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Albarrie to showcase technical fabrics for aluminium extrusion at Aluminum Düsseldorf 2026

Sat, 11 Jul 2026 22:30:00 +0530

Albarrie, a manufacturer of nonwoven technical fabrics, will participate in Aluminum Düsseldorf 2026, which will be held in Düsseldorf, Germany, from October 6 to 8, 2026. The company will exhibit its products for the aluminium extrusion industry.

Nonwoven technical fabrics are used in aluminium extrusion plants to handle hot aluminium profiles during production. They protect the surface of aluminium profiles as they move through the production line and are also used in filtration and environmental control systems at extrusion facilities.

Albarrie manufactures nonwoven technical fabrics for industrial applications. In the aluminium extrusion industry, the company supplies heat felts, roller covers, separator belts, filter bags and containment products used during production.

Freshly extruded aluminium profiles are soft and can be scratched or marked while moving along run-out tables and conveyor systems. Heat felts are placed on these surfaces to prevent damage. Albarrie's Defender™ Series heat felts replace traditional materials such as graphite and wood used on extrusion lines.

The company also manufactures roller covers and sleeves for conveyor systems that carry hot aluminium away from the extrusion press. It produces separator rollers and belts used to separate aluminium profiles during the cooling process. Albarrie also supplies baghouse filter bags and secondary containment products used to control dust and meet environmental requirements at extrusion plants.

To gain insights into the the current aluminium extrusions market, explore our report The World of Aluminium Extrusions – Industry Forecast to 2032

According to the company, a major requirement in aluminium extrusion is the ability to handle materials that withstand temperatures above 200°C. The technical fabrics are made for these operating conditions and reduce scratches and marks on aluminium profiles, helping to lower scrap generation.

Albarrie develops and manufactures custom nonwoven technical fabrics for industrial use. The company works with manufacturers to produce fabrics for different industrial applications.

The company was established in 1981. It manufactures nonwoven technical fabrics at its North American facilities. Its products are used in industrial air filtration, oil spill containment and other industrial processes, in addition to aluminium extrusion.

From 4.5-micron aluminium foil to mono-material packs: Engineering packaging’s shift

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 09:50:00 +0530

As packaging manufacturers face growing pressure to reconcile performance, recyclability and supply security, integrated manufacturing is emerging as a strategic advantage. Jupiter Group is building across the value chain, spanning aluminium rolling and ultra-thin foil to inks, engraving and flexible packaging. In this conversation with AL Circle, Kunal Bajaj discusses mono-material innovation, precision manufacturing, decarbonisation, backward integration and how India can scale globally competitive packaging solutions without compromising environmental accountability or operational resilience.

Bajaj is a second-generation entrepreneur and Promoter at Jupiter Group, where he oversees a diversified manufacturing portfolio spanning flexible packaging, aluminium foils, flat-rolled aluminium products, and critical packaging inputs. He plays a central role in driving the Group’s strategic growth, operational integration, and long-term value creation across its manufacturing ecosystem.

AL Circle: Multi-layer laminates have long been the shelf-life benchmark, but a recycling headache. How is Jupiter Laminators turning them into mono-material structures without compromising barrier performance for FMCG and pharma brands?

Kunal Bajaj: We have always believed that performance and sustainability are not a trade-off, since they are an engineering challenge and one that we are committed to solving. At Jupiter Laminators, we have been developing mono-material solutions across PP/PP, MDOPE/PE, and rPET constructions. Each operates on single-polymer logic, meaning it can enter the recycling stream as a single material rather than as an incompatible stack. We are also actively working with brand owners to reduce ink GSM and overall packaging thickness, reducing both plastic content and VOC emissions in the process.

Barrier performance remains non-negotiable. Our 2,450 mm wide web Buhler metalliser with Adhesion Plus technology allows us to achieve very high optical density metallised film, delivering barrier properties that previously required multi-layer structures, now within a mono-material format.

The transition requires more engineering, not less. Our R&D team works alongside brand owners through every stage - substrate selection, coating, seal integrity, shelf-life validation. The goal is simple: a recyclable structure that performs as well as what it replaces. We are not there on every application yet, but the progress is real, and the direction is clear.

AL Circle: As recyclable packaging goes beyond the substrate with inks, adhesives and cylinder engraving also in play — how do Inkofix and EngravePlus strengthen your R&D speed and mono-material innovation?

Kunal Bajaj: Recyclability isn't just about the substrate. The ink, adhesive, and gravure cylinder all affect whether a mono-material structure actually qualifies at the end-of-life.

The R&D speed advantage comes from having all of this under one roof. At most converters, film, ink, and adhesive development happen in separate cycles - you iterate, realign, requalify and that is time-consuming. With Inkofix inside the group, our film and ink teams work together from day one. The formulations are already matched to substrates. There is no vendor loop, no waiting on external qualification.

EngravePlus adds precision at the print stage. Mono-material films are thinner and less dimensionally stable than multilayer structures. If the cylinder isn't engraved to exactly match those properties, you compensate at the press with more ink, slower speeds, and more chemistry. We avoid that by designing the cylinder alongside the construction from the start.

The result: when we develop a new mono-material structure, every component film, ink, adhesive, cylinder is qualified in parallel, not in sequence. That is where the speed comes from.

AL Circle: JUPALCO's 120,000 MTPA continuous casting operation is a heavy industrial setup. What were the biggest challenges in shifting it to LPG and solar power, and what ROI does that transition deliver?

Kunal Bajaj: Transitioning a high-throughput continuous casting operation isn't a fuel swap — it requires re-engineering combustion systems to match LPG's different burn characteristics while maintaining the precise thermal profiles that aluminium metallurgy demands. Alongside this, integrating captive solar into a 24/7 baseload operation requires careful energy management to ensure zero process disruption.

The returns are structural, not just operational. LPG delivers cleaner combustion, lower emissions intensity, and reduced compliance exposure. With ~60 per cent renewable energy targeted by 2030, we are progressively decarbonising our Scope 2 profile. In export markets where CBAM, ASI certification, and supply chain ESG disclosures are becoming standard, this positions Jupalco as a verifiably responsible source and that has real commercial value. However current war situation has increased the LPG price but we thrive

AL Circle: With LSKB Aluminium Foils' 4.5-micron foil now among the thinnest globally, how does extreme precision rolling cut material use and lower Scope 3 emissions for brand owners?

Kunal Bajaj: The aluminium sustainability story is often misread. Primary production is energy-intensive — that is true. But aluminium is infinitely recyclable at a fraction of that energy cost, and at 4.5 microns you are delivering the same barrier function with significantly less material per square metre. At 4.5 microns, less material goes into each square metre of foil. For brand owners tracking Scope 3 emissions across their packaging supply chain is a relevant input to their carbon accounting.

LSKB's ASI Performance Standard V3 (2022) certification, independently verified by CETIZION Verifica, gives brand owners an auditable document covering environment, social, and governance across 11 principles and 62 criteria. Production scrap is recycled back through JUPALCO into fresh foil stock — waste re-enters the value chain rather than leaving as landfill.

AL Circle: As a second-generation entrepreneur, how do you balance the speed of Make in India growth with the need for strict environmental self-regulation?

Kunal Bajaj: The second-generation perspective matters here in a specific way. My father, Mr Sandeep Bajaj, built this group by converting machines in 2003. What I have inherited is not just capacity; it is a reputation, a customer base, and relationships that took decades to earn. That foundation is what drives us to stay ahead of environmental standards, not just meet them. The FMCG and pharma brands we serve are running supplier audits more rigorously than regulatory requirements. Every audit we clear strengthens the relationship and deepens the account. Sustainability compliance has become a commercial differentiator, and we are positioned for it.

"The road to victory is paved by bold, determined action. Make in India is a growth opportunity but it is also an opportunity to define what Indian manufacturing looks like on the world stage. We want that standard to be high."

JUPALCO is perhaps the clearest expression of that thinking. Building a fully integrated aluminium rolling facility in India from casting to flat-rolling is a significant commitment to domestic manufacturing. It is our strongest statement on Make in India: that world-class materials capability can and should be built here, serving Indian industry and reducing import dependence.

As per me, self-regulation means not waiting for a rule to be written before you act. JUPALCO's alignment with BRSR, GRI, and SBTi frameworks was not mandated. We chose those frameworks because they are the language our global customers speak. The CBAM preparation building manufacturing systems that can demonstrate verified embedded emissions was not a response to a government directive. It was a forward-looking market decision.

Make in India is a real opportunity since India's packaging industry is growing fast. Jupiter Group's backward integration is our answer to that growth: aluminium, cylinders, inks, adhesives, flexible packaging — all under one roof, all in India. What that gives our customers is not just competitive pricing — it is the same quality, the same process controls, the same compliance standards on every order. No weak links in the chain. When an international partner works with us, they are not compromising on standards to source from India they are getting a supply chain built to last.

AL Circle: With backward integration at the core of Jupiter Group's model, how will this structure shield clients from raw material volatility and make sustainable packaging viable at scale over the next 3 to 5 years?

Kunal Bajaj: Flexible packaging is a demand-driven business. Brand owners need speed, consistency, and cost predictability all three, not a trade-off between them. Backward integration is how Jupiter Group delivers that without passing supply chain stress to the customer.

When inks, adhesives, cylinders, films, and laminates are all developed and sourced within the same ecosystem, the quality conversation happens internally before it reaches the customer. Reformulations, substrate changes, barrier upgrades - these are resolved at the R&D table, not on the production floor during a live order. That is what a genuinely integrated flexible packaging operation looks like in practice.

The aluminium manufacturing capability through LSKB and JUPALCO adds a further layer of stability that most flexible packaging companies simply cannot offer. Foil stock, ultra-thin gauges, semi-rigid containers: these critical inputs flow from within the group, rather than from an exposed spot market. When global aluminium availability tightens or prices shift, our customers are insulated from that noise.

The result is supply assurance matched to projected demand supporting price stability. Reliable availability of materials, consistent quality at every stage, and a sustainability chain recycled input, certified processes, verified credentials that holds its integrity from raw material to finished pack.For brand owners, that translates simply to: fewer escalations, fewer surprises, and a packaging partner whose answer to disruption is structure rather than apology.

Turkey's Zahit Aluminium expands extrusion capacity with new 47-MN press

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 07:30:00 +0530

Zahit Aluminium has commissioned a new 12-inch, 47-MN extrusion press at its production facility in Andana, Turkey. The company said the press has been operating successfully for several months, delivering stable performance and reliable production of aluminium profiles for structural, architectural, framing and photovoltaic applications.

The extrusion press was supplied by Italy-based Danieli Breda and is equipped with isothermal extrusion technology to maintain controlled temperatures at the press exit and ensure consistent product quality throughout the production process.

The new press processes 1,500 mm billets with dead-cycle times of less than 17 seconds, including the burp cycle. It also incorporates Danieli Breda's ESED 4.0 energy-saving system, which helps reduce electricity consumption during operation.

The installation includes an advanced automation system integrated with an IBA data acquisition and analysis platform for production monitoring and process optimisation. Operations are also supported by an industrial tablet used alongside the standard control panel, improving equipment control, maintenance management and remote assistance.

To gain insights into the the current aluminium extrusions market, explore our report The World of Aluminium Extrusions – Industry Forecast to 2032

According to the company, the new extrusion line combines stable production, lower energy consumption and advanced automation while supporting the manufacture of a broad range of aluminium profiles for different industrial applications.

Zahit Aluminium was established by Zahit Balbay in 1983 as Turkey's first window and door joinery workshop. The company expanded into aluminium extrusion in 1998 and added new production and surface treatment lines in the early 2000s to increase capacity and improve product quality. It now exports to 35 countries across four continents through its network of stores and dealers.

As part of its ongoing expansion programme, Zahit Aluminium has placed an order with Danieli Breda for a second extrusion press. The new press is expected to be installed in the coming months and will further increase production capacity at the Andana facility.

Argentina removes anti-dumping duties on Chinese aluminium tubes

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 19:30:00 +0530

Argentina's Ministry of Economy has terminated anti-dumping (AD) duties on aluminium tubes imported from China, following the conclusion of a sunset and changed circumstances review.

The decision was formalised through Resolution No. 883, issued on 3 July 2026, bringing to an end the review process that was launched in November 2025.

The measure applies to unalloyed aluminium tubes and tubes manufactured from 3xxx and 6xxx series aluminium alloys under IRAM Standard 681, with an external diameter of 130 mm or less, including products supplied in coil form. Precision drawn tubing made from the 3xxx series remains excluded from the scope of the decision.

Explore: The most comprehensive and forward-looking industry-focused report – Global Bauxite & Alumina Market Forecast to 2036: Supply–Demand, Trade Flows & Price Outlook

The affected products are classified under Mercosur Common Nomenclature (NCM) tariff codes 7608.10.00 and 7608.20.90.

Argentina originally opened its anti-dumping investigation in May 2019, resulting in the imposition of a 75.52 per cent anti-dumping duty on Chinese aluminium tube imports in November 2020.

The latest review considered the dumping practices for the period from July 2024 to June 2025, the injury assessment applicable as of January 2022. The anti-dumping duties have now been repealed with immediate effect with the publication of Resolution No. 883.

Participate in our upcoming e-Magazine - Mine to Market: ALuminium Producers & Manufacturers 2026

Kimura Group expands aluminium casting capabilities with New HQ Plant in Japan

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 09:20:00 +0530

Kimura Group, a global leader in casting innovation with nearly 100 years of foundry expertise, announced the launch of its Advanced Aluminum HQ Plant at the company's headquarters in Shizuoka, Japan. The new facility, which began operations in February 2026, expands Kimura's capabilities for producing large, thin-wall aluminium castings used in prototype development and small-lot production.

Designed to meet the growing demand for increasingly complex aluminium components in the automotive industry, the facility combines low-pressure sand casting (LPSC), V-Process vacuum moulding, and proprietary heat-treatment technology to deliver production-like material properties while preserving the speed and flexibility of sand casting.

Unlike conventional prototype processes that often require manufacturers to compromise between speed and production-level performance, Kimura's proprietary heat-treatment recipes enable sand castings to achieve material properties similar to high-pressure and low-pressure die cast components. This allows customers to validate designs before investing in permanent tooling, reducing development time, cost, and design risk.

The plant is capable of producing large, thin-wall structural aluminium castings—commonly known as gigacastings (or megacastings)—with minimum wall thicknesses of just 2mm. These capabilities make it well suited for next-generation structural components where lightweight designs and increasingly large castings are becoming standard.

The Advanced Aluminum HQ Plant also features low-pressure casting machines with 200kg and 400kg capacities, a large T6 heat-treatment furnace, and sand mould forming equipment. Kimura is further expanding the facility with a production line for small-lot manufacturing using conventional patterns, providing customers with a seamless path from prototype development through low-volume production.

"This investment reflects Kimura's continued commitment to helping customers accelerate product development without sacrificing quality or performance," said Kentaro Higaki, Executive Vice President, GK of Kimura Foundry Co, Ltd. "Our new aluminium plant combines advanced casting technologies with decades of manufacturing expertise to provide prototype solutions that more closely represent production qualities, and meet modern requirements for large, lightweight parts."

The global aluminium casting usage is expected to reach 24.2 million tonnes in 2026. To know about the future market trends, prebook our upcoming report “Global Aluminium Casting Market 2026-2032”

Note: This article has been taken from PR Newswire and has been published by AL Circle with its original information without any modifications or edits to the core subject/data.

Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry honoured with 2026 Metal Caster of the Year recognition

Sat, 11 Jul 2026 04:30:00 +0530

Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry (WAF) has been named the 2026 Metal Caster of the Year by the American Foundry Society (AFS) and Modern Casting magazine. The award is regarded as the highest recognition in the North American metal casting industry.

The American Foundry Society, established in 1896, represents the North American metal casting industry, which is valued at about USD 50 billion and includes thousands of foundries across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The annual Metal Caster of the Year award is presented to a company that demonstrates excellence in manufacturing, innovation, leadership and service to the industry.

WAF received the award for its strategic acquisitions, progress in digital transformation, investment in modernising its facilities and equipment, innovative measures to manage rising insurance costs, and its commitment to employee welfare.

Sachin Shivaram, Chief Executive Officer of Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry, said the award was especially significant for a family-owned business that has operated since 1909 in an industry with thousands of metal casting companies across North America. He added, “It belongs to our entire team, not just at one plant. It is the result of hard work across all our foundries by the men and women who pour the metal, run the machines and take care of our customers every day.

The global aluminium casting usage is expected to reach 24.2 million tonnes in 2026. To know about the future market trends, prebook our upcoming report “Global Aluminium Casting Market 2026-2032”

Shivaram further said that while the award is an important milestone, it also serves as a reminder that the company must continue supporting its customers, employees and the communities where it operates while working to strengthen the business further.

Founded in 1909, Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry has expanded from a single foundry in Manitowoc into a family-owned manufacturing company with foundries and machining operations across five Midwestern states. The company supplies castings and machined components to customers in sectors including heavy-duty trucks, aerospace, marine, energy, agriculture, defence and medical manufacturing.

Rich Schwartz, Chairman of Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry, said the company has always focused on its employees and customers rather than any individual or single facility. He added, “To see Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry recognised this way is humbling, and it is a credit to everyone who has built this company over the generations.”

The award is featured as the cover story in the June 2026 edition of Modern Casting magazine. WAF board member Laurie Herzog said the recognition reflects the company's long-standing commitment to its employees, customers and the communities where it operates, adding that it recognises the quality of work delivered by the company's team.

US aluminium extruders seek tighter Treasury rules on solar tax credits to curb import loophole

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 05:48:00 +0530

The Coalition for a Prosperous America (CPA) and the Aluminum Extruders Council (AEC) have urged the US Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service to tighten the eligibility criteria for domestic content bonus credits. Submitting a joint white paper to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, the organisations called for aluminium extrusion for solar module frames to be carried out within the US to qualify as domestically manufactured components under the Section 45Y and 48E domestic content bonus credits.

The industry groups argue that the absence of clear guidance has created a loophole allowing imported aluminium extrusions to qualify for domestic incentives after undergoing only minor fabrication processes, such as cutting to length and punching holes, within the US.

The global aluminium casting usage is expected to reach 24.2 million tonnes in 2026. To know about the future market trends, prebook our upcoming report “Global Aluminium Casting Market 2026-2032”

Aluminium extrusion: The key manufacturing stage

According to the white paper, aluminium extrusion represents the most significant manufacturing stage in solar frame production, accounting for approximately 61 per cent of manufacturing costs and 52 per cent of capital investment. The process involves forcing heated aluminium billets through precision dies to create engineered frame profiles.

Three regulatory frameworks, viz., IRS Notice 2023-38, the Federal Transit Administration's Buy America regulations, and the US Department of Commerce's anti-dumping and countervailing duty scope covering aluminium extrusions – all identify extrusion as the manufacturing step that establishes product origin.

Domestic content bonus can increase a project's investment or production tax credit by 10 percentage points, while aluminium frames contribute around 4 to 8.5 per cent of a solar module's domestic content share, thereby making origin decisive enough for projects seeking qualification.

By contrast, downstream fabrication activities like cutting and punching are characterised as "mere assembly" under existing Buy America provisions.

Independent due diligence noted several US solar module manufacturers currently claiming domestic content status despite relying on aluminium profiles extruded outside the country, with only fabrication completed domestically.

Therefore, CPA and AEC mentioned, “the most significant manufacturing investment, extrusion, continues to occur overseas, while companies nonetheless claim the domestic content bonus.”

Concerns over domestic manufacturing incentives

CPA and AEC contend that the current interpretation undermines the objective of the domestic content bonus, which was to expand US manufacturing capacity and reduce dependence on imported supplies.

The organisations estimate that more than 125,000 Americans work in downstream aluminium industries, including extrusion and fabrication, marking about 97 per cent of the sector's workforce. Fewer than 4,000 workers are employed in primary aluminium smelting.

Unlock key insights from leading companies and experts across the aluminium ecosystem with our e-Magazine - Mine to Market: ALuminium Producers & Manufacturers 2026

Call for clearer guidance

CPA and AEC urged the Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service to issue regulations or formal guidance clarifying Congress' objective, i.e., “bringing real, capital-intensive manufacturing back to the United States.”

CPA President Jon Toomey addressed the urgency to ensure that companies do not receive incentives despite “importing a Chinese-extruded frame and punching a few holes in it in a US warehouse.”

He asserted, “Extrusion is where the capital, the jobs, and the value are.”

The organisations believe clearer rules would provide greater certainty for manufacturers investing in US aluminium extrusion capacity while ensuring the policy better reflects its original objective of strengthening domestic industrial production.

Why does China continue to lead global aluminium foil consumption despite changing market dynamics?

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 14:00:00 +0530

Irrespective of China’s economy, which is said to be growing at a relatively slower pace in the past few years, one thing which has been consistent for the country is that it still firmly holds the position of the world's largest aluminium foil producer, consumer and exporter.

For businesses that are trying to determine where the next demand wave of aluminium foil will be, an important question continues to emerge: What is sustaining China's leadership when traditional growth drivers are evolving?

Aluminium foil, beyond just the packaging sector, is seen to have a rapid expansion in electric mobility, energy storage, advanced manufacturing and strategic industrial policy. As per AL Circle's recently updated report, "Aluminium Foil and its End Uses Current Trends and Forecast till 2030", China's leadership is increasingly being driven by structural demand from high-growth industries rather than conventional consumption patterns.

Understanding China's aluminium foil market scenario

The aluminium foil landscape is said to be dominated by China as the world's leading producer, consumer and exporter. In 2024, the country produced an estimated 4.7 million tonnes of aluminium foil, while domestic consumption reached approximately 3.32 million tonnes, representing nearly 50.35 per cent of global usage. Exports also climbed to 1.55 million tonnes, reinforcing China's role as the global supply hub.

China's aluminium foil industry is supported by more than 160 aluminium foil rolling mills with an installed production capacity of 6.1-6.5 million tonnes. In the last few years alone, China is said to have added more than one million tonnes of new foil production capacity. This extended capacity has helped the country to meet the rising domestic demand as well as expand its export footprint.

Demand: Shifting from traditional industries to advanced manufacturing

Sectors like real estate and conventional manufacturing have been taking the major fall due to China's economic slowdown. However, the demand for aluminium foil did not follow the same trajectory. This is mainly because of the increased consumption, which is mainly driven by industries aligned with the country's industrial modernisation strategy.

Among different foil types, the battery-grade aluminium foil is deemed to emerge as the single most important growth segment. This is because it serves as the positive current collector in lithium-ion batteries, making it indispensable for electric vehicles. In recent years, China has accounted for more than 60 per cent of global EV sales and with this, battery production continues to support robust foil consumption. As suggested by the industry estimates, every gigawatt-hour of battery production can require up to 800 tonnes of aluminium foil, creating a structural demand base that is less sensitive to broader economic fluctuations.

Additionally, energy storage systems have been another revenue growth area for the country. This is because of the accelerated renewable energy deployment and the expansion of grid infrastructure, where the lithium-ion battery installations continue to increase, further strengthening demand for battery foil.

Beyond the batteries, another resilient market for China's aluminium foil is the pharmaceutical packaging. Aluminium foil continues to be widely used in blister packs, medical pouches and sterile packaging, supported by China's expanding pharmaceutical manufacturing sector.

Food packaging and e-commerce logistics also remain significant contributors. Although consumer spending has moderated, online food delivery and packaged food continue to require multilayer aluminium foil packaging for insulation, hygiene and shelf-life extension. At the same time, the growing preference for recyclable packaging materials is creating additional opportunities for aluminium foil.

Emerging applications in consumer electronics and semiconductors are also becoming increasingly relevant. China's push towards semiconductor self-reliance is supporting demand for speciality aluminium foil used in thermal management, chip packaging and precision electronic components.

Strong production supports strong exports

The manufacturing scale in China enabled its global export strength, positioning it alongside the rising domestic consumption. The country’s aluminium foil exports increased from 1.31 million tonnes in 2023 to 1.55 million tonnes in 2024, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 18.3 per cent. If compared with 2014, export volumes have expanded by 79.3 per cent, highlighting sustained international demand for Chinese foil products.

The country's largest export destination in 2024 was India. This is being followed by Thailand, Indonesia, Mexico and South Korea. China's export value also increased to USD 5.7 billion. This indicates that the country has an influence which extends beyond production volume to global trade value.

Apart from this, various on-going investments show that this rising trend is likely to continue. Moreover, China has commissioned multiple battery aluminium foil plants with combined capacities exceeding one million tonnes, while manufacturers continue expanding dedicated battery foil production to serve the rapidly growing EV supply chain.

The market story is becoming more complex

Determining the country's leadership in the global aluminium foil consumption cannot be simply explained by manufacturing scale or the market size. This now extends beyond, reflecting the country's ability to align industrial policy with emerging sectors such as electric mobility, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals and advanced electronics. For aluminium producers, converters, traders and downstream manufacturers, understanding these evolving demand patterns is becoming increasingly important for investment, capacity planning and market expansion.

For organisations seeking deeper market intelligence, including regional consumption forecasts, production capacities, trade flows, end-use segmentation and long-term demand outlooks, our recently updated report, "Aluminium Foil and its End Uses Current Trends and Forecast till 2030" offers a comprehensive foundation for strategic decision-making. Secure your copy to make more informed decisions and better positioning in the global aluminium foil market.

AI chip boom puts aluminium supplier AMS on track for semiconductor-led growth

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 23:30:00 +0530

According to Kenanga Research, aluminium supplier AMS Bhd is an underappreciated beneficiary of the global wafer fabrication equipment (WFE) upcycle. Growing investment in artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure and semiconductor manufacturing is expected to create fresh growth opportunities for the company.

Kenanga identifies AMS’ potential

Initiating coverage with a fair value of 62 sen (USD 0.15), Kenanga believes AMS has the potential to evolve into a semiconductor-focused aluminium supplier.

"We believe the market has yet to fully price in this transformation, hence we see meaningful catch-up potential as AMS' semiconductor business continues to scale," noted the research house.

Unlock in-depth insights into the extrusion segment of the global aluminium industry with The World of Aluminium Extrusions – Industry Forecast to 2032

Kenanga projects the AMS revenue to improve by 17 per cent in FY2026 and 20 per cent in FY2027, while net profit is forecast to rise by 49 per cent and 60 per cent, respectively. The growth outlook is backed by rising semiconductor demand, higher contributions from value-added processing services and improving margins.

The optimism reflects a strengthening global semiconductor capital expenditure cycle, particularly outside China, where WFE spending is forecast to expand 36 per cent in 2026 and 33 per cent in 2027 as new fabrication plants begin commercial production.

Adding further momentum, the world's four largest hyperscale technology companies are expected to increase capital expenditure by 75 per cent to USD 608 billion in 2026, followed by another 11 per cent rise to USD 680 billion in 2027, driven largely by AI infrastructure investments. According to Kenanga, an additional USD 100 billion invested in AI-related capex translates into USD 8 billion (approx.) in additional WFE spending.

The global aluminium casting usage is expected to reach 24.2 million tonnes in 2026. To know about the future market trends, pre-book our upcoming report “Global Aluminium Casting Market 2026-2032”

How is AMS positioned in the semiconductor supply chain?

AMS provides semi-finished aluminium products to precision engineering companies that manufacture components for leading semiconductor equipment producers. This allows the company to benefit regardless of which global equipment maker ultimately secures new contracts.

Kenanga stated that AMS has established strong relationships with multinational and local precision engineering companies in Penang's semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem.

It also estimates the company has over 80 per cent market share among customers supplying one major US-based WFE manufacturer, supported by its extensive aluminium product range and value-added processing capabilities.

Semiconductor-related revenue has doubled since 2024. It is projected to contribute 46 per cent of total revenue in FY2026 before surging to 55 per cent in FY2027, compared with 37 per cent in FY2025.

AMS has been expanding production capacity after its April 2026 listing. Its Penang facility has its first production shift booked through the end of 2026, while a second production shift began in July. Meanwhile, the Johor plant is expected to reach full utilisation by the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2026.

Kenanga also highlighted that AMS has secured qualification from a leading global aluminium rolling mill, with commercial production scheduled to begin in Q4 2026.

The certification enables AMS to supply as an approved supplier, recognised by global WFE manufacturers, to semiconductor precision engineering customers.

Unlock key insights from leading companies and experts across the aluminium ecosystem with our e-Magazine - Mine to Market: ALuminium Producers & Manufacturers 2026

AMS expands footprint via value-added services

Beyond semiconductor demand, AMS continues to differentiate itself from conventional aluminium distributors through value-added services such as cutting, shearing and basic machining, allowing customers to receive materials closer to production-ready specifications.

Kenanga added that WFE-related business typically delivers mid-teen profit margins while offering order visibility of around two quarters.

Although AMS shares have gained about 43 per cent since their initial public offering, Kenanga believes the stock remains attractively valued relative to peers and offers further upside as semiconductor-related earnings continue to expand.

Kenanga, however, noted that aluminium price volatility, weaker WFE spending and delays in onboarding new customers remain key risks to its earnings outlook.

Shyam Metalics’ aluminium foil sales rise 21% Y-o-Y in June as realisations jump 39%

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 11:35:00 +0530

Shyam Metalics and Energy Limited recorded a sharp year-on-year increase in aluminium foil sales and realisations in June 2026, while its quarterly foil volumes remained broadly stable compared with the preceding quarter.

The company sold 2,151 tonnes of aluminium foil during June 2026, up 20.68 per cent from 1,783 tonnes in the corresponding month of the previous year. The average realisation from the segment climbed 39.32 per cent year-on-year to INR 503,400 (USD 5,304.51) per tonne from INR 361,335 (3,807.52) per tonne.

The month-on-month numbers also moved higher. Aluminium foil sales rose 37.07 per cent from 1,570 tonnes in May 2026, while average realisation increased 1.64 per cent from INR 495,275 (USD 5,218.89) per tonne.

For the first quarter of FY27, aluminium foil sales stood at 5,606 tonnes, marginally higher by 0.86 per cent compared with 5,558 tonnes in Q4 FY26. Average realisation, however, increased 18.65 per cent sequentially, reaching INR 483,467 (USD 5,094.47) per tonne from INR 407,461 (USD 4,293.57) per tonne.

Stainless steel sales also gain momentum in June

Alongside the aluminium foil business, Shyam Metalics reported higher year-on-year sales from its stainless steel operations during June. Sales volume reached 7,942 tonnes, representing a 40.21 per cent increase from 5,665 tonnes in June of the previous financial year.

Average stainless steel realisation rose 23.15 per cent year-on-year to INR 176,588 (USD 1,860.77) per tonne from INR 143,394 (USD 1,511) per tonne.

Compared with May 2026, stainless steel sales increased 7.81 per cent from 7,367 tonnes, although average realisation declined 2.63 per cent from INR 181,356 (USD 1,911.01) per tonne.

The quarterly comparison presented a different volume trend. Stainless steel sales stood at 23,237 tonnes in Q1 FY27, down 14.84 per cent from 27,287 tonnes in Q4 FY26. Average realisation nevertheless rose 18.04 per cent sequentially to INR 175,925 (1,853.79) per tonne.

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Wider portfolio records volume increases across several segments

The June sales update also showed higher volumes across several of the company’s other product categories. Pig iron sales reached 95,508 tonnes during the month, rising 156.52 per cent year-on-year, while pellet sales increased 92.26 per cent to 155,563 tonnes.

CR coil and CR sheet sales rose 53.46 per cent year-on-year to 18,293 tonnes in June, while carbon steel volumes increased 16.53 per cent to 148,711 tonnes. Speciality alloy sales were nearly unchanged from the previous year, increasing 0.75 per cent to 16,888 tonnes.

The company’s sales release linked its higher pig iron output to additional blast furnace capacity. A 0.77 million tonnes per annum blast furnace at Jamuria was commissioned in November 2024, followed by a 0.45 million tonnes per annum blast furnace at the Ramsarup facility in December 2025. The company also commissioned the 0.15 million tonnes per annum Phase II of its colour-coated steel plant at Jamuria in April 2026, taking the facility’s total capacity to 0.40 million tonnes per annum.

The latest operational update covers the month and quarter ended June 30, 2026. The company is scheduled to consider its unaudited standalone and consolidated financial results for Q1 FY27 on July 20, 2026, along with a proposal for a first interim dividend and potential fundraising.