnership with Caribbean Food Services in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, to wholesale its eco-friendly Tropical Water brand across the USVI (U.S. Virgin Islands). Overall, the aluminium packaging industry saw consistent growth in 2023. Packed in reusable aluminium cans, this partnership supports USVI's conservation efforts by providing the local community, island visitors, retail outlets, and resorts with a sustainable alternative...
Waaree Energies Ltd., India's largest solar PV module manufacturer and a prominent player in the global energy transition, has announced securing an order to supply solar modules for a major 150 MW renewable power project. According to a company statement, the contract involves delivering Waaree's flagship high-efficiency Glass N-type Topcon bifacial modules, rated at 585/590 Wp. Renowned for their durability, superior energy output, and cutting-edge technology, these modules are a key feature of the project. The order comes from a renowned customer specialising in the ownership, development, and operation of renewable energy projects in India. Waaree, which operates an NABL-accredited testing lab to ensure the highest quality standards, stated that the execution of this project will...
JSW MG Motor India on the first day of the year has declared a 55 per cent upsurge in sales at 7,516 units in December 2024, Y-o-Y (sales last year was close to 3400 units in December). The company has witnessed recor-breaking Electic Vehicles (EV) sales in December and NEV (new energy vehicle) sales which contributed towards over 70 per cent of the all-out sales with its crossover utility vehicle Windsor selling a blockbuster number of 3,785 units. This new year sales statement was provided by JSW MG Motor India through an official statement. "Going forward, we will maintain our growth momentum while driving continuous disruption and innovation. We are committed to introducing new products every six months, alongside delivering exceptional customer service," the spokesperson conveyed....
Custom Line's new 164-foot flagship design has already garnered widespread acclaim, and the shipyard in Ancona, Italy, is witnessing strong customer demand for more. However, the standout feature of the all-aluminium Custom Line 50 highlights the shipyard's refusal to rest on its laurels. Crafted entirely from lightweight aluminium alloy, the hull was designed using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to achieve optimal hydrodynamic performance. The result is a sleek, efficient vessel that reduces drag enhances stability, and boosts overall performance, ensuring a smooth ride and significantly lower fuel consumption. Furthermore, this model is engineered with sustainability, incorporating reduced weight, advanced hydrodynamics, and recyclable materials to minimize its environmental...
As consumer preferences shift towards sustainability, transparency, and efficiency, aluminium is emerging as a material of choice for its recyclability, lightweight properties, and ability to preserve product quality. The aluminium packaging industry experienced steady growth in 2023, driven by an increasing demand for beverage cans and packaging foils. With over 11.5 million tonnes of aluminium flat-rolled products used in the packaging sector throughout the year, the industry’s expansion has been fuelled by a shift away from traditional materials like plastic and glass. The demand for aluminium in the packaging sector is primarily fuelled by beverage cans. While developed economies continue to drive this demand, developing countries are experiencing a faster-growing preference for...
