Editors Pick: From cans to construction, aluminium’s role in reshaping the world towards a sustainable future

The number 13 might be unlucky in the movies, but in the periodic table, this number represents one of the most sustainable and recyclable metals on earth – aluminium. Aluminium, the name itself resonates with competition, eco-friendly, and other such words in the industry. Coming from an arts background, my journey of exploration has led me to venture beyond the world of metals, but today, standing here, aluminium has made an irreplaceable place in my life. Its remarkable versatility and unique properties have left a positive impact in ways I never anticipated, finding its way into unexpected and innovative spaces and leaving a lasting mark.

From being the highlight of ex-Miss Universe Aishwarya Rai’s breath-taking gown in Cannes to adorning the celestial-themed pre-wedding celebrations of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant – aluminium is quietly reshaping industries with its remarkable versatility and unexpected potential. Not just this, the use of aluminium foil coating has sparked a new hope for microbe-free water purification in the African countries. Can you imagine aluminium for water purification?

The green metal is indeed bending beyond anyone’s thoughts. iPhone 16, the newly launched flagship smartphone, has incorporated around 30 per cent recycled materials, including 85 per cent recycled aluminium, in the enclosure, which has lowered total product emissions by around 8 per cent.

So you see, aluminium is making its presence felt in almost every sphere and corner.  Its ability to be endlessly recycled without losing its integrity has made it a silent hero in the global push toward a circular economy. Whether in cutting-edge electric vehicles or the frameworks of our most iconic structures, aluminium is proving that even the most familiar materials can surprise us with new possibilities. Let’s explore how aluminium is making a mark in the industry.

Keeping the wheels turning: Transportation sector

Regarding aluminium, one sector that has continuously shown improvements is the transportation sector. Aluminum has long been a key player in transforming the transportation industry. From wheels to vehicle bodies, ships to the railways, incorporating aluminium components reduces weight, improving fuel efficiency and lowering emissions.

As per the reports, Australian shipbuilder Austal has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable manufacturing and responsible procurement by adopting LocAl® low-carbon aluminium from Capral. Known for its cutting-edge defence and commercial vessel platforms, Austal produces a range of products, including passenger ferries, patrol boats, high-speed support vessels, surface combatants, and versatile multi-role vessels. Capral, a long-standing supplier to Austal, delivers proprietary aluminium extrusions and rolled products critical to their diverse manufacturing needs. By integrating sustainability into its operations, business strategies, and investment decisions, Austal is making significant strides in meeting the expectations of stakeholders, customers, and communities alike.

In terms of transportation, incorporating aluminium results in a 50 per cent reduction in the total weight of the rail car body.  The Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation reportedly started installing the aluminium third rail replacing steel on the North-South corridors, aiming to reduce energy loss by about 84 per cent. Metro Railway has set a two-year timeline to complete the transition to aluminium, reducing its carbon footprint and saving around INR 1 crore annually per kilometre across the 35-km stretch. By Sunday, Metro Railway announced the successful replacement of a 200-metre section of the third rail, which boasts superior electrical conductivity, minimizing voltage drops and energy losses. Once completed, Kolkata Metro Railway will join the ranks of other global metro systems in cities like Singapore, London, Moscow, Berlin, Munich, and Istanbul, where aluminium third rails are already in use.

Challenges are a part of every industry, and the aluminium sector is no exception. Volkswagen Group, the German multinational manufacturer of passenger and commercial vehicles, is reportedly considering shutting down one of its large vehicle plants and a component factory in Germany as part of a broader cost-cutting initiative within its core VW brand. The company aims to save €10 billion ($11.07 billion) by 2026 to bolster its electric vehicle production. This move is crucial to reducing production costs in light of rising logistics, energy, and labour expenses. Another factor driving Volkswagen's cost-saving efforts is the company's declining market momentum in China, the world's largest automobile market, where fast-growing automakers have shifted to affordable electric vehicles. These Chinese manufacturers are now entering the European market, further pressuring Volkswagen to accelerate the development of more affordable EVs. The closure of the German plants is expected to result in several hundred layoffs.

Stellantis NV, Europe's second-largest automaker, is holding firm against potential European Union efforts to delay stricter emissions regulations set to take effect next year. This stance sets the company on a collision course with other manufacturers that may support postponing the environmental targets. As the EU considers adjusting its timeline in response to industry pressures, Stellantis' unwavering commitment to meeting climate goals as scheduled highlights a growing divide within the automotive sector regarding future regional emissions policies. The European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA), led by Renault SA CEO Luca de Meo, has called on the EU to delay certain 2025 targets by two years and has also pushed for more regulatory flexibility.

Italy had voiced its support for the European Commission's proposed tariffs on Chinese electric vehicle imports, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani confirmed in an interview on Monday, September 16, ahead of his meeting with China's Minister of Commerce, Wang Wentao. Minister Wang, who visited Rome for talks on the European Commission's tariff proposal, met with Tajani, although no official statement from the Italian foreign ministry directly mentioned the EV tariffs. Tajani stated that their discussions covered topics such as intellectual property protection, trade in the agri-food sector, and investments. Wang is scheduled for further discussions with the European Commission's Executive Vice President and Trade Commissioner, Valdis Dombrovskis, on September 19.

Chinese automaker BYD Co. has gained full control of its joint venture with Mercedes-Benz Group AG, officially ending their 13-year collaboration in China's electric vehicle (EV) market. BYD acquired the remaining 10 per cent of shares previously held by Mercedes-Benz, taking full ownership of the Denza premium EV brand. While the terms of the deal were not disclosed, Mercedes-Benz representatives in China declined to comment. With annual sales of around 3 million vehicles, BYD is now the world's leading EV manufacturer. The dissolution of the joint venture occurred amid rising trade tensions between China and Europe, as the European Commission prepared to impose additional tariffs on Chinese EVs, potentially as high as 36.3 per cent. A vote on the proposal by European Union member states is expected next week.

Sustainable structures: The rise of aluminium in green construction

The world of architecture is a realm of beauty and innovation, where aluminium often takes centre stage. Just picture the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, or the Lotus Temple in New Delhi. In each of these architectural marvels, aluminium has played a role, be it in small or large portions. This versatile material, with its unique properties, has always been the architects' go-to choice, sparking their creativity and leading to innovative designs.

Because of its flexible properties, the versatile metal has found an irreplaceable place in the construction sector. The name "FIN,"short for "First in Newcastle," reflects FIN Windows and Doors' pioneering role and over 50 years of presence in Newcastle's building industry. Serving the Newcastle, Central Coast, and Hunter Valley regions, FIN has earned a solid reputation for providing high-quality window and door products, becoming a trusted name within the local community. A key factor in FIN's continued success is its long-standing partnership with Capral Aluminium. Demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainability, FIN has integrated LocAl® low-carbon aluminium into its products through this collaboration, aligning with its mission to reduce environmental impact and contribute to global net-zero carbon targets by 2050.

Gumei Metal, a manufacturer of a diverse range of aluminium products, has been awarded the esteemed China Green Building Materials Product Certification. This recognition was given for three of the company's aluminium products, which achieved the highest accolade—the three-star certification. The China Green Building Materials Product Certification is a program initiated by the State Administration for Market Regulation in partnership with the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. This program aims to promote the green transformation and modernization of the building materials industry.

On the other hand, Alunet Systems, a leading aluminium systems supplier in the UK, is excited to announce the expansion of its premium ALUNA product range into the southwest region. This milestone was achieved through a recent partnership with Exeter Trade Aluminium, which will now supply ALUNA aluminium doors, windows, and roof lights across Devon, Cornwall, and Wiltshire. The ALUNA range, developed by Alunet Systems, offers a luxurious, contemporary solution that combines sleek aesthetics with ease of fabrication and installation. It is known for its elegant sightlines, precision engineering, and exceptional quality and reliability.

Ghanaian studio Limbo Accra has created the Duho Pavilion on the grounds of an abandoned hotel in Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands. The installation features 30 reflective aluminium poles arranged along and across a pathway as part of Limbo Accra's ongoing exploration of unfinished structures. What sets this pavilion apart is its coexistence with the ruin rather than being integrated within it. The design pays homage to the indigenous Taíno culture, drawing inspiration from the Duho, a ceremonial seat crafted by the Taíno people. Each of the 30 aluminium poles, standing three meters tall, represents five of the 150 Duho stools found in private and museum collections, including those housed at the British Museum in London and the Saint Louis Art Museum in Missouri.

Aluminium’s role in cutting-edge packaging solutions

The packaging sector of the aluminium industry is one of the most booming and trending sectors. Be it for aerosol or beverage cans, the very refreshing coffee pods, or makeup brands, the use of aluminium for packaging is exploring every bit of the industry.

CCL Container, a leading manufacturer of recyclable aluminium packaging in North America, has observed a rising consumer preference for body sprays packaged in aluminium aerosol containers within the personal care product category. These sprays are gaining popularity due to their convenience and quick application, allowing consumers to refresh with fragrance or deodorant without time-consuming routines. Many modern body sprays combine multiple functions, such as deodorizing and adding fragrance, making them versatile for everyday use. This growing demand for multi-functional products, alongside continuous innovations in formulations and packaging, is driving sales. As brands adapt to evolving consumer preferences and increasing sustainability expectations, this trend will continue in the coming years.

The International Organisation of Aluminium Aerosol Container Manufacturers (AEROBAL) has released its latest survey, revealing a significant rise in global deliveries by its members during the first half of 2024. The survey highlights growth across all major packaging sectors, with strong demand, particularly from the cosmetics industry. Deodorants and hairsprays saw an increase in aluminium container deliveries of 7 per cent and 8 per cent, respectively. The food sector also experienced robust growth, with a 12 per cent rise in aluminium container deliveries compared to last year. The pharmaceutical sector recorded a 3 per cent increase in deliveries. AEROBAL noted that deodorants and perfumes remain the leading markets for aluminium aerosol cans, accounting for 60 per cent of global production. Total aluminium container deliveries for the first half of 2024 reached 3.4 billion units, representing a 4.4 per cent year-on-year increase. In 2023, total aerosol can deliveries amounted to 6.4 billion units.

Another significant news which shows that aluminium is not just meant for green revolution but can also play a very important role in water purification. Taufiq Ihsan, an environmental engineer and lecturer at Andalas University in Indonesia, has collaborated with colleagues to develop an innovative foil coated with layered double hydroxide (LDH) material. Acting like a magnet, this special coating effectively attracts and traps microbes. In laboratory tests, the LDH-coated aluminium foil showcased impressive results, removing over 99 per cent of E. coli—a common water contamination indicator—from water samples in just a few hours. Its efficiency isn't limited to E. coli; the foil also targets many waterborne pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites, providing comprehensive protection against various waterborne diseases.

Rimowa, the iconic luxury luggage brand from Cologne with over a century of innovation, has unveiled its first unisex handbag, the Original Bag. Renowned for its pioneering use of aluminium and polycarbonate in luggage design, Rimowa brings the same craftsmanship to this new release. The Original Bag features the brand's signature grooved pattern, a seamless colour-matched finish, and rounded reinforced corners, echoing the design of Rimowa's iconic suitcases. Crafted from aluminium, the bag is equipped with a leather handle reinforced by an aluminium frame, providing both durability and comfort. It also includes a branded webbing strap, allowing for versatile styling as a shoulder or crossbody bag.

Nespresso, famed for its iconic coffee machines, is making its debut in the ready-to-drink (RTD) market with the launch of its first product, the Master Origins Colombia Ready to Drink Coffee, packaged in aluminium cans. This move marks a significant evolution for the brand, renowned for delivering premium coffee experiences in homes and offices worldwide. Crafted from high-quality Colombian coffee beans and sweetened with locally sourced honey, this limited-edition drink highlights Nespresso's commitment to both quality and sustainability. Available exclusively in the US, the drink further reinforces the company's sustainable practices, as Nespresso is known for using 80 per cent recycled aluminium in its coffee capsules. The brand is eager to explore new possibilities with this RTD venture.

Platinum Equity, a Los Angeles-based private equity firm, is reportedly in talks to acquire Trivium Packaging in a deal valued at over $3.5 billion, according to Bloomberg sources familiar with the matter. According to anonymous sources, within the next few weeks, the firm is working to finalize an agreement with Trivium's current owners, the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan (OTPP) Board and Ardagh Group. While discussions are progressing, the deal is not yet specific. Ardagh and OTPP previously considered selling Trivium in 2021 but opted not to proceed. In June, Sonoco, a packaging company, withdrew from bidding for Trivium after agreeing to acquire European food can manufacturer Eviosys for approximately $3.9 billion.

Conclusion

Aluminium is steadily reshaping industries, propelling innovation across diverse sectors. From towering skyscrapers and eco-friendly marine infrastructure to cutting-edge advances in transportation and packaging, this versatile material is a cornerstone of the modern economy. Its expanding role in space exploration, electric vehicles, and urban metro systems showcases aluminium's boundless potential. Thanks to its unique blend of lightness, strength, and recyclability, aluminium drives technological breakthroughs and bolsters sustainability efforts. As demand surges across sectors, aluminium stands tall as the material of tomorrow, charting a greener, more advanced path for everyone.