Europe holds 10% of global aluminium extrusion demand, supported by Germany’s Constellium, France’s Hydro Extrusions & Italy’s Metra
Across Europe, aluminium extrusion has become closely woven into some of the region’s biggest industrial and construction markets. From automotive and transport to buildings and industrial applications, extruded profiles are finding demand across a wide range of sectors. This is reflected in Europe’s position in the global market: the region accounted for 12 per cent of global aluminium extrusion capacity, making it the second-largest regional contributor after China. At the same time, Europe represented 10 per cent of global aluminium extrusion usage, out of total global usage of 35.35 million tonnes . With production capacity and usage shares relatively close, Europe’s extrusion capacity and consumption are broadly at par. If we break down Europe’s 10 per cent share of global aluminium...
H1 2026 sees more renewable energy than ever: Here’s a region-by-region guide to renewable energy supply in the recent past
In the first half of 2025, humanity generated more electricity from renewables than from coal for the first time ever. What led to it? It was possible only because of two decades of falling solar panel prices, taller wind turbines, and governments finally treating clean power like an economic opportunity instead of a favour to the planet. But the renewable energy scenario cannot be portrayed as a single global story. To get the full picture, one has to connect dozens of regional stories moving at wildly different speeds. Some countries are already powered almost entirely by sun, wind and water. Others are still warming up. Here is a tour of how renewable energy supply looks across the world’s regions right now, and who is actually leading the charge. The global scorecard: Renewable energy...
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Canned drinks take centre stage at festivals
The latest research by the UK’s Can Makers shows that more people now recognise the benefits beverage cans offer. Norman Lett, spokesperson for the Can Makers, discusses how a greater variety of canned beverages, convenience, recyclability and other factors are making cans the preferred packaging of choice for many festival goers in the UK. More brands are also switching to cans. “The shift to cans which many brands are now making not only highlights the growing importance of sustainability throughout the value chain but underscores the positive impact of cans when it comes to storytelling, branding and timely, culturally relevant marketing,” Lett says. Festivals that promote sustainable practices New research has shown that canned beverages which can be recycled easily, are the go-to...
October 2024: Transition phase to off-season results in decreased billet production in China
China's primary aluminium billet output in October 2024 retreated from its previous month's high as many billet manufacturers reduced their production pace due to several unfavourable factors like high selling prices, lower processing fees, and sluggish downstream demand. Usually, October is a season when the market takes a turn aligned with the year-end goals. Image Source: Made-in-China According to the Shanghai Metals Market survey, China's daily average production of primary aluminium billet in October lost what it gained last month despite having one more operating day. The average daily output dropped 2,000 tonnes M-o-M to 49,000 tonnes per day, resulting in a monthly output of 1.507 million tonnes in October, as against 1.528 million tonnes in September. That recorded a...
65 years of Guinea-China partnership: CDM's role in revolutionising mining and driving sustainable development
Guinea and China celebrated a historic milestone on October 4, 2024, as they commemorated 65 years of the reestablishment of their diplomatic relations. This enduring partnership, a cornerstone in sub-Saharan Africa, has thrived through collaboration in critical sectors such as education, health, energy, infrastructure, and mining. Among these, mining stands out as a transformative force, spurred by the significant influx of Chinese investments over the last two decades. From 2008 to 2017, China's involvement was embodied by major players such as Chalco, China Power Investment (CPI), and the Compagnie de Développement des Mines Internationales (CDM). CDM, a subsidiary of CHICO, a Henan-based Chinese state-owned enterprise, entered the Guinean mining scene in May 2008. In October 2010, it...
NALCO, Hindalco, Vedanta experience share surges following China’s decision to revoke export tax rebates: Know why?
China’s decision to revoke tax rebates on aluminium has caused two opposite reactions in the global market. On the one hand, it has brought a frown to global downstream producers and end-user manufacturers in anticipation of a limited supply of metal and higher prices; on the other, it has brought hope for improved margins among primary aluminium producers due to global price hikes. On this note, some of the primary aluminium giants in India have experienced a notable surge in their shares. Companies like NALCO, Hindalco, and Vedanta reported that their shares raised as much as 7 per cent on Monday, November 18, following China’s announcement of its decision on Friday , November 15. Even a Malaysia-based aluminium company, Press Metal, gained 7.5 per cent to RM4.73, marking its highest...
Climate action or trade barrier? Debate over CBAM stalls COP29 agenda
The UN climate summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, opened amidst intense behind-the-scenes negotiations as nations gathered for COP29 — the 29th Conference of Parties under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Early headlines touted a preliminary success as delegates agreed on key regulations to facilitate global carbon credit trading. Yet, this development came with contentious undercurrents, prompting critics to argue that such mechanisms could allow wealthier nations to finance emission reductions abroad and procrastinate on more costly domestic climate action. The opening plenary session experienced significant delays, stretching into the early hours of November 12, 2024, following demands from the BASIC coalition — comprising Brazil, South Africa, India, and...
America Recycles Day – celebrating decades-long recycling journey, with aluminium in the spotlight
November 15 of each year is observed as America Recycles Day – a day dedicated to spreading the message of how recycling can help all of us contribute towards the environment in the littlest way possible by reducing waste, saving energy, and conserving precious resources. And now that individuals as well as industries are increasingly prioritising sustainability, recycling plays a crucial role. Essentially, the aluminium industry in America has notably made a conscious shift to recycling and using recycled, low-carbon aluminium. According to the Aluminum Association, 75 per cent of aluminium is recycled in the United States of America. Some industries like automotive and building recycle more than 90 per cent. Today, more than 80 per cent of US production is in making recycled/secondary...
Slow progress despite aluminium industry's net zero commitments: ING observes
Major aluminium producers have set ambitious net-zero decarbonisation targets for 2050 and beyond. However, despite a modest reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions over the past five years, significant progress remains limited, as noted by ING Think. Image credit: Metal Supplies On September 30, 2024, the World Economic Forum’s publication stated that the global aluminium industry, responsible for approximately 2 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions and generating 1.1 billion tonnes of CO 2 e annually, faces mounting pressure to decarbonize. Scientific evidence, extreme weather events, and evolving consumer expectations underscore the urgent need for change. With aluminium demand projected to surge by 40 per cent by 2030, emissions could rise even further, intensifying...
China's bauxite import in September hit hard with serial disruptions. Will 2025 be any different?
China's dependence on imported bauxite is a significant factor in the nation's superior ranking in alumina and primary aluminium production. The sheer volume of raw material required to maintain this ranking cannot be met by domestic sources alone. Therefore, any disruption in bauxite supply has a profound impact on the entire aluminium production supply chain, underscoring the gravity of the situation. Guinea's role in the decline: According to S&P Global, China's reliance on imported bauxite is as high as 57 per cent. Guinea, as the primary supplier of bauxite to the nation, plays a crucial role in China's import figures. The disruption in Guinea's bauxite export scenario has therefore had a significant impact on China's bauxite supply, highlighting the importance of Guinea's bauxite...
China’s aluminium production ramps up in October, backed by increasing operating capacity
China’s aluminium production in October 2024 (31 calendar days) saw a year-on-year increase of 1.69 per cent and a month-on-month rise of 3.58 per cent, attributed to capacities back to operations in early October after technical renovations. However, some smelters unexpectedly delaying capacity resumption did offset the country’s monthly output, found the Shanghai Metals Market. Image Source: CRU The aluminium output hike in October could also be attributed to steady demand growth for downstream alloy products during the traditional peak season from September to October. In addition, China’s domestic primary aluminium price rally during October, reaching as high as RMB 21,080 per tonne, played a favourable role in metal production, providing the smelters an opportunity to make profits....
This Children’s Day secure your li'l ones' present and future with aluminium toys over plastic variants
Toys are integral to kids' babyhood laughter, fun and, at times, their cognitive development. Kids' toys have a wide range and variety from miniature cars and bikes to kitchen utensils, from robots to electronic gadgets, and from medical instruments to building blocks. They ignite imagination, promote creativity, and provide hours of entertainment. However, when buying a toy for your champ ahead of the upcoming International Children's Day, remember that not all playthings are built equal, and in the long run, some might do more harm than good. In particular, plastic toys, which have conquered the market due to their low cost and accessibility, have been prone to their potential adverse impact on children's health, our planet, and their overall development. Conversely, aluminium is a...
Aluminium beverage cans industry becoming lifeline to Brazil's economy; increased GDP leads to double-digit sales growth
The aluminium beverage can sales in Brazil have recorded an impressive 12 per cent year-on-year growth for H1 2024, revealed the Brazilian Association of Aluminium Can Manufacturers (Abralatas). The association, representing the country's aluminium can sector, previously noted that macroeconomic development significantly drove the increase in Brazilian beverage can sales this year. Following the revelation of this momentous growth, Abralatas expects the year to close with a high-digit sales figure for aluminium beverage cans. Earlier, the association estimated a growth rate of 5 per cent at the year-end, compared to an annual increase of 1.65 per cent last year. However, it is essential to see if the projection remains the same after this double-digit growth in H1. Production, consumption...
5 worthwhile practices that can ensure green aluminium production in the near future
From smartphones to smart shoes, every gadget that we use daily is enhanced with aluminium. The demand for this versatile metal is skyrocketing, but so is its toll on the environment. The time for action is now. Image Source: Hydro The aluminium production industry is unified on decarbonisation. And the industry giants have taken baby steps towards the goal. According to the 2023 Aluminum Paradox report by the Environmental Integrity Project, global aluminium production resulted in 1.2 billion tonnes of global greenhouse gases in 2021. Now, the initiatives are to significantly reduce global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to keep the subsequent global warming under 2 °C (vs pre-industrial levels, i.e. the Beyond 2 Degrees Scenario, or B2DS). Whereas it should ideally be below 1.5 °C....
Oct'24: China’s alumina output reaches 7 million tonnes again, but can this growth sustain amid tight bauxite supply?
After a decline last month, China's metallurgical-grade alumina production grew in October 2024, marking a M-o-M increase of 2.93 per cent, according to the Shanghai Metals Market survey. The output also escalated by 6.51 per cent year-on-year, backed by capacity expansion and higher operating rate. Exceeding the initial forecast of 1.73 per cent M-o-M growth, China's metallurgical-grade alumina production in October is estimated to have amounted to 7.112 million tonnes versus 6.91 million tonnes in September . Notably, the country's monthly output volume yet again surpassed the 7 million tonnes benchmark but fell short of 1.5 per cent to touch the August production. From January to October 2024, China's total production of metallurgical-grade alumina was recorded at 68.708 million...
The rise of aluminium bottles: A response to eco-conscious consumer trends
As consumer preferences shift towards sustainability, transparency, and efficiency, aluminium is emerging as a material of choice for its recyclability, lightweight properties, and ability to preserve product quality. The aluminium packaging industry experienced steady growth in 2023, driven by an increasing demand for beverage cans and packaging foils. With over 11.5 million tonnes of aluminium flat-rolled products used in the overall packaging sector throughout the year, the industry’s expansion has been fuelled by a shift away from traditional materials like plastic and glass. A growing preference for sustainable packaging solutions , rising disposable incomes, and increased urbanisation are significant drivers of this growth. Additionally, advancements in technology are playing a...
Australia’s first end-to-end blister pack recycling programme rolled out
Pharmacy retailer Chemist Warehouse and Pharmacycle, in partnership with Kenvue, the maker of CODRAL, have launched Australia’s largest nationwide blister pack recycling program. Following a successful trial in late 2023 at 100 Chemist Warehouse locations across Victoria, the initiative has now expanded to all Chemist Warehouse and My Chemist pharmacies nationwide. Image Source: Pharmacycle The pharmaceutical sector is experiencing growing demand for aluminium-based packaging, especially blister packs and Alu-Alu, driven by increasing healthcare needs, ageing populations, and a rise in chronic diseases. As a result, the global pharmaceutical packaging market is expected to see substantial growth, with aluminium packaging—particularly blister and Alu-Alu—becoming a vital segment of this...
Bauxite shipment disruption at Juruti Port intensifies pressure on global alumina production
Alcoa declared force majeure on bauxite shipments from its Juruti mine in Brazil on November 7, 2024, due to a vessel stranded in the channel near the port obstructing transportation. This disruption poses significant challenges for global alumina supplies, which are already under pressure due to constrained production. However, the statement did not provide an estimate for when shipments might resume. According to a trader source, the vessel has been stranded near the Juruti port since late October, and bauxite shipments have been halted for nearly or more than 10 days. According to industry experts, the Alumar alumina refinery is currently grappling with significant challenges due to shortages of bauxite supply from the Juruti mine in Brazil. The bauxite source is vital to Alumar’s...
Adani plans a strategic $5 billion investment in India's aluminium industry, among others, in the next 5 years
Gautam Adani led Adani Group has declared an investment of over US$5 billion in setting up aluminium and steel businesses along with ramping up copper production in India. This is the second time that the group has invested such megabucks in the metal industry, wherein, for the first time in 2022, the enterprise declared an investment of US$5.2 billion in developing an alumina refinery in the eastern Indian state of Odisha. Image Source: https://www.adani.com/ On one hand, the recently announced investment plan will likely boost the group's infra business. It may also save on energy production costs by offering more affordable energy solutions than rivals. The Adani Group has come up with the funding for the nation's metals business 2 years after its grand entry and consequent success in...
Perseverance discovers high-aluminium rocks on Mars, delivering clues to planetary chronology
NASA's Perseverance rover has made a groundbreaking discovery on Mars, identifying unusual 'float rocks' in the Jezero Crater with exceptionally high levels of aluminium oxide (Al₂O₃) content. This distinctive discovery, centred around aluminium-rich rock fragments, is key to possibly providing fresh insights into the history of water on Mars and the geological processes that shaped the planet's surface. This discovery brings new questions and potential clues about the ancient Martian environment and whether it could have supported life. Discovery of aluminium-rich float rocks Perseverance's exploration of Jezero Crater—a 45-kilometre-wide impact basin believed to have once held a lake—has revealed thousands of scattered light-coloured rocks that stand out against the dark volcanic...
