AL Circle's weekly wrap

Qingxin Carbon secures patent for its Electrolytic Aluminum Cathode Corner Solution machine

Qingxin Carbon recently secured authorisation for its latest innovation focussing on the electrolytic aluminium industry from China National Intellectual Property Administration invention patent. This latest patent is for an "Electrolytic Aluminum Cathode Side Corner Scratching Machine."

The invention primarily addresses technical challenges in processing cathode side corner blocks within the electrolytic aluminium industry. By utilising a sliding device, the scratch machine eliminates safety risks associated with traditional manual pushing, significantly enhancing work efficiency and reducing operator labour intensity.

Additionally, the scratch machine is equipped with a pressing mechanism that, driven by a swing arm, continuously squeezes and guides the side corner block, preventing deviations during machining and ensuring high precision and quality in the final product.

In recent years, Qingxin Carbon has consistently pursued an innovation-driven development strategy, increasing R&D investment, enhancing collaboration with universities and research institutes, and actively fostering the integration of industry, academia, and research. These efforts aim to drive breakthroughs in production and support high-quality enterprise development.

Top 5 companies leading aluminium foil production in China

From food & beverage, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics packaging to industrial applications such as insulation in the electrical and aerospace industries or vehicle components, aluminium foil is one product in many roles, meeting the needs of a broad spectrum of end-user industries. Thus, this thinly rolled aluminium product boasts enormous global demand, showcasing a whopping figure of its usage at 6.1 million tonnes in 2023. The country that primarily drives this usage, with extensive production capabilities, is China, the world’s largest producer, consumer, and exporter of aluminium foil, which alone accounts for about 48 per cent of the global foil usage and 63 per cent of the world’s foil production capacity.

This article will explore the names that lead the aluminium foil market in China with robust operations and market value. The list is based on top production and revenue generation, chronicled in descending order.

Xiamen Xiashun Aluminium Foil Co., Ltd.: Xianshun is a leading, high-quality, reputable aluminium foil producer driven by sustainable business policy, cutting-edge technologies, and steady investments. The company has a total investment of US$1 billion in three major production bases – Huli Aluminium Foil Factory, Haicang Aluminum Foil Factory and Haicang Strip Factory. Specialised in packaging and battery foil production, the company primarily caters to food, pharmaceutical, and electronic industries. It produces high-end thin-gauge aluminium foil with product width ranging from 90mm to 130mm and thickness ranging from 5.5μm to 40μm. Read the full news here.

Vedanta Aluminium advances logistics system at its smelters by adopting BOBRN captive coal rakes

Vedanta Aluminium has taken a plunge into improving its coal transportation at its smelters in Jharsuguda, Odisha, Korba, and Chattisgarh by introducing the Bogie Open Bottom Rapid Discharge Railway Wagon with pneumatic door opening actuators (BOBRN) into the logistics system. This strategic move, a part of the General Purpose Wagon Investment Scheme (GPWIS) initiated by the Indian Railways, is expected to enhance operational efficiency throughout Vedanta’s upstream aluminium ecosystem and accelerate sustainability objectives by reducing emissions and operative costs.

Vedanta Aluminium has included four BOBRN rakes and, going ahead, intends to add four more. The BOBRN railway wagons are most often used to transport a bulk amount of coal between various locations. Each wagon can hold 56 tonnes of coal loaded from the top and unloaded from the bottom by means of pneumatic doors. The wagons enable bottom unloading directly into hopper pits and reduce turnaround time for material delivery.

Rajesh Kumar, CEO and Director of BALCO, emphasised the importance of this initiative, stating, “The inclusion of BOBRN rakes reinforces our dedication to enhancing operational efficiency and sustainability goals. This step is crucial in establishing a resilient supply chain as we work towards achieving our net-zero target by 2050.”

This initiative is expected to play a crucial role in reducing Vedanta’s carbon footprint and making aluminium a more environmentally friendly industry, turning it into the ‘Metal of the Future’.

Other major news of the week:

Alba appoints top advisors for Maaden merger due diligence: Financial, technical, and commercial experts named

A new set of aluminium outdoor walking solutions launched by Alummikon

Novelis boasts of achieving 63% recycled content in rolled aluminium in its FY2024 Sustainability Report

Hydro reports strong Q3 results with 12% revenue growth while navigating a weaker downstream market

For more latest ALuminium news and market analysis, visit here

The world of aluminium packaging is evolving with innovations that cater to sustainability and functionality. From re-closable can designs like RE-LID to BPA-free solutions, aluminium is driving safer packaging standards. Emerging trends, such as paper-based aluminium foils and eco-friendly bottles, are reshaping market dynamics, while industry leaders set ambitious sustainability targets. Explore the diverse applications and market insights that continue to propel aluminium as a material of choice for various sectors. Read the report.