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,...
Grow with
AL Circle
Alumil India, the wholly-owned Indian subsidiary of Alumil Group, a renowned company in designing and producing premium architectural aluminium systems, has unveiled its strategic expansion plans focused on key regions in Southern, Western, and Northern India. Recently, the company inaugurated a partner showroom in Noida as part of this initiative. It aims to establish stores in Chandigarh and Jaipur in the North and Coimbatore and Chennai in the South. Additionally, Alumil India is gearing up to enhance its presence in Nagpur, Pune, and Surat by March 2024. Since its inception in 2015, Alumil India has successfully executed over 50 projects and is now geared towards fortifying its geographical reach across the nation. Theodoros Axouristos, the Managing Director of Alumil India, said,...
Ball Corporation has received approval to finalize the sale of its aerospace business to BAE Systems for $5.6 billion. Initially announced in August 2023, the agreement was expected to conclude in the first half of 2024. However, this week, Ball reported that the U.S. Department of Justice concluded its review under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, allowing the review period to expire. Alongside previous regulatory approvals from entities such as the Defence Counterintelligence and Security Agency and the Committee on Foreign Investments in the United States, both parties anticipate completing the transaction shortly. Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC acted as Ball Corporation’s financial advisor. At the same time, legal and regulatory counsel was provided by Skadden,...
The global market for can coatings is projected to experience a steady growth rate of 5 per cent CAGR from 2023 to 2035, with anticipated revenue reaching $4 billion by the end of 2035, compared to $3 billion in 2022. This growth is primarily attributed to the expanding food and beverages industry, where can coatings play a crucial role in preserving both the interior and exterior surfaces of cans, ensuring the long-term freshness of food and beverages. The increasing consumption of packaged beverages worldwide further contributes to this trend. For instance, in 2021, the global consumption of packed water surpassed 472.1 billion litres, making it the most consumed packed beverage globally. Similarly, packaged alcoholic beverages accounted for approximately 261 billion litres, while dairy...
Trivium Packaging, a powerhouse in the global metal packaging industry with a valuation of $3.3 billion, was honoured with the prestigious Award of Distinction in Package Innovation within the Technical Design category by PAC Global. The company also received the coveted WorldStar Global Packaging award in the Alcoholic Beverages category for its exceptional contributions to AMBEV S.A.'s Budweiser limited edition 2022 World Cup aluminium beer bottles. This esteemed honour underscores Trivium's commitment to pushing the boundaries of packaging innovation, sustainable design, and brand marketing. This marks the fourth consecutive year that Trivium has been honoured at the PAC Global Awards, a testament to its ongoing excellence in the field. About the WorldStar award Organised by the...
Against the backdrop of soaring energy costs, shortages in skilled labour, and other challenges, Aluminium Deutschland cautiously expresses optimism regarding the industry's trajectory in 2024. Deliveries of tubes and aerosol cans to Germany saw respective increases of 4 per cent and 0.5 per cent between 2022 and 2023, indicating positive momentum. In 2023 Germany received 796 million aluminium tubes and 575 million aluminium aerosol cans. Clemens Behrenbruch, the Chairman of the Tubes, Cans, and Extruded Parts Division at Aluminium Deutschland, said, “The strong demand for aluminium tubes, particularly from the pharmaceutical sector, underscores the crucial role of our products in meeting essential packaging requirements. The industry’s performance in 2023 reflects our resilience and...
Perfect Hydration Alkaline Water is proud to announce its latest game-changing product: the 16 oz—resealable aluminium bottle. This innovative solution is scheduled for release in the second quarter of this year and caters to eco-conscious consumers and those seeking convenient hydration options. Perfect Hydration is taking a bold step forward in a world increasingly attuned to environmental concerns and personal wellness. The introduction of the 16 oz. resealable aluminium bottle marks a significant milestone in the bottled water industry. It addresses the pressing demand for sustainable and portable hydration solutions. This cutting-edge product not only aligns with the ethos of environmental stewardship but also caters to the evolving preferences of modern consumers. By combining...
Loubiworld, under the illustrious Maison Louboutin Beauty, continues to redefine luxury with its exquisite Eau de Parfum collection. In a partnership with the TNT Group, renowned for crafting jewel-like caps, the 50 ml variant emerges as a masterpiece, seamlessly blending oriental aesthetics with cutting-edge materials. The zamac cap, a testament to TNT Group's craftsmanship, showcases three distinct finishes – nickel galvanising, rose gold coating, and orange-gold coating. Adding a touch of opulence, the Middle East collection boasts UV varnish. A uniform aluminium pump cover, undergoing silver, rose gold, and orange-gold anodising processes harmonises with the varied cap finishes. The closure is perfected with a discreet red PP insert, highlighting the attention to detail. What does the...
Craft Beverage Warehouse (CBW) in Milwaukee is embarking on an ambitious journey to double its revenue by embracing innovation and acquiring a second multimillion-dollar digital print-to-aluminium can line to Milwaukee’s Century City Business Park. According to Kyle Stephens, the co-founder and president, the decision to invest in a second digital canning line was prompted by the escalating demand for the company's products. This innovative German-made printing machine empowers Craft Beverage Warehouse to print labels directly onto aluminium cans. Co-founder and VP of Business Development Michael DeGrave said, “This investment into a second print line will be key in feeding the growth we have seen over the past six to nine months. It will allow us to continue providing our current...
NASA, in collaboration with Redwire and NeXolve, has achieved a pivotal milestone in solar sail technology. The focus is on developing a sail made of a polymer material coated with aluminium, resembling aluminium foil, to propel spacecraft using the light of the Sun. Solar sails, akin to sailboats on Earth, capture sunlight using large sails, propelling the spacecraft forward. The NASA project incorporates four identical solar sail quadrants, each with a surface made of a polymer element coated with a thin layer of aluminium, measuring just two and a half microns in thickness. This combination creates a lightweight yet effective mechanism for capturing solar energy. Testing the unfurling capability – NASA's brilliance A recent test at the Redwire facility in Colorado marked a significant...
AluK has recently added two notable members to its UK Board, with Paul Booth, a respected figure in the industry, assuming the role of R&D Director and James Schools, a seasoned manufacturing specialist, stepping in as Finance Director. Their appointments signify a significant boost for AluK, as they bring a wealth of experience and expertise that will be instrumental in driving the company's ambitious initiatives for 2024 and beyond in the realm of aluminium systems. Let us know about Aluk AluK is a global leader in aluminium construction systems. It is known for its engineering, distribution and design of aluminium windows, doors, and facade solutions. Founded over 70 years ago, AluK has become a significant player in the aluminium construction systems sector and currently runs...
VALCO, under the astute leadership of Daniel Nii Kwartei Titus-Glover, has embarked on a transformative journey by signing a crucial shareholder agreement with Daiichi Company. This collaboration heralds the birth of VALCO-DAIICHI ESC LIMITED COMPANY, a pioneering venture set to revolutionise the aluminium industry. VALCO, a stalwart in Ghana's aluminium industry, has partnered with Daiichi Company to establish VALCO-DAIICHI ESC LIMITED COMPANY. This new entity focuses on the production of cutting-edge LED light fixtures and bulbs. Benefits for Valco's aluminium business The collaboration adds significant value to Valco's primary aluminium, opening avenues for diversified revenue streams. This strategic move not only solidifies VALCO's market presence but also contributes substantially to...
Acciona Energía has announced plans to construct a new 412 MWp photovoltaic project in Rajasthan, India, with an expected completion date set for 2025. Acciona, S.A. is a Spanish multinational conglomerate dedicated to developing and managing infrastructure and renewable energy. Acciona is a global group that develops and manages sustainable infrastructure solutions, especially in renewable energy. Its business spans the entire value chain, from design and construction to operation and maintenance. The solar farm will comprise approximately 750,000 photovoltaic modules, each boasting a capacity of 545Wp. Anticipated to generate around 800 GWh of green electricity annually, it will be capable of powering approximately 840,000 households while preventing the emission of 724,000 tonnes of CO...
A team of researchers from the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS) in Bengaluru has created a groundbreaking battery capable of converting ordinary glass windows into cost-effective energy storage units. This innovative development involves the design of an efficient and affordable aqueous transparent battery featuring colour modulation functionality, ideal for integration into smart windows. Let us know about CeNS The Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS) is an autonomous research institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India. DST provides core support to the Centre through a grant-in-aid for conducting basic and applied research in nano and soft matter sciences. The Centre is engaged in materials research at all relevant length...
On the heels of a dazzling collaboration between beverage giant Britvic and Ardagh Metal Packaging (AMP)-Europe, we are happy to unveil the limited-edition H!GHEND design for Tango Mango cans, which has set a new standard for single-serve refreshment. This partnership, born from a shared dedication to innovation, not only elevates the visual allure of packaging but also reflects a commitment to sustainability and environmental consciousness. The 330ml Tango Mango cans, adorned with a sophisticated matte finish, stand as a testament to AMP's revolutionary H!GHEND technology. This avant-garde approach not only enhances the customer experience but also mirrors the bold and vibrant nature of the Tango brand. The meticulously crafted mango graphic seamlessly aligns with Tango's identity,...
Indian multinational conglomerate JSW Group is poised to establish electric vehicle and battery manufacturing initiatives in Odisha, an eastern state, with an investment totalling around INR 400 billion (approx. $4.82 billion). The JSW Group The JSW Group, valued at US$ 23 billion, stands as one of India's foremost business conglomerates. Through its dynamic and sustainable ventures across industries such as steel, energy, infrastructure, cement, paints, venture capital, and sports, JSW Group is significantly contributing to India's economic advancement. JSW and Odisha State Govt. signed MoU On February 11, 2024, the company and the state government officially and jointly announced that they had inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to set up an Integrated Electric Vehicles (EV) and...
Krones has revealed plans for the forthcoming acquisition of Netstal Maschinen AG (Netstal), headquartered in Naefels, Switzerland, from KraussMaffei. Krones provides comprehensive solutions for the beverage and food industries, encompassing process technology, filling technology, packaging machines, and IT solutions. Their lines handle millions of glass bottles, cans, and PET containers daily, serving breweries, beverage bottlers, and food producers globally. Offering individual machines as well as complete production lines, Krones caters to diverse needs across the industry. On February 8, 2024, the parties entered into a purchase agreement. However, the transaction is contingent upon receiving approval by the pertinent antitrust laws. Krones anticipates finalising the transaction...
Larsen & Toubro Power Transmission and Distribution (PT&D) division recently secured numerous contracts. These projects encompass a variety of endeavours, including the development of a 75 MW floating solar PV facility on the Panchet Dam in the eastern Indian state of Jharkhand as well as the complete construction of a 380kV substation in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, the company has undertaken projects related to substations and voltage conversion in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, alongside receiving a supplementary order for an existing power supply project in the UAE. According to the latest industry-focused report released by AL Circle, titled "Global Aluminium Industry Outlook 2024" , aluminium wire rods are widely used in electrical transmission and distribution, building electrification,...
DFV, the distinguished Italian aluminium coating enterprise, is forging a strategic alliance with AkzoNobel Powder Coatings to maintain its vanguard position. Leveraging Interpon powder coating technology, DFV is revolutionising the appearance of aluminium, mimicking the natural allure of wood. Decarbonising and sustainable aluminium production is poised to become the foremost focus on the supply side in the coming years. The global aluminium industry is set to prioritise achieving net-zero and carbon-neutral, making it a central driving force in the sector. Renowned for crafting architectural marvels in aluminium, including facades and exteriors, DFV has found its forte in wood-effect finishes. Branded under the esteemed 'Ezy' range, these innovations have become the cornerstone of DFV's...
