Advances in powder metallurgy are expanding the potential of aluminium matrix composites for ships, offshore platforms and underwater equipment, with improved corrosion resistance, mechanical performance and lightweight properties. Aluminium composites could offer new material options for demanding marine environments, where corrosion, mechanical stresses and seawater exposure challenge conventional alloys. Recent research reviews how powder metallurgy is helping develop reinforced aluminium materials with properties suited to these operating conditions. Powder metallurgy improves aluminium composite performance Aluminium matrix composites (AMCs) combine an aluminium matrix with reinforcing materials to enhance performance compared with conventional monolithic aluminium alloys. Their...
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,...
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Paulaner USA, the sole importer of the iconic Paulaner brand in the United States, has unveiled its nationwide campaign, "Big Cans for Big Heroes," in partnership with Operation Homefront, a non-profit committed to bolstering military families' resilience and stability. Running from May 1st to June 30th, Paulaner USA pledges a portion of its sales to support Operation Homefront while urging its loyal community to join the cause. This initiative aligns with the ongoing introduction of the popular Paulaner Münchner Lager in the 19.2 oz large aluminium can format, a beloved choice at concerts, sports events, and military installations nationwide. Paulaner USA has a rich tradition of honouring and supporting military personnel and first responders, reflecting its deep-seated commitment to...
Yida Li, in collaboration with Mercedes-Benz Design for his Bachelor's thesis, introduced the innovative concept of "Smartchitecture," a driverless aluminium car built upon the Smart car platform, a division of Daimler AG, the parent company of Mercedes-Benz. This concept redefines the conventional mini car by integrating elements of a mobile tent, RV, and architectural design into one versatile vehicle. About the Smartchitecture Presented at the CongressCentrum Pforzheim in February 2024, Yida Li unveiled a 1:4 scale model of his groundbreaking creation. The model showcased a circular cabin with a smaller transparent roof, offering panoramic views to passengers. Inside, the seating resembled plush sofas, contoured to complement the car's sleek exterior. The wooden flooring features...
Aluminium, with its lightweight yet durable properties, stands as a cornerstone in revolutionising transportation across the automotive and aerospace industries. In automotive, integrating aluminium components significantly reduces vehicle weight, enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing emissions. Furthermore, its malleability enables intricate designs, fostering vehicle aerodynamics and safety advancements. In aerospace, aluminium's strength-to-weight ratio makes it indispensable for constructing aircraft structures. This enables higher payloads and longer flights while maintaining structural integrity. Moreover, its corrosion resistance ensures longevity in harsh environments, which is crucial for aircraft longevity and safety. Aluminium – the ultimate choice of automakers Aluminum is a...
Nothing, the renowned smartphone manufacturer, has unveiled the latest edition of its flagship device, the Nothing Phone (2a), now available on Flipkart in India. This cutting-edge smartphone merges innovation with sustainability, setting a new standard in the industry. Displaying an impressive 8 GB RAM and 128 GB ROM, the Nothing Phone (2a) ensures seamless multitasking and ample storage capacity. Its 17.02 cm (6.7 inch) Full HD+ Display delivers stunning visuals for an immersive viewing experience. Camera: Immortalise each moment with sheer clarity using the 50MP (OIS) + 50MP rear cameras and a 32MP front camera, allowing for crisp and detailed photos and videos. Power and Efficiency: Equipped with a robust 5000 mAh Battery and powered by the Dimensity 7200 Pro Processor, the Nothing...
Shyam Metalics & Energy proudly presents its latest marvel: SEL Tiger Foil. This innovation stands as a bright example of household food safety, crafted with incredible care and a profound commitment to excellence. As the aluminium foil segment anticipates a remarkable 7.4% CAGR growth by 2030, the launch of SEL Tiger Foil aligns perfectly with burgeoning demand and promises lucrative prospects for Shyam Metalics in this domain. Manufactured in Giridh, Jharkhand, by Shree Venkateshwara Electrocast, a step-down subsidiary of Shyam Metalics & Energy, SEL Tiger Foil debuts in two distinct categories: 11 microns and 18 microns. Each variant caters to a spectrum of food storage requisites. From 9-meter rolls for occasional usage to generous 72-meter rolls for everyday culinary pursuits , SEL...
BlueTriton, the water and beverage company has bolstered its dedication to sustainability by introducing its latest aluminium bottle packaging. This innovative bottle will soon be available for five of its prominent brands: Poland Spring, Deer Park, Ice Mountain, Arrowhead, and Pure Life. This strategic move mirrors the company's ambitious 2030 Sustainability Goals, which prioritise ensuring all packaging becomes entirely recyclable, reusable, or compostable. Having said this, the aluminium industry is making constant advancements in promoting the environmental efficiency of its production. The use of aluminium is highly encouraged for multiple end-use industries. Sustainable and environmentally conscious packaging solutions drive the demand for recycled aluminium in the packaging sector...
Ball, a leading sustainable aluminium packaging provider, showcases consistent performance in the first quarter of the financial year 2024 (FY24), maintaining its net earnings at $217 million, echoing the results from the corresponding period in the prior year. Despite minor fluctuations, the company continues its steadfast trajectory, reflecting resilience amidst dynamic market conditions. Ball reports a net earnings figure of $217 million for Q1 FY24, consistent with FY23. Comparable diluted earnings per share stand at ¢68, exhibiting a marginal decrease from ¢69 in the previous fiscal year. The company's net sales for the quarter concluded at $2.87 billion, marking a slight decline from $2.98 billion in FY23. However, Ball demonstrates an improvement in comparable operating earnings,...
Discover the latest innovation in hydration as Mammoth Brands unveils Rippl Water, an eco-friendly marvel that redefines the way we drink. With a blend of sustainability, customisation, and premium quality aluminium cans, Rippl Water emerges as the epitome of responsible refreshment. Embark on a journey with Rippl Water, where entrepreneur Rob Hilton, with over three decades of industry prowess, spearheads a revolution in hydration. Under his creative helm, Mammoth Brands introduces Rippl Water, setting a new benchmark for eco-consciousness in the beverage industry. Mr Hilton exclaimed: "Rippl Water is not just about drinking; it's about making a statement with every sip." "Our aim is to offer a product that is both good for the planet and our customers by providing a customisable,...
Edinburgh's beloved microbrewery, Cold Town Beer, has embarked on an exciting journey of rebranding across its flagship and experimental craft beer lineup. Responding keenly to consumers' desires, the brewery now presents its brews in larger and bolder aluminium cans, reflecting a commitment to delivering a standout experience. This fresh identity isn't just about aesthetics; it's a narrative woven into every sip. The redesigned aluminium cans serve as a canvas, illustrating the brewery's rich history and progressive mission. Delving into the roots of the brand, one discovers its origins in the Carlton, or 'Cauld Toon', district of Edinburgh, where the very first lager in Britain was crafted back in 1835. In developing countries, the inclination towards aluminium beverage cans is on the...
Denmark launched a significant offshore wind tender this week, potentially granting up to 10 GW of capacity. This could cover the nation's electricity needs and pave the way for producing renewable hydrogen and other eco-friendly fuels. The effectiveness of the auction's design in attracting investors and fulfilling such substantial capacity remains to be observed. Presently, Denmark boasts nearly 3 GW of offshore wind capacity. With the launch of the new Danish offshore auction, the goal is to integrate an additional 6 GW of offshore wind power into the grid. The auction will encompass six wind farm areas: three in the North Sea, two in the Kattegat, and one in the Baltic Sea. Developers are allowed to install a greater wind capacity in their designated areas than initially outlined by...
Can-One USA, a division of the Malaysia-headquartered can manufacturing company Can-One, has commenced operations at its newly established facility in the United States. The plant, which spans 180,000 square feet and is located in Nashua, New Hampshire, anticipates an annual output of two billion aluminium beverage cans. “The company saw North America – particularly New England – as a market with tremendous opportunity,” said Can-One USA’s general manager Alvin Widitora. It will produce various aluminium can sizes, catering to the preferences of craft brewers and smaller beverage producers. These include the popular 12oz (355ml) and 16oz (473ml) versions, which are particularly favoured among producers in the sparkling water, juice, and other functional beverage categories. Partnership...
A Kenyan electric bus company headquartered in Nairobi, BasiGo, has secured a substantial order for 500 buses from public service vehicle (PSV) operators in Nairobi. This significant influx of orders marks a monumental leap for the company, catapulting its bus sales to nearly 24 times their current volume. Jit Bhattacharya, the founder and CEO of BasiGo, expressed enthusiasm about the development, noting that the firm has already received deposits for the orders. Bhattacharya emphasized the company's commitment to promptly fulfilling these orders and delivering the buses to the buyers as expeditiously as possible. As per AL Circle's new industry-focus report - "Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2024" , aluminium usage in the transportation sector stood at 27.5 million tonnes in 2023. The...
Roberts Metal Packaging has proudly attained the esteemed AA+ rating, the highest possible standard, in packaging materials globally, as awarded by BRCGS (Brand Reputation through Compliance Global Standard). Achieving an AA+ rating signifies that all pre-threaded screw-caps, godets, and aluminium and tinplate containers from them are guaranteed top quality, compliant with legal standards, and genuine, ensuring customers' and manufacturers' peace of mind. About the AA+ rating This accolade, earned through a rigorous unannounced audit, solidifies the Thamesmead site's position among the elite suppliers in the packaging industry. For the past 25 years, the BRCGS Packaging Materials Global Standard has served as the gold standard for assessing packaging materials, with over 22,000 sites...
EverestLabs, a leading robotics supplier headquartered in Fremont, California, has released a recent report shedding light on the fate of recyclable materials at Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs). According to their findings, approximately 27 per cent of aluminium cans, PET, HDPE, and PP collected at MRFs are disposed of rather than recycled. This data stems from a comprehensive analysis conducted over two years, during which EverestLabs gathered sample data from MRFs across its customer base. The study focused on estimating the yield loss at the MRF level across different material streams. About the findings The scale of the problem becomes even more apparent when we consider the extrapolation of the sample results. The data was collected from the 'last-chance' lines of single-stream...
At the heart of Carlson AirFlo's products lies anodised aluminium, meticulously crafted to optimise energy usage. With unparalleled conductivity properties, this material acts as a thermal conductor, preserving the freshness of products within refrigerated cases. Suellen Lindsay, AirFlo's astute marketing manager, marks the significance of this innovation, noting how it minimises energy consumption and extends shelf life, ultimately reducing waste at the store level. "This allows the refrigeration cases to maximise energy efficiency. Because of the thermal properties of aluminium, it reduces shrink, allowing fresh product to maintain its shelf life, reducing the need to discard at store level." Unlike conventional materials, anodised aluminium boasts corrosion resistance and stability,...
The landscape of reusable insulated flasks and containers is on the verge of transformation, as the Ministry of Commerce and Industry prepares to enforce a mandatory Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification starting June '24. This directive is poised to reshape the industry dynamics, impacting both large incumbents and smaller players alike. Come June '24, retail and e-commerce platforms may witness a shift in the availability of copper, stainless steel, and aluminium water bottles, as compliance with BIS standards becomes imperative. Presently, a significant portion of these products is imported, with minimal local manufacturing infrastructure in place. This impending mandate necessitates a strategic re-evaluation for industry leaders like Cello, Milton, and Prestige, prompting...
Toyo Seikan Co., Ltd., a prominent subsidiary of Toyo Seikan Group Holdings Ltd., unveils its latest innovation in the realm of aluminium beverage cans. Pioneering the development of the lightest aluminium DI can in the domestic market, Toyo Seikan introduces Compression Bottom Reform (CBR) technology, poised to reshape the landscape of can manufacturing. Utilising state-of-the-art CBR technology, Toyo Seikan achieves a remarkable feat in can engineering by reinforcing the bottom of the beverage can, thus significantly reducing its weight. This innovation permits the creation of 204mm Stay-On Tab (SOT) cans, catering primarily to alcoholic beverages , with unparalleled efficiency. Reducing carbon footprint: A step toward sustainability The implementation of CBR in the 204mm SOT cans...
Kazakhstan's first beverage can plant, located in the Ontustik industrial zone of Shymkent, is gearing up for a significant expansion later this year. QazAlPack (QAP) specializes in manufacturing 450ml aluminium beverage cans tailored for drinks and compatible with 202-diameter CDL ends. It is the sole can-making facility in Central Asia. Andrew Ushakov, the project manager at QazAlPack (QAP), has confirmed plans to double the plant's production capacity, aiming to reach up to 1 billion aluminium cans per year. Furthermore, the plant also focuses on lightweighting its cans. Through enhancements in production processes, they have managed to reduce the starting gauge of the aluminium coil from 0.265mm to a thinner 0.245mm, ensuring greater efficiency and cost-effectiveness in production....
