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...
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Aluminium can manufacturers in Brazil have reported a delightful H1 2024 owing to encouraging beverage can sales led by favourable macroeconomic conditions. On the continuity of this trend, beverage can sales are set to poise a 5 per cent growth at the year-end, compared to an annual increase of 1.65 per cent last year, according to Cátilo Cândido, president of the Brazilian Association of Aluminum Can Manufacturers (Abralatas). The association's president also apprised that the current production rate of aluminium beverage cans in Brazil is 32.6 billion can units per year, while per capita consumption is 165 12-can packages per year. In an interview with S&P Global Commodity Insights, Cândido shared his perspective on aluminium can sales, stating that it is a complex interplay of scale,...
Western Australian manufacturer Ciltech has rapidly established itself as a leader in designing and producing jetties, pontoons, and other marine infrastructure. The company's unwavering commitment to excellence and its use of high-quality materials, such as its proprietary aluminium extrusions, have set it apart in a highly competitive market. Ciltech's success is deeply rooted in its Western Australian heritage, where it consistently delivers innovative products that redefine industry standards. A vital element of this success is the company's strong collaboration with Capral, which has led to the development of its proprietary aluminium extrusions. These extrusions, which form the backbone of its state-of-the-art jetty systems, are integral to 98 per cent of the pontoons produced by...
Porsche has issued a profit warning, citing severe flooding at a key aluminium supplier as the primary cause for expected production delays and reduced financial performance this year. The Stuttgart-based sports car manufacturer has revised its profit margin forecast downward, predicting an operating profit margin of 14-15 per cent for the year, compared to the earlier estimate of 15-17 per cent. The flooding, a significant event that affected a European production facility crucial for supplying special aluminium alloys used across all of Porsche's vehicle series, has resulted in significant supply shortages. This disruption is expected to impair production and drag Porsche's annual sales forecast down to between €39 billion and €40 billion, from the previous estimate of €40 billion to...
Radnor Hills and Ardagh Metal Packaging (AMP) have collaborated to create custom ‘infinitely recyclable’ aluminium canned water designed to keep golfers refreshed at major professional events this year. The canned water will be accessible to players, caddies, and marshals from fridges and specially branded water coolers positioned around the tees and practice areas at various events. The companies reported that players such as Rory McIlroy, Bob MacIntyre, and Tom Kim were seen with the cans at a press conference during the Genesis Scottish Open. According to Metal Packaging Europe, 76 per cent of aluminium beverage cans are recycled throughout Europe, making metal packaging the most recycled beverage container. The organization highlights that when metal products reach the end of their...
California-based supplement brand youtheory, a member of the Jamieson Wellness family, has taken significant steps to protect marine life with its latest omega supplement and its eco-conscious packaging. The new Ocean-Friendly Omega capsules are derived from algae oil and will be packed in sustainable aluminium bottles, which youtheory's VP of Marketing, Cindy Sherman, describes as the "obvious choice" for an ocean-friendly, sustainable solution. Youtheory's sustainable move Similarly, when it came to packaging the product, youtheory aimed to go "above and beyond" in its commitment to protecting the ocean by eliminating plastic. Sherman points out that plastic often ends up in the ocean, posing a threat to fish and other marine life. The company's packaging criteria centred on three key...
The Aluminum Association has revealed some excerpts from Ducker Carlisle's report, "Building the Future: Trends in Aluminum Use in the U.S. Construction Market," which indicate a 9 per cent increase in aluminium usage within the building and construction (B&C) sector from 2022 to 2027. This growth is attributed to the shift towards clean energy and efforts to reduce carbon footprints. The report highlights that commercial buildings and clean energy applications like solar installations will primarily drive the growth of aluminium use in the coming years. In addition, federal infrastructure spending and emission reduction programmes supported by the Inflation Reduction Act will contribute to the increase in aluminium use across the building & construction sector. Every $100,000 in...
GUNNA Drinks, one of the big players in the soft drinks market, has seen colossal success in business since they changed the packaging of immunity-boosting lemonade drinks from plastic to infinitely recyclable aluminium. As per the report, the brand has experienced a threefold rise in cash sales, which indicates a substantial market for sustainable aluminium packaging over single-use plastic bottles. Success has come following the widespread distribution of GUNNA Drinks’ Raspberry Lemonade 470 ml bottles and GUNNA Tropical Lemonade 470 ml bottles, growing from 77 to 134 stores and from 26 to 117 stores, respectively. In October 2023, Gunna Drinks shelved its new aluminium-bottled lemonades in co-operative stores across the Mid Counties of the United Kingdom. From October 1, consumers...
The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) has announced a new set of technical regulations for Formula 1 starting in 2026, marking a significant evolution in the sport's technical and environmental standards. These regulations are set to introduce some of the most stringent requirements ever imposed in the sports industry, with notable advancements in various areas, including Additive Manufacturing (AM). The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile is an association established on June 20, 1904 to represent the interests of motoring organisations and motor car users. It is the governing body for many auto racing events, including Formula One. The FIA also promotes road safety around the world. Key aspects of the new regulations include: 'Nimble Car' concept: At the heart of the...
Started by entrepreneurs Adam Millman and Danny Neeson, De Nada, a New Orleans-based beverage company, has recently launched its blanco and reposado expressions in all-new sustainable and recyclable aluminium bottles. Using aluminium highlights that companies are trying to shift towards a more sustainable and eco-friendly environment. “In the spirits industry, sustainability should not just be a trend; it should be an expectation. Consumers are increasingly aware of environmental issues and are choosing brands that prioritise sustainability. Ultimately, sustainability isn’t just about making a product; it’s about making a difference. It’s about building a brand that helps preserve our planet for generations to come,” added Neeson. The company had already been certified as carbon neutral...
Euroform, a manufacturer of high-quality building solutions with aluminium, has made an operational debut in Tatu City, Kenya, with a new metal works workshop at Tatu Industrial Park. This move is aligned with their business expansion plan. The first big project they have grabbed in Tatu City post their workshop launch is the Link Logistics & Business Park, the only SME warehousing and logistics park located in a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Kenya. The contract is for supplying and installing aluminium windows and doors with glazing, louvres, and ironmongery. Much before launching the workshop, Euroform was involved in supplying and installing building solutions in Tatu City. The company has been a part of the construction of more than 3,000 apartments in Tatu City, which are either...
Fanta and Warner Bros. Pictures have announced an exciting global partnership in anticipation of the highly awaited movie Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, set to premiere in cinemas on September 6th, 2024. Fanta is introducing a Limited-Edition Fanta Beetlejuice flavour in sustainable aluminium cans to celebrate. The packaging features the iconic character portrayed by Michael Keaton. This new product offers a distinct flavour experience and showcases the classic black-and-white striped design synonymous with Beetlejuice, available for a limited time. Ibrahim Salim Khan, VP of Global Category Strategy, Fanta at The Coca-Cola Company, said, “We’re excited for fans to try out our special new Fanta limited edition flavour – an unmissable extension of the Fanta range. There’s more to come with this...
Indian Railways has cancelled its INR 30,000-crore tender for the production and upkeep of 100 aluminium-bodied Vande Bharat trains, according to Olivier Loison, Managing Director of Alstom India, stated to one of India's No. 1 financial and business portals. Indian Railways is the fourth largest Railway network in the world after the US, Russia and China. The Vande Bharat Express is a semi-high-speed train service operated by the Indian Railways. Loison said, “Indian Railways has cancelled the tender. However, with our strong local knowledge and investments in industrial and human capital over the years, we are well-positioned and committed to supporting the realisation of this vision of the railways in the future, should the opportunity arise.” In disagreement over the bid price Railway...
Eternia, a leading brand in India renowned for its WiWA-certified aluminium doors and windows crafted from Duranium—a patented aluminium alloy by Hindalco—has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Furniture and Fittings Skill Council (FFSC). This collaboration will establish India’s inaugural Fenestration Centre of Excellence in Pune, known as Eternia Academy. This initiative is a pivotal move to tackle the pressing shortage of skilled professionals in the dynamically growing fenestration sector. Chandan Agarwal, CEO of Eternia, commented, "There is a growing demand for quality fenestration products and services in India. As pioneers in the industry, we at Eternia recognize our responsibility to nurture talent and drive innovation. By partnering with FFSC, we are addressing...
Nigeria has officially launched a new fleet of 12 four-car diesel trains manufactured by CRRC Corporation Ltd. on the Abuja Rail Mass Transit (ARMT) line. This 45-kilometre double-track route, connecting the capital Abuja to its airport and surrounding satellite cities, is now fully operational with 12 stations along the way. The aluminium-bodied trains, each capable of carrying up to 700 passengers and reaching speeds of 100 km/h, are specifically designed to withstand Nigeria's high temperatures and sandstorm conditions. This marks a significant milestone in the country's transportation infrastructure. Aluminium is poised to replace traditional metals with its lightweight, corrosion resistance, formability, and high specific strength. Its use can reduce the overall weight of a rail car...
At FACHPACK 2024, Constantia Flexibles will showcase its innovative print service for aluminium and PET die-cut dairy lids, marking a first in the industry. Additionally, they will present various sustainable packaging solutions, including a paper twist-wrap and a compostable coffee capsule lid. Constantia Flexibles asserts it is the only flexible packaging company capable of digitally printing full-surface, water-based designs on aluminium without affecting its sealing properties. While the current technology supports printing on aluminium and PE, plans are underway to expand this capability to all substrates in the future. The company claims that over 90 per cent of its portfolio offers recyclable alternatives and will present its '360-degree materials approach' at the trade fair,...
Ningbo Shenma Group, based in Zhejiang province, has made a significant stride in the green power transmission sector. Their cutting-edge copper-aluminium composite products position the company as a global leader in enhancing power delivery systems and promise to revolutionise power transmission systems worldwide. Bus ducts, the latest advancement in current-carrying conductors, are gaining momentum as they gradually replace traditional transmission methods in low-voltage power systems. Unlike conventional bus ducts made from pure copper or aluminium, these new composite products have a unique advantage: their superior efficiency, making them the future of power transmission. Aluminium is often used in scenarios where high electrical conductivity is not critical, and copper, renowned for...
The local court has ordered two units of China Evergrande New Energy Auto to enter bankruptcy and reorganisation proceedings. This decision comes after individual creditors of Evergrande New Energy Vehicle (Guangdong) and Evergrande Smart Automotive (Guangdong) filed for such proceedings last week. Shares of the electric vehicle maker plunged 7 per cent on July 29 following the creditors' move. The court hearing on August 2 resulted in the ruling to initiate the bankruptcy process for the two units. This ruling adds to the challenges faced by the EV unit of China Evergrande Group, the embattled real estate developer. In May, the company updated the market on ongoing discussions between its liquidators and a potential buyer. The outcome of these talks, which is crucial for extending a new...
Increasing investments and developments in China’s new energy vehicle sector are expected to boost aluminium consumption to nearly 10 million tonnes by 2030, compared to 2 million tonnes in 2023. This prediction follows the reported rise in China’s domestic production of new energy vehicles to 940,000 units in May 2024 , up 31.9 per cent from 712,660 units produced a year ago. In line with increased production, sales also grew in May this year by 33 per cent to 955,000 units versus 716,430 units. Thus, the market share of NEVs in China escalated to 39.5 per cent in May, out of total automobile sales amounting to 2.42 million units, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM). With the bullish forecast for China’s NEV production and sales, the domestic NEV share...
