AL Circle Analysis: Aluminium’s recycling economics, trade walls and carbon rules converge
The story of the aluminium industry is starting a chapter wherein scrap availability, recycling technology, trade policy, carbon costs and demand growth are becoming increasingly interconnected. From the US and Canada to Europe, India, New Zealand and China, recent developments show that the global aluminium supply chain is being reshaped on several fronts at once. These developments point to a changing aluminium business model: access to metal alone may no longer be enough. Quality of recycled feedstock, domestic processing capacity, carbon intensity, trade exposure and the ability to meet increasingly specific customer requirements could become equally important competitive factors. Join the fourth edition of the webinar “Hedging for recyclers - Become an expert in 6 hours” by Jorge...
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...
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“One of the largest opportunities in global market today is related to additive manufacturing,” Jacopo Nardi, International Business Manager, RINA Consulting-CSM, Italy
RINA Consulting – Centro Sviluppo Materiali, S.p.A. is a leading R&D and consultancy firm based in Italy. With over 20 laboratories, pilot lines and full scale testing facilities, the company has emerged as the partner of choice for any industrial project in which materials, technology and innovation play a critical role. It provides full support to its global clients in product and process innovation, covering all aspects from metallurgical design to the development and optimization of manufacturing processes. Mr. Jacopo Nardi heads the Materials, technology & Innovation division team of RINA Consulting as the Business Manager - International Development. He joined the company in 2014, after 12 years’ experience in sales in the steel industry, in Italy and in Germany. AlCircle had an...
“Working with more than 1600 varnish codes of the most various colours, I can only see Italcoat as a 'colourful' environment.” Marco Iorio, Plant Manager, Italcoat
Italcoat is a part of Laminazione Sottile Group, specialized in aluminium transformation. The Group’s companies work in an integrated production chain and manufacture rolled aluminium products, in different alloys, dimensions and superficial treatments, including lacquering and printing, and aluminium food trays. Italcoat is involved in surface treatment and lacquering of aluminium coils. After an education in Mechanical Engineering and former experiences in SCA, leading company in the paper sector, and KME, manufacturer of copper and brass rolled products, Marco Iorio enterned the world of coated aluminium products in Italcoat as Plant Manager. Here is an excerpt from a brief interview with the passionate manager. Describe briefly your education background and your work experience...
An interview with Mr Edward Meir -Senior Metals Analyst, INTL FCStone Inc
<p><strong>Mr Ed Meir</strong> is an Independent Commodity Consultant to INTL FCStone and a long-time collaborator with Italian-based International Commodities Club FARO. Mr. Meir has been in the commodities business for about 30 years in various capacities. After getting his BA in Economics from McGill University and his MBA from New York University, Mr. Meir started his career as a futures research analyst covering the sugar, coffee, and cocoa markets. He then spent the next 18 years in the physical markets, trading aluminium, tin and steel. Mr. Meir was ranked by <em>Metal Bulletin</em> as the #1 overall base metals analyst in 2011, 2014 and 2015 and was ranked number #2 in precious metals in 2014 and #3 in 2013.</p> <p>He discussed trends in the global metal market and more...
An Interview with Piero Starita, Director of Laviosa Minerals S.p.A., Italy, at METEF 2017
<p>Mr. Piero Starita, Director of Laviosa Minerals S.p.A.- the Advanced Minerals Solutions company of Italy, talked to AlCircle ahead of Metef 2017 exhibition in Verona, Italy. He spoke about his company’s bentonite and other industrial mineral excavation, processing and distribution activities, its mining operations in India, upcoming plans and various challenges that it has been facing in the international market.</p> <p>Mr. Starita has remained the President Amafond from 2008 till 2012, and exceptionally again from 2014 till 2015. Currently, he is a BoD member of Cemafon, Frankfurt and Ima – Euba, Bruxelles. He is also a BoD member in several companies in Italy, Spain, France, and India. Laviosa Minerals participated in METEF 2017, the international expo of customized...
An Interview with Mr. Stefano Giacometti, Sales Director, IMS Deltamatic Group S.p.a., Italy at METEF 2017
<p><strong>IMS Deltamatic Group</strong>, born from the synergy of two specialized and diversified companies, has emerged as the international reference point in manufacturing of innovative technologically advanced machinery as well as service solutions for the web-converting (IMS and OMM brands) and automotive interior manufacturing industries. M<strong>r. Stefano Giacometti</strong> who joined the company (Deltamatic) back in 1992 is presently Sales Director for the Converting Foil & Aseptic Division and for the Automotive Thermoforming Division.</p> <p>AlCircle had the opportunity to meet Mr. Giacometti at the recently held Metef 2017 in Verona, Italy, where IMS Deltamatic was exhibiting. He spoke about the company’s journey as a leading aluminium foil machining company and...
An interview with Riccardo Ferrario, General Manager, IDRA Group at METEF 2017
<p><strong>IDRA Group</strong> is an Italy based manufacturing group involved in the design and manufacture of die casting presses and automated cells for the light alloy foundry business worldwide. IDRA exhibited at METEF 2017, the international expo of customized technology for the aluminium and innovative metals industry.</p> <p><strong>Mr. Riccardo Ferrario</strong> is the General Manager of IDRA S.r.l with over 31 years of experience in the light alloy foundry business and worked for global companies such as Teksid (Fiat Group metallurgical product division), EurAlcom Group and Meridian Technologies. Mr. Ferrario is a metallurgical engineer and possesses strong experience in foundry manufacturing process and business development. He is a member of the board of High Pressure Die...
An interview with Marco Menin and Paolo Zanotta of Menphis S.p.A., Italy, at METEF 2017
<p>Marco Menin, Managing Director, and Paolo Zanotta, Area Manager of Menphis S.p.A, talked to AlCircle ahead of Metef 2017 exhibition in Verona, Italy. The duo from the Italian family company with a fiercely innovative bent talked in length about Menphis’ major business areas, sublimation technology and the emerging markets with opportunities and challenges.</p> <p>Marco Menin is a Chemical Engineer graduated at the Politecnico of Milan in 2002. After years in the operations and financial dept, he is now MD and in charge of business development in Asia & Pacific and North America for Menphis Aluminium.</p> <p>Paolo Zanotta has been working for Menphis since March 2009 as Sales Area Manager Middle East. In the past he spent twenty-two years in a textile company supporting Sales...
An interview with Mario Conserva, General Manager, A&L and Vice President, Alfin-Edimet, founder of METEF
<p>Mario Conserva, General Manager, A&L and Vice President, Alfin-Edimet, the founding company for METEF talked to AlCircle about the upcoming Metef 2017 exhibition and how the event is going to open its door again to more than 400 international exhibitors covering foundry casting, extrusion, rolling, machining, surface treatments and recycling.</p> <p>An excerpt from the interview: </p> <p><strong>AlCircle: Tell us in brief about the foundry industry in Europe and Italy, and the prime international markets for the foundry players in Italy.</strong></p> <p><strong>Mario Conserva: </strong>According to the 2015 analysis of the Italian associations of this segment, Italy has more than 1,100 foundry casting plants with about 30,000 employees, with a turnover of 7 billion euros...
Amafond’s Maurizio Sala discusses Metef Exhibition and India connection with Indian Commerce & Industry Minister
<p>Maurizio Sala, owner of Foundry Ecocer Srl and Protecme Srl and President of the Confindustria Amafond underlines the important presence of India at the next edition of METEF, the largest light and non-ferrous metals expo in the SEMEA area (Southern Europe, Middle East, and Africa). In a recent meeting in Rome with Nirmala Sitharaman, India’s Minister of Commerce & Industry, Sala underlined the importance of cooperation between Italy and India in the area of aluminum. Sala, at the presence of Indian Ambassador Anil Wadhwa, noted that prestigious Indian companies operating within Aluminium Association of India, such as Aditya Birla, Novelis, Vedanta, Hindalco, and Nalco, are now our partners at various levels. But, he added that it would be especially in the sectors of...
“Metal Sector has enormous potential in the Indian market” Francesco Esposito, CEO, Danieli India
<p>With two factories, one in Chennai in the south, and the other in Kolkata, in the east, in addition to the commercial offices in Pune, Mumbai and Delhi and more than 1,000 employees, Danieli India is a leading supplier of equipment and plants to the steel and aluminium industry. On a realistic note, Esposito also looks at the hurdles that emerge in the implementation of development projects. The current growth of Danieli is between 10 to 15% of the annual revenue, which is forecasted to be around 120 million euros by June 30, before the closure of the 2016-2017 budget. Francesco Esposito, CEO of Danieli India in his talk says he is both optimistic and careful about his India plans.</p> <p><strong>Question: Danieli is growing in Aluminium Sector with the takeover of FATA, one of...
"A flourishing downstream industry, economical aluminium prices and improving aluminium usage can only increase aluminium consumption in India," - Mr. BD Garg, Executive Director, Jindal Aluminium Limited
<p>Jindal Aluminium Limited is a leading aluminium extruder in India and the largest aluminium product manufacturer with above 35% of the market share. Leading the company from the forefront is a group of stalwarts among whom B.D. Garg deserves a special mention. A veteran in the Indian aluminium industry, B.D. Garg joined Jindal Aluminium in 1976 and has been working there ever since. He has worked in various positions in the company and was promoted to Executive Director and CEO of the company in 2011. As ED of the company, Mr. Garg is responsible for company’s aluminium extrusions, rolled products as also renewable energy businesses. Besides, he also monitors working of the group’s CSR activities. </p> <p>AlCircle had an opportunity to talk to him about the current...
“In the competition among steel, austempered ductile iron and aluminium, the main loser is steel,” Franco Zanardi, Honorary President, Zanardi Fonderie
<p>Franco Zanardi is the Honorary President of Zanardi Fonderie that is a producer and supplier of ductile iron and ADI castings based in Verona, Italy. An MSc in Mechanical Engineering with four decades of experience in casting and ADI materials, he is also the Past President of Confindustria Verona, and Vice President of Assofond. AlCircle had the opportunity to discuss with him different aspects of ADI and aluminium during his visit to India and we summarised the discussion in an interview script complemented by a video. </p> <div style="position: relative; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe style="position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; left: 0;" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lDvg_zSIYWs?ecver=2" frameborder="0" width="640" height="360"></iframe></div>...
Top 10 aluminium alloy wheel manufacturers in the world
The aluminium alloy wheel usually has better heat conductivity, anti-corrosive properties and is much lighter than the steel wheel making it the best option for passenger vehicles. Aluminium alloy wheels are manufactured using casting and forging process. Less weight on the wheel creates less stress on the tire, and so a balance is created. Aluminium and alloy wheels are largely corrosion-resistant, but prone to galvanic corrosion. They are available in attractive bare-metal finishes because of their anti-corrosive properties which eliminates any need for paint. They also enhance performance by manipulating handling and suspension and add a brilliant appearance to the vehicle. They are homogeneous hybrid casts, and manufactured in many types of alloy wheels, such as forged aluminium, one...
Top five aluminium windows and doors manufacturers in the world
The global Building and Construction sector is on the cusp of a major evolution. A look at the changing skylines of the big and not-so-big cities of the world would reveal how the once heavy on aesthetics iron and steel reinforcement structures have silently given way to sleek aluminium. It’s almost a norm today to use aluminium facades (on the building exteriors) and aluminium window frames to lessen the use of wood, reduce heat effect, and facilitate smoother opening and closing of panes. There are other benefits also which make aluminium the preferred material for modern day architects, builders, and end users. Use of aluminium windows and doors with advanced coating is also becoming a practice these days although uPVC still stands as a major competitor in many areas. The future of the...
Top 10 Aluminium Companies in India
The aluminium industry in India is on the verge of witnessing a major leap in consumption over the next five years. Major producers are adding significant capacities and investing in new technologies to add more value to their downstream product portfolios. This, they are doing, in order to cash in on the increasing demand primarily in the building and construction sector followed by transportation (metro and high-speed railway coaches), electricals, electronic consumer durables, packaging (aerosol cans and pharmaceutical foils), and next-gen applications like solar reflectors. Defence is another sector where aluminium is being used for making naval ships and surveillance drones. Experts opine Indian aluminium companies with downstream operations should further consolidate their R&D...
Top five aluminium can manufacturers in the U.S.
Because of its attributes, the demand for aluminium can has skyrocketed around the world. The U.S., one of the largest manufacturers of aluminium cans, consumes an average of 380 types of beverages in aluminium cans every year. Aluminium can manufacturers invested over $1 billion in U.S. manufacturing facilities over the past five years. The industry accounts for the annual domestic production of approximately 124 billion. In July this year, the Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI), the national trade association of the metal can manufacture industry in the United States, asked the U.S. Commerce Department to exempt aluminium can sheets, which are used to make beverage cans, from tariff or trade restrictions. The list mentioned below is the top five aluminium can manufacturers in the U.S....
“Deep down I am a truck guy, and there is no better truck than the F-150”- Shawn M. Morgans, Global Vehicle Architecture Manager, Ford
<p>As a prelude to the 4th Lightweight Vehicles Manufacturing Summit 2017 to be held in Detroit, in February, Shawn M. Morgans, Global Vehicle Architecture Manager, Product Development Center, Ford Motor Company gives an insight into his thoughts about the conference and his presentation.</p> <p>At the 4th Lightweight Vehicles Manufacturing Summit, Shawn will be speaking on a panel session along with two other leading OEMs to consider the potential of each joining technology to meet individual requirements of automakers.</p> <p>Here is an excerpt from the interview he gave to The Global Automotive Lightweight Materials (GALM Series) Conference website:</p> <p><strong>GALM: Please tell us a bit about your background and your current role?</strong></p> <p><strong>Shawn:</strong> I am a...
“RA-550 technology is a great contribution in our pursuit for more efficient and more environmentally friendly aluminium production”- Mr. Viktor Mann, Technical Director, UC RUSAL
UC RUSAL, the global leader in aluminium production, recently launched the first RA-550 pot of new generation running at over 550 kA at the Sayanogorsk aluminium smelter. According to design documents, an RA-550 cell of the energy-efficient new pot consumes around 12 kW*h/kg of aluminium- around 10-15% less than previous generations, and one pot can produce 4.21 tonnes of aluminium per day, which is about twice as much as the daily output of a RA-300 pot currently used at SAZ. Mr. Victor Mann, the Technical Director of UC RUSAL , who had termed the launch of RA-550 as 'a technical and engineering breakthrough’, shared with AlCircle the key benefits of the new pot in terms of energy-efficiency. He also answered queries regarding RUSAL's other upcoming projects. Mr. Mann has been heading...
