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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The 2024 outlook for the aluminium end-use sector is multifaceted, with some segments displaying potential while others could encounter initial obstacles. Forecasts suggest a moderate rise in global aluminium consumption, ranging between 1.6-2 per cent, primarily fuelled by continuous demand from transportation and construction sectors. However, there's a possibility that aluminium production might outpace demand, resulting in a minor surplus that could help stabilize prices. To know more about how the end-user sector will perform in the days ahead, grab AL Circle's report, "Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2024." This week, the end user sector witnessed some significant events. Eco-friendly packaging or the use of aluminium has eventually increased. Companies like Turncoat Gin and CCU...
Moravia Cans, a prominent aluminium aerosol can manufacturer based in Czechia, demonstrated remarkable resilience and growth in 2023 despite the lingering economic challenges stemming from the Covid pandemic and the geopolitical tensions surrounding the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In their latest annual report, Moravia Cans announced a substantial boost in net profit, soaring by nearly 40 per cent to CZK245 million (equivalent to US$10.5 million). This impressive financial achievement coincided with a 2.8 per cent year-on-year increase in sales, reaching CZK2.52 billion (approximately $108 million). Moravia's commitment towards sustainability Renowned for its excellence in can manufacturing, Moravia Cans continued to invest in enhancing its aluminium aerosol production lines. These...
Graza, a leading olive oil brand, has made a significant stride in sustainability with its innovative nitrogen-sealed 'aluminium beer can' refills. This unique packaging method, a first in the industry, ensures the quality of the oil remains uncompromised, setting it apart from traditional packaging options. The minds behind Graza, Andrew Benin and Allen Dushi, identified a crucial gap in the industry: the absence of a high-quality olive oil refill option. They observed that traditional large-bulk containers often lead to rapid oxidation, compromising the quality of the olive oil. The concept of the nitrogen-sealed ' aluminium beer can ' refills was born out of a mission by Benin and Dushi to develop a refillable solution that would preserve the integrity of their extra virgin olive oil...
Mandy Glew has been appointed as the President for EMEA (Europe, the Middle East and Africa) at Ball Corporation. She will be taking over Carey Causey who transitioned to the role of SVP and chief growth officer in January. Causey temporarily served as interim president of the Europe, Middle East, and Asia (EMEA) region until Glew's appointment. Glew's journey with Ball Packaging began in 2020 after an extensive 23-year tenure at Procter & Gamble, where she held various sales and marketing management positions. Armed with a PhD in chemistry and additional studies in managerial finance from the London School of Economics, Glew brings a wealth of expertise to her new role. During her previous tenure as commercial VP for the EMEA region, Glew outlined the company's ambitious objectives to...
Chinese can manufacturer Bosun New Material & Technology Co (BNM) has unveiled what they claim to be the first rectangular peel-off end of its size, along with a peel-off end featuring a built-in straw insertion capability. The F316 rectangular peel-off end has been designed with either a retortable aluminium foil or transparent membrane, catering to diverse packaging needs such as seafood, meat, or ready meals. The PO! Peel-off end features a straw insertion mechanism and is engineered for hassle-free usage. It is compatible with a range of materials, including steel and aluminium, and boasts high-temperature resistance. These pioneering developments were showcased at the recent Latamcan conference in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The peel-off feature incorporates a conveniently perforated...
On May 8, 2024, Reuters reported that top executives from BMW and Volkswagen cautioned against implementing EU import tariffs on Chinese manufacturers' electric vehicles. They argued that such measures could disrupt the European Union's Green Deal agenda and negatively impact automakers reliant on importing cars from China. The European Commission, responsible for trade policy across the EU's 27 member states, initiated an inquiry in October to assess whether fully electric vehicles produced in China were benefiting from unfair subsidies, potentially justifying additional tariffs. After the company reported its quarterly results, BMW's CEO, Oliver Zipse, warned, "You could very quickly shoot yourself in the foot." BMW is bringing Mini EVs and the iX3 from China to Europe, joining the...
Google unleashes its latest innovation, the Pixel 8a, a smartphone that promises to redefine user experience with premium AI features and a sleek design. Pioneering the A-series lineup, the Pixel 8a combines cutting-edge technology with sustainable materials, including 100% recyclable aluminium, to deliver a device that excels in performance and sustainability. Premium design: Crafted with a matte aluminium frame and the security of Corning Gorilla Glass 3, the Pixel 8a boasts durability and style. Enhanced display: Featuring a 6.1-inch 120Hz Actua display with Always-on display and Now Playing features, the Pixel 8a offers a vibrant and immersive viewing experience. Powerful performance: Powered by the Tensor G3 SoC, the Pixel 8a delivers seamless AI experiences, from Google Circle to...
TESEM stands as a global frontrunner in crafting metal and plastic components for luxury packaging. Renowned for its expertise, the company manufactures aluminium and plastic parts catering to diverse sectors, including perfume & cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and spirits. As per the latest report, TESEM's collaboration with Smartlabs unfolded within a landscape marked by distinct opportunities and challenges. A notable opportunity arose in advancing the sustainability profile of their aluminium components and holistic packaging solutions while upholding or enhancing critical performance attributes. Simultaneously, the challenge lay in refining solutions and procedures to mitigate complexity, costs, and environmental footprints. About Constellium's Smartlabs Constellium's Smartlabs proved...
In a sartorial symphony that echoed the ethereal essence of "The Garden of Time," the Met Gala 2024 unfurled its petals to reveal a web of haute couture. Amidst the blossoming brilliance of Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, and Hubert de Givenchy, luminaries and luminous fabrics intertwined in a dance of opulence. At the heart of this extravagant soirée, where red carpets serve as the stage for star-studded vignettes, one luminary shone with a resplendence that transcended mere glamour. Michelle Yeoh, a celestial presence in her own right, graced the gala clad in an extraordinary creation: a Balenciaga gown woven from the very fabric of innovation — aluminium foil . Adorned with jewellery by the illustrious Cindy Chao, Yeoh's ensemble was a testament to the harmonious marriage of...
Coastal Carolina University (CCU) has taken a significant step towards sustainability by replacing single-use plastic bottles with recyclable aluminium cans. This spring, the iconic teal-coloured cans debuted at the baseball and softball concession stands, marking a shift towards eco-friendly practices. These cans have been widely distributed at CCU-catered events and were prominently featured during the May 2024 commencement exercises, where they sat beside graduates and faculty chairs. About the initiative Under the leadership of CCU President Michael Benson, this initiative was brought to the forefront during his report to the board of trustees on May 3. Each trustee received a complimentary bottle, underscoring the university's dedication to reducing single-use plastic containers. The...
Ford China announced on May 6, 2024, that Ai Xiaoming has officially assumed the position of President of Changan Ford, reporting to the Board of Directors of Changan Ford. He Xiaoqing, the current President of Changan Ford, will retire on June 1, 2024. Ahead of his retirement, he will serve as a senior advisor and aid in the seamless transition to Ai Xiaoming. Changan Ford (full name Changan Ford Automobile Co., Ltd.) is a Chinese automotive manufacturing company headquartered in Chongqing. It is a 50/50 joint venture between local Changan Automobile and US-based Ford Motor Company. The company's principal activity is the manufacture of Ford-brand passenger cars for the Chinese market. Bringing over two decades of experience in China's manufacturing and consumer electronics sectors, Ai...
A recent enforcement raid by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) in Mumbai has shed light on the critical importance of adhering to quality standards in the packaging industry. During the operation, M/s New Ryan Plastic in Chembur was found storing and selling aluminium foil and aluminium alloy bare foil for food packaging without the mandatory BIS standard mark, signalling a breach of regulatory protocols. On Thursday, May 2nd, 2024, BIS officials from the Mumbai Branch-I team conducted an enforcement raid at M/s New Ryan Plastic , situated on Lokhande Marg in Chembur. The inspection revealed a significant inventory of aluminium foils and their packaging devoid of the requisite BIS standard mark. This discovery led to the invocation of Section 17(1)(a) of the BIS Act 2016, indicating a...
The American Alliance for Solar Manufacturing Trade Committee has reportedly appealed for antidumping investigation and countervailing duties against China-manufactured solar cells and panels with the US International Trade Commission (USITC) and the US Department of Commerce. The American Alliance for Solar Manufacturing Trade Committee is made of leading US solar manufacturers like Convalt Energy, First Solar, Meyer Burger, Mission Solar, Qcells, REC Silicon, and Swift Solar. Tim Brightbill, co-chair of Wiley’s International Trade Practice and lead counsel to the petitioner the American Alliance for Solar Manufacturing Trade Committee, said: “America’s solar manufacturing industry is on the cusp of tremendous growth that will create jobs and change the trajectory of our clean energy...
Turncoat, a Liverpool-based gin distillery, has recently embraced a sustainable shift by transitioning to aluminium bottles. This eco-conscious move aims to significantly reduce the distillery's carbon footprint, with an estimated saving of approximately 0.4kg of CO2 emissions per bottle. By opting for reusable aluminium bottles over traditional glass ones, Turncoat Gin is taking a proactive step towards sustainability. These aluminium bottles boast a longer lifespan and are lighter in weight, contributing to reduced emissions throughout their lifecycle. Edward Ridding, head of the distillery, said, "We believe that sustainability should be at the heart of everything we do. Our decision to launch reusable aluminium bottles reflects our dedication to creating a positive impact on the...
Algorithms developed by researchers at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and the University of Technology Sydney can automatically pinpoint solar panel underperformance issues, ranging from wiring faults to degradation and shading. A Senior Lecturer at the UNSW School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering mentioned that the technology can detect clipping, tripping, and export limits. He suggested that this advancement holds promise in transforming the diagnosis of faults in PV systems. “This is a game changer for Australian residential and commercial system operators. By analysing inverter and maximum PowerPoint data every five minutes, this algorithm can accurately diagnose underperforming issues, enabling early intervention and maximising energy production," the Senior...
The aluminium foil industry stands as a silent powerhouse, an unsung hero of modern living that quietly shapes various sectors worldwide. As per the report by Persistence Market Research, aluminium foil, a marvel of material science, has transcended its humble origins as a kitchen staple to become a versatile product with a multitude of traditional and cutting-edge applications. Did you know that the global consumption of aluminium foil surged from 5.3 million tonnes in 2018 to an estimated 6.1 million tonnes by 2023? This upward trajectory in demand is expected to continue in the coming years, driven by rising recycling rates, particularly in the packaging and consumer goods sectors. To delve deeper into the fascinating realm of the aluminium foil market, consider getting your hands on...
The end user sector of the aluminium industry is one of the most versatile sectors with immense growth and business opportunity. From industrial to lifestyle, the demand of this green metal is growing with time, making it an indisputable choice for the end-user industry. From driverless car to the introduction of Nothing Phone (2a), the industry witnessed some interesting updates this week. Aluminium as a metal has found extensive applications in various industries and products, such as transportation (cars, planes, and trains), packaging (cans and foil), construction (windows, doors, and facades), electronics (smartphones and laptops), and renewable energy (solar panels and wind turbines). Its resistance to corrosion, impressive strength-to-weight ratio, and recyclability render it...
Adobe has recently expanded its San José headquarters by adding a fourth tower to its property. The tower has been beautifully decorated with colourful aluminium trees inspired by Adobe’s creative ethos. The aluminium plates used to craft the trees are impressively thin, measuring only 1/8" (3.175 millimetres) in thickness. These plates are intricately slotted and welded together to form a robust structural lattice, and each tree is designed to weigh no more than 500 pounds (226.796 kilograms). The expansion also includes the creation of a visually stunning pedestrian bridge that seamlessly connects the existing three campus towers while also serving as a creative gateway to the city of San Jose. Designed by Hou de Sousa, the bridge features captivating Blooms installations composed of...
