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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The Cumbernauld-Scottland headquartered company Cube Glass, specialising in aluminium and glass, has announced a significant uptick in its trading performance, marking one of its most substantial advancements to date. Revenue has surged by well over £1 million, propelling the company's turnover to a record £4.5 million for the fiscal year ending in October 2023, a notable increase from the previous year's £3.25 million. The primary catalyst for this notable growth in the 2022-23 period stemmed from a particularly sizable contract. Cube Glass secured a significant project supplying screens for residential and retail units as part of a large-scale community benefit initiative spearheaded by a prominent social housing developer in Scotland. Cube Glass aims to solidify its forthcoming...
SUVs and trucks dominate the American automotive landscape, while sedans are declining in popularity. However, within the EV market, there are still notable four-door options. Despite lacking SUVs' bulk, elevated viewpoint, and storage capacity, sedans appeal to those who prefer a more traditional car experience. Although they may not accommodate large battery packs as easily, they compensate with lighter weight and enhanced agility. Additionally, sedans often come at a more affordable price point compared to larger vehicles, although premium luxury sedans can still command six-figure prices. According to a survey conducted by Ducker Carlisle among automakers and Tier 1 suppliers, the ongoing mass market integration of electric vehicles is projected to fuel a rise in aluminium demand...
In a harmonious marriage of sustainability and sophistication, Zeena, the illustrious Spain-based canned wine artisan under the Mindful Drinkers umbrella, is poised to elevate the in-flight experience aboard Air Europa. Zeena's 100% recyclable aluminium beverage cans, meticulously crafted for the mindful connoisseur, will grace the airline's menu, curated by the visionary minds at Gateretail. At the heart of Zeena's allure lies its unwavering commitment to quality, manifested through organically grown wines, untainted by additives and sugars, proudly bearing the coveted vegan certification. However, the true star is the packaging – recycled and 100% recyclable aluminium cans adorned with an internal Vinsafe film, ensuring the preservation of aroma and flavour. These cans, not only symbols...
The American multinational corporation Coca-Cola is all set to spice things up with their newly launched 'Spiced Zero Sugar', the first permanent flavour to be introduced by the brand in three years. The new flavour will be available in both aluminium cans and pet bottles. Described as a fusion of the traditional Coca-Cola flavour with refreshing raspberry tones and subtle spiced accents, Coca-Cola Spiced is set to hit national retail shelves starting February 19th. Coca-Cola Spiced Zero Sugar will also be available alongside the regular version for those watching their sugar intake. The new beverage will be offered in various packaging options, including 12-ounce sleek aluminium cans, 12-ounce twelve packs, ten-pack mini aluminium cans, and 2-litre bottles. Coca-Cola Spiced Zero Sugar...
To mark a revolutionary day in battery making, Graphene Manufacturing Group Ltd (GMG) has announced achieving a crucial milestone in the development of its Graphene Aluminium-Ion Battery technology. The company proudly announced the successful production of multiple pouch cells, each boasting an impressive capacity exceeding 1000 mAh. GMG's cutting-edge Graphene aluminium ion battery technology demonstrates remarkable scalability, transitioning seamlessly from coin cells to pouch cells. This achievement underscores the technology's potential to revolutionise high-performance and sustainable energy solutions. GMG's journey towards this breakthrough began with the development of proprietary graphene aluminium-ion battery technology. The recent accomplishment showcases the company's...
Constellium SE, a global leader in the manufacturing and recycling of aluminium products and solutions, and g.pivaudran, a designer and manufacturer of aluminium parts intended for packaging in the Beauty and Spirits sectors, have collaborated on a new packaging project for Chanel Fragrance & Beauty. As per the report, Constellium will provide recycled aluminium solutions to Chanel for the packaging of its new line of mascara, “Le Volume”, which will be designed and manufactured by luxury packaging specialist g.pivaudran. The mascara packaging will incorporate 10 to 20 per cent post-consumer recycled (PCR) metal, depending on the model. Constellium and luxury packaging specialist g.pivaudran have been in partnership for various projects since 2018. They worked together to ensure the...
Crown Holdings, one of the world's largest aluminium can manufacturers, has disclosed its financial performance for the fourth quarter and full year ending on December 31, 2023. The company reported a net income of $450 million for the financial year 2023 (FY23), compared to $727 million in FY22, signifying a 61.5 per cent downfall. Q4 2023 results In the fourth quarter, net sales reached $2,858 million, a decrease from $3,012 million in the same period of 2022. This decline is attributed to higher beverage can volumes in America's Beverage and favourable foreign currency translation totalling $42 million. However, it was offset by a $145 million reduction in material costs and decreased volumes across most other businesses. Operating income for the quarter was $259 million, up from $229...
Canadian aluminium building products maker Longboard Architectural Products has achieved the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) 9001 and 14001 Certification, upholding the company’s commitment to maintaining high standards in both environmental and quality management systems for its building products. The company proudly asserts that its entire product line is fully recyclable, emphasising aluminium as one of the few materials on Earth that can support a circular economy. In addition to the recently obtained ISO certifications, Longboard highlights a collection of other third-party certifications and standards it has achieved, including specific ASTM and ULC standards. “Both ISO 9001 and 14001 certifications require rigorous assessments by third-party bodies, symbolizing...
EKA, a prominent player in the electric mobility sector, has officially unveiled its highly anticipated 1.5-tonne electric Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) in collaboration with Mitsui Co., Ltd. from Japan and VDL Groep from the Netherlands as equity partners. This groundbreaking vehicle is entering the market with a competitive starting price of INR 13.9 lakhs (ex-showroom). The EKA K1.5 offers customisation for over eight applications featuring multiple variants, establishing itself as the most versatile electric LCV range in its segment. The grand reveal occurred at the prestigious Bharat Mobility Global Expo, underscoring EKA Mobility's dedication to providing sustainable and profitable transportation solutions. The most recent industry-focused report from AL Circle, titled "Global...
In a noteworthy achievement, Pakistan Aluminium Beverage Cans Limited (PSX: PABC) has successfully exceeded its previous production capacity, reaching an impressive 1,200 million cans per annum. This major news came just after the completion of PABC's expansion/equalisation project, reflecting the company's commitment to meeting the rising demand for aluminium beverage cans. "We are pleased to announce that with the successful installation and commissioning of our expansion/equalisation project, our new rated capacity now stands at 1,200 million cans per annum," the stock filing cabinet of PABC declared. Company background - in short PABC, the most extensive and exclusive beverage can manufacturer in Pakistan, unveiled plans last year to augment its production capacity. The successful...
In the last financial quarter (Q4 2023), Ball Corporation, a prominent player in the aluminium packaging industry, demonstrated robust performance, surpassing profit expectations. This success is attributed to strategic choices, including the adoption of eco-friendly aluminium packaging and efficient cost management. Ball Corp experienced a surge in demand for its aluminium cans as consumers increasingly favoured eco-friendly packaging over plastic alternatives. This preference aligns with the industry's global push towards sustainability, marking a significant win for aluminium in the packaging arena. Cost Efficiency - Market Response Lower input costs, specifically reduced aluminium and freight expenses, played a pivotal role in bolstering Ball's profitability. Despite economic...
According to a research report, the Saudi Arabia Canned Food Market is anticipated to grow at a robust compound annual growth rate of 3.55 per cent from 2021 to 2028. This elevation is expected to bring the market value to US$1,132.689 million at the end of the forecast period compared to US$887.449 million in 2021. Saudi Arabia’s food processing industry has grown over the years, attracting noteworthy investments. By 2030, the investments are estimated to peak at $70 billion, representing a 59 per cent increase from 2016. The continued robustness of the food sector is expected to grow to about $20 billion by 2035, stimulating the canned food market extensively, particularly within the key industries like beverages, dairy, and ready-to-eat sectors. As highlighted in AL Circle’s recent...
The most recent in-depth Middle East and North Africa (MENA) metal packaging market analysis indicates a strong expected growth path. Projections anticipate a substantial increase from US$ 8.16 billion in 2022 to US$ 11.29 billion by 2030. With a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.1 per cent throughout the forecast period, the market's expansion underscores rising confidence in metals like aluminium and steel as the favoured packaging material across diverse sectors. A noteworthy factor contributing to this growth is the substantial market share held by the food and beverages segment. This underscores the pivotal role of aluminium and steel packaging in preserving product integrity and ensuring shelf-stability. This trend aligns with global observations recognising the distinctive...
Wild Goose, an innovator in the realm of craft canning and bottling systems, has introduced the Spirit line of canning machines. The newly launched canning machines, namely the Gosling Spirit™ and the Evolution Series Spirit™, are optimised for improved availability across all sizes of aluminium cans. One of the notable features of the Spirit line is its compatibility with the increasingly popular single-serving 100-millilitre steel can format. These machines are designed to meet the unique needs of distilleries, providing advanced technology and precision in the canning process. "We have seen a lot of parallels between craft distilleries and craft breweries. Wild Goose was a pioneer in craft beer canning, selling our first systems to brewers in 2011. Now, with the availability of smaller...
The Beer Institute, the longstanding national trade association dedicated to representing the beer industry, issued a response following the introduction of H.R.7078, known as ‘The False Claims Enhancement Act,’ by Rep. Ken Buck (CO-04). This proposed legislation aims to establish accountability for aluminium producers who impose tariffed prices on non-tariffed metal. The False Claims Enhancement Act explicitly outlines that it violates the False Claims Act for entities, such as aluminium producers, to inaccurately impose a tariff in a private contract where no tariff obligation exists and the funds are not directed to the government. This provision serves as a robust deterrent against individuals or organisations attempting to include a government-mandated charge when it is not warranted...
The Vivalda Group has introduced MetSkin, a novel solid aluminium cladding system designed and manufactured in the UK, tailored explicitly for residential high-rise or municipal projects. This comprehensive and thoroughly tested system is produced in-house by MSP Façade Solutions, a subsidiary of the Vivalda Group located in Cumbernauld. MetSkin is available in three distinct configurations: Interlocking Plank (2mm thickness) Hook-on Cassette (3mm thickness) Tray Panel (3mm thickness) Systems Fabricated from a "premium grade" non-flammable solid aluminium sheet, the product undergoes a chrome-free powder coating process on-site to meet the Qualicoat standard. The powder coating is carried out by Prism Powder Coating, a sister company within the group that has earned the prestigious status...
Absolut has officially launched its new ready-to-drink (RTD) collection, featuring the perfect blend of Absolut Vodka and Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice. The newly launched RTD beverage comes packed in sustainable aluminium cans and is now accessible in the United States, offering a convenient and delicious way to enjoy the classic combination. Ocean Spray is making its inaugural foray into the spirits category by licensing its authentic juice credentials for a ready-to-drink (RTD) offering in aluminium cans. This marks the first time the renowned brand is venturing into the spirits sector, bringing its real juice expertise to elevate the drinking experience in this new and exciting format. "Absolut Vodka and Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice have long been enjoyed together at bars and in homes...
The Italian railway operator Ferrovie della Calabria (FdC) has ordered three new hydrogen trains with 950mm gauge from the Swiss manufacturer of railway rolling stock Stadler. In 2023, a framework agreement was inked, paving the way for deploying as many as 15 hydrogen-powered trains in the Italian region of Calabria starting in 2026. These trains, set to be produced at Stadler's headquarters in Bussnang, Switzerland, consist of two passenger cars and a power pack made from lightweight aluminium, enhancing their energy efficiency. The power pack serves as the housing for fuel cells, hydrogen tanks, and various technical components. Notably, Stadler had previously clinched a deal to provide hydrogen-powered trains to California the previous year. The CEO of FdC, Ernesto Ferraro, expressed...
