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Toyo Printing Inks and Toyo Ink Europe met with industry professionals at METPACK 2026!

Sun, 12 Jul 2026 07:00:00 +0530

Toyo Printing Inks participated in METPACK 2026, one of the leading international trade fairs for the metal packaging industry, held in Essen, Germany, from May 5–8.

During the exhibition, Toyo Printing Inks introduced its high-performance coating and ink solutions developed specifically for the metal packaging industry to international industry professionals. The company showcased its product portfolio centred on BPA-NI internal coating technologies, which attracted considerable attention from visitors.

In addition to its BPANI Gold Lacquer, BPA-NI Pigmented Lacquer and BPA-NI Clear Lacquer product groups, the company's Conventional and UV Metal Packaging Inks also generated significant interest. Throughout the event, Toyo Printing Inks' expert teams addressed technical inquiries and exchanged valuable insights with visitors and industry stakeholders.

Throughout the exhibition, Toyo Printing Inks shared a stand with Toyo Ink Europe, presenting its strengthened manufacturing infrastructure supported by its new production facility, its commitment to sustainable manufacturing, and its solutions developed in compliance with European regulations to international visitors.

Products designed to meet stringent food safety, performance, and application quality requirements were particularly well received by manufacturers operating in the food, beverage, and industrial packaging sectors.

For Toyo Printing Inks, METPACK 2026 served as an important platform for strengthening international partnerships, exploring emerging industry trends, and reinforcing the company's position in the global market. Building on the valuable feedback and business connections established during the exhibition, the company will continue shaping its future-oriented initiatives and strategic direction.

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Note: This article has been shared by artience group and has been published by AL Circle with its original information without any modifications or edits to the core subject/data.

Lightweighting the future: How material innovation is reshaping automotive manufacturing mobility

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 09:33:00 +0530

India’s automotive industry is coming into a phase in which vehicles are expected to provide more while consuming less. Consumers want a better range, greater safety, powerful performance and more features, but they also expect vehicles to remain affordable and reasonable.

This creates a difficult engineering challenge. Every additional battery module, sensor, safety element or electronic system adds weight. A heavier vehicle requires more energy to move, reducing efficiency and increasing operating costs. In electric vehicles, it may also require a larger battery, which further increases both weight and price.

For India, lightweighting is therefore not simply a design trend. It is a significant path to making mobility more efficient, affordable and sustainable.

India produced more than 3.47 crore passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, three-wheelers, two-wheelers and quadricycles during FY2025-26. The automotive sector contributes around 6 per cent to the country’s GDP and about 35 per cent to manufacturing GDP. Even a modest improvement in the material and energy efficiency of each vehicle can build a significant impact at this scale.

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India cannot solve efficiency only through larger batteries

The weight challenge becomes even more important in electric mobility, particularly for two-wheelers and three-wheelers used for daily commercial operations. For these users, range, charging time and payload capacity directly affect earnings.

The usual response to range concerns is to add a larger battery. But a bigger batter also adds cost and weight, making the vehicle less efficient and requiring stronger components.

A more practical solution is to reduce the energy needed to move the vehicle. By using lighter materials and smarter vehicle design, manufacturers can improve range without simply increasing battery size.

A lighter EV can travel farther on the same charge, carry more load and reduce operating costs. It may also achieve the required range with a smaller battery, helping bring down the vehicle’s overall price. For India, lightweighting can therefore play an important role in making electric mobility more affordable and commercially viable.

The answer Is not to replace every steel component

Lightweighting is often reduced to a simple argument between steel, aluminium and composites. In practice, no single material can meet every automotive requirement.

Advanced high-strength steel can provide structural strength with thinner sections. Aluminium can reduce weight in battery enclosures, wheels, chassis parts and body panels. Engineered polymers can replace heavier components in selected non-structural applications. Composites can deliver high strength-to-weight performance, although their cost and recyclability remain concerns for mass-market vehicles. India needs a mixed-material approach in which every component uses the material best suited to its function.

This is particularly important because India is not a market where cost can be treated as a secondary consideration. Materials that work in premium global vehicles may not be commercially viable for an Indian two-wheeler, three-wheeler or entry-level passenger car. The right question is not which material is the lightest. It is which material delivers the required safety, durability, cost and recyclability at the lowest possible weight.

Local innovation will decide affordability

India’s INR 25,938 crore Production Linked Incentive scheme for automobiles and auto components is intended to support the domestic manufacturing of advanced automotive technology products. Material innovation should become an important part of this localisation effort.

India needs stronger domestic capabilities in high-strength automotive steel, aluminium alloys, engineering polymers, sustainable composites, material testing and advanced manufacturing. Greater localisation can reduce exposure to global supply disruptions while allowing materials to be developed for Indian road, weather and load conditions.

Indian vehicles face challenges that differ from those in many developed markets. They must operate under high temperatures, variable road conditions, heavy loads and demanding commercial-use cycles. Imported material solutions cannot simply be adopted without local validation.

Lightweighting must therefore be supported by Indian research institutions, testing centres, start-ups and manufacturers working together on commercially practical solutions.

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Safety and circularity must remain non-negotiable

Lighter should never mean weaker.

Vehicle security depends on structural method, controlled energy absorption and the behaviour of materials during a collision. New materials must experience rigorous crash, thermal, fatigue and environmental testing before they are deployed at scale.

The industry must also consider what happens after the vehicle achieves the end of its useful life. A mixed material vehicle may be lighter during the procedure but harder to dismantle and recycle. Manufacturers should design components for easier separation, clearly identify polymer grades and improve the use of recycled aluminium and steel wherever performance standards permit.

A competitiveness strategy for Indian manufacturing

India’s automotive industry cannot rely only on electrification to meet its future efficiency and sustainability goals. It must also improve how intelligently vehicles use materials.

Lightweighting can help extend EV range, improve payload capacity, reduce energy consumption and lower lifecycle emissions. Done correctly, it can also reduce dependence on larger batteries and expensive imported materials. The opportunity is not to build the lightest vehicle at any cost. It is to build the most efficient vehicle at price Indian customers and commercial operators can afford.

For India, material innovation is more than an engineering priority. It is a pathway to more competitive manufacturing, accessible electric mobility and a stronger domestic automotive ecosystem.

Note: This article has been shared By Bharath Krishna Rao, CEO & Co - Founder, Emobi and has been published by AL Circle with its original information without any modifications or edits to the core subject/data.

Designer Guillaume Bloget develops aluminium and cork kayak inspired by French lakes

Sat, 11 Jul 2026 01:30:00 +0530

Industrial designer Guillaume Bloget has designed an aluminium kayak featuring a folded double-wall structure and a cork seat during a research-creation residency organised by France's Rhizome Association.

The project, named Sharp, was inspired by the lakes surrounding the association's workshop. Bloget said the local environment led to the concept of creating an aluminium kayak with a hydrodynamic hull designed to deliver smooth gliding performance on the water.

The kayak's structure is formed through a folding process that creates a double-wall aluminium body, which the designer said makes the vessel unsinkable while maintaining a lightweight construction.

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To improve comfort, the kayak incorporates a cork seat that conforms to the user's body while contrasting with the angular geometry of the passenger compartment.

Bloget also highlighted the visual qualities of aluminium, noting that the metal's reflective surface interacts with light and water to enhance the kayak's overall aesthetic.

The project was developed through the Rhizome Association's research-creation residency programme, which brings together designers, artists and scientists to explore innovative concepts inspired by their surroundings.

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Aluminium du Maroc positions itself as a key supplier to Morocco's construction industry

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 07:15:00 +0530

Aluminium du Maroc is a Moroccan company that makes aluminium profiles and related products for the construction and industrial sectors. It turns raw aluminium into finished and semi-finished products for builders, manufacturers and installers in Morocco, and also sells to some export markets. Its business is closely linked to construction activity, infrastructure spending and industrial growth in North Africa.

The company's main activity is aluminium extrusion. In this process, aluminium billets are heated and pushed through dies to create different shapes. These profiles are used in windows, doors, façade systems, curtain walls, partitions and other building applications. By processing primary aluminium into finished products, Aluminium du Maroc connects metal suppliers with companies involved in construction and manufacturing.

The company has extrusion presses, surface treatment lines and finishing units. These facilities help it produce profiles in different alloys, sizes and finishes to meet technical and design needs. Local production also gives Moroccan customers an alternative to imported profiles, with shorter delivery times and technical support.

Demand for its products depends mainly on construction activity. When housing, commercial buildings and infrastructure projects increase, demand for aluminium frames and façade systems also rises. When construction slows, orders can fall, making the business sensitive to changes in the property and infrastructure markets.

Besides construction, the company also supplies profiles for industrial uses such as machine frames, shelving, transport equipment, and custom structures. Aluminium is useful because it does not rust easily and is both strong and lightweight. These qualities also make it suitable for coastal areas and other harsh environments.

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The company makes aluminium profiles for windows and doors. These profiles are combined with glass and hardware to produce complete systems that offer insulation, sound reduction, and security. It supplies different types, including standard sliding systems for homes and hinged or tilt-and-turn systems for more advanced projects. The profiles are designed to accommodate seals, locking systems and glazing components required during installation.

The product range also includes curtain wall and façade systems. These systems use vertical and horizontal aluminium members to support large glass panels and exterior cladding on buildings. As glass-fronted commercial buildings have become more common, suppliers such as Aluminium du Maroc have become an important part of the façade supply chain.

Shares of Aluminium du Maroc are listed on the Casablanca Stock Exchange, where they are traded in Moroccan currency. The listing provides the company with access to the domestic capital market whenever additional funding is required. International investors usually access the company through local brokers or funds that invest in Moroccan stocks, not through a US-listed ADR. Because of this, its share price and trading volume are mostly shaped by Morocco’s stock market, not by major global exchanges.

Ball Corp. promotes DWI aluminium aerosol cans as a recyclable packaging solution

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

Ball Corp.'s DWI (Drawn and Wall Ironed) aluminium aerosol cans are widely used by consumer goods manufacturers in North America for household, personal care and industrial aerosol products. The manufacturing process produces cans with thin, uniform walls while maintaining the strength required for pressurised applications.

Compared with conventional three-piece steel aerosol cans, aluminium DWI cans are lighter, corrosion-resistant, and designed for long-term product storage. Ball says the manufacturing process helps optimise material use while maintaining performance during transport, storage and consumer use.

The cans are produced by feeding aluminium coils through a series of drawing and wall ironing operations that form the cylindrical body before cleaning, coating and printing. Ball engineers evaluate the cans for burst strength, dent resistance and compatibility with different propellants used in aerosol products. Ball packaging engineer Lisa Martínez describes the design philosophy in simple terms: “Our DWI aerosol can has to be safe under pressure, look good on the shelf, and deliver consistent performance in a range of use conditions, from warehouse pallets to a hot car trunk.”

The DWI aluminium aerosol cans are available in multiple diameters and heights to suit applications ranging from travel-size products to larger household aerosols. Customers can also choose different neck finishes, valve cup configurations and surface finishes, including matte, gloss and textured coatings. High-resolution printing for logos and regulatory text is also among the options.

Ball has positioned aluminium packaging as part of its sustainability strategy, highlighting aluminium's ability to be recycled repeatedly without significant loss of material quality. The company notes that recycling practices for aerosol cans vary by municipality because empty pressurised containers are subject to local collection requirements. Many brands highlight “infinitely recyclable aluminium” on aerosol can packaging, a phrase Ball has also used in its sustainability reports and broader packaging communications.

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The company supplies aluminium aerosol cans to consumer brands rather than directly to retail customers. Its aerosol packaging business serves household, personal care and industrial markets across the Americas and complements Ball's larger beverage can business.

The DWI aluminium aerosol can forms part of Ball's broader metal packaging portfolio, which remains one of the company's core business segments following recent portfolio changes. While beverage packaging remains the primary focus for investors, the aerosol packaging business continues to support Ball's customer base and product offering in North America.

Replacing copper in EVs: The aluminium motor transition and the hidden defect trap costing suppliers in millions

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 07:40:00 +0530

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

The macro mandate: Global automakers are desperate to increase EV range and reduce vehicle weight. The heaviest components are the battery and the traction motor. To slash weight, OEMs are issuing a clear mandate to their Tier 1 suppliers: replace heavy copper motor windings with lightweight aluminium.
The cost-cutting trap: Suppliers are rushing to produce "Copper Clad Aluminium" (CCA) windings to win these lucrative OEM contracts. However, attempting to cut corners by using excessively thin copper cladding (20 per cent) is resulting in catastrophic factory-floor defect rates, fractured wires, and immediate OEM rejections.
The strategic solution: To survive this transition and capture the EV motor market, suppliers must abandon basic extrusion methods. Pilot-scale data proves that winning the aluminium motor contract requires strict adherence to a 42 per cent cladding ratio and a mathematically precise 40° manufacturing die angle.

The race to dominate the global electric vehicle (EV) sector has entered a new phase. For the last decade, automakers focused entirely on battery chemistry. Today, the battleground has shifted to the drivetrain.

To achieve faster acceleration, higher efficiency, and longer driving ranges, automakers are frantically trying to reduce the gross weight of their vehicles. Outside of the battery pack, the traction motor is the heaviest component in the car. Historically, these motors have been packed with dense, heavy copper wire.

The mandate from automotive boardrooms in Detroit, Stuttgart, and Shenzhen is now universal: the industry must replace the heavy copper in EV motors with aluminium.

Because aluminium is significantly lighter and boasts a far more stable global price point, it is the ultimate substitution metal. By transitioning to rectangular "hairpin" motor windings driven by a solid aluminium core, automakers can drastically slash the weight of the drivetrain. To maintain electrical conductivity at high frequencies, the aluminium core is encased in a thin protective layer of copper, creating Copper Clad Aluminium (CCA).

On paper, this is a multi-billion-dollar growth story for the aluminium sector. In reality, it is creating a devastating margin trap for Tier 1 automotive suppliers who underestimate the metallurgical complexity of the transition.

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The margin trap: When cost-cutting destroys the product

The transition from a theoretical aluminium motor to a mass-produced reality is exposing a severe vulnerability on the factory floor.

EV motors require hairpin windings with a perfectly rectangular profile to tightly pack the motor and maximise power. Taking a round bimetallic billet and rolling it into a perfect 3X2 mm rectangle is an extreme manufacturing challenge. The inner aluminium and the outer copper behave differently under immense pressure.

In a bid to maximise profit margins on these new EV contracts, many suppliers are attempting to use the absolute bare minimum amount of copper possible, often rolling wires where the cladding encompasses only 20 per cent of the total volume.

Recent pilot-scale metallurgical research exposes the fatal flaw of this cost-cutting strategy.

When manufacturers force a 20 per cent CCA wire through high-speed rolling mills, the thin outer layer fails mechanically at the corners. The metal shears, creating "ears" and deep fractures that leave the inner aluminium core exposed and structurally compromised. For a Tier 1 supplier, sending a batch of fractured, delaminating motor windings to a major automaker guarantees an immediate product rejection, voided contracts, and millions of dollars in scrapped material.

The image used in this article is generated with an AI tool and does not depict any real-time moment

Furthermore, basic manufacturing setups suffer from "premature aluminium outflow". Because the 1370 aluminium core is significantly softer than the outer shell, applying high-pressure extrusion causes the aluminium to shoot out faster than the exterior tube. This disproportionate flow results in an inconsistent product, multiple fractures along the length of the wire, and completely unusable scrap.

To survive this transition, suppliers must stop treating bimetallic wire as a cheap commodity and start treating it as a precision-engineered aerospace component.

The manufacturing fix 1: The 42 per cent rule

The solution to securing these lucrative EV motor contracts relies on strict volumetric control to protect the aluminium core.

The industry must respect the mathematics of bimetallic strain. To enable the aluminium core to survive the pressure, non-symmetrical strain of rectangular wire rolling without corner fracture, the cladding volume percentage must be increased to a strict 42 per cent (+_1%).

At this precise volume, the wire can be aggressively rolled into a 3X2 mm rectangular profile without a single seam, split, or delamination. When subjected to severe ASTM B566 bend testing, the 42 per cent wire maintains flawless adhesion. The correctly proportioned cladding successfully absorbs the mechanical strain, entirely protecting the structural integrity of the aluminium core, ensuring it passes strict OEM quality control.

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The manufacturing fix 2: The 40° "sweet spot"

Even with the correct material volumes, the success of the aluminium substitution depends heavily on the specific tooling used in the factory.

To achieve a true metallurgical bond between the inner aluminium and the outer shell, there must be sufficient compressive stress. If the extrusion die angle is too steep, friction skyrockets, overloading the multi-million-dollar extrusion press. If the angle is too shallow, the materials simply do not bond, and the wire falls apart.

Extensive pilot-scale testing across various die geometries has revealed the exact factory-floor sweet spot. A 40° semi-die angle provides the optimal distance for the two metals to join together while keeping friction levels manageable. When paired with a sealed billet design that physically constrains the softer aluminium from flowing out prematurely, the 40° die produces a pristine, defect-free bimetallic bar ready for high-speed rolling.

Mastering the interface for maximum conductivity

The final hurdle in producing motor-grade aluminium hairpins is managing the intermetallic (IM) layer. When aluminium and copper are heated and pressed together, they form brittle intermetallic compounds at their boundary. If this layer grows too thick, it acts as a resistor, destroying the wire's electrical conductivity and defeating the purpose of the EV motor upgrade.

However, metallurgical analysis proves that if the manufacturing temperature is strictly controlled at 150°C during extrusion, the resulting IM layer remains ultra-thin (approximately 1.45 µm). Because this layer is significantly thinner than the average grain sizes of the surrounding metals, it has a net-zero detrimental effect. The finished rectangular aluminium-cored wire achieves a highly efficient 78.3 per cent IACS electrical conductivity, perfectly satisfying the automaker's demands.

The final verdict

The electrification of the automotive industry guarantees a historic demand cycle for lightweight traction motors. The aluminium-cored rectangular hairpin winding is the undisputed future of this architecture.

However, the OEM contracts will not be awarded to suppliers who view this as a simple cost-cutting exercise. Manufacturers attempting to service this high-stakes market with unprotected aluminium cores, outdated billets, and 20 per cent cladding ratios will be crushed by defect rates and automaker rejections.

Conversely, the advanced suppliers that deploy 40° co-extrusion dies, mathematically protect their aluminium with the correct 42 per cent cladding ratios, and master their thermal kinetics will capture the most lucrative, high-margin contracts in the EV supply chain. The transition away from copper is inevitable, but only the most precise manufacturers will survive it.

Note: This is exclusive coverage by AL Circle and may not be reproduced, republished or shared without prior permission.

Disclaimer: The opinions, information, claims, references, and images presented here are those of the author alone and AL Circle holds no responsibility.

Aluminium takes centre stage in Opsun’s new rooftop inverter racking system

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 19:24:00 +0530

As commercial solar installations grow in scale, the supporting infrastructure around rooftop arrays is becoming an increasingly important area for engineered aluminium applications. North American solar mounting manufacturer Opsun Systems Inc. has added to this space with the launch of its SunRail Inverter Rack, a structural aluminium system developed to support string inverters on commercial and industrial (C&I) flat roofs.

The newly launched system brings inverter mounting into a standardised racking framework, addressing a part of rooftop solar installation that has often required project-specific solutions at the construction site. Opsun has begun immediate shipment of the product from its regional manufacturing operations in North America.

At the core of the rack is 6000-series structural aluminium, combined with 306 stainless steel bolts and nuts. The material configuration is engineered for rooftop environments exposed to significant wind and snow loading. Depending on the requirements of an individual project, the structure is rated for wind speeds of up to 180 mph and snow loads reaching 100 pounds per square foot (PSF).

The rack has been designed for low-slope roof surfaces with gradients of up to 7 degrees. A single standalone unit occupies approximately 15 square feet of rooftop area, while the base racking structure weighs 60 pounds. Depending on the installation arrangement, the resulting localised dead load on the roofing membrane ranges from 5 to 15 PSF.

Rather than limiting the system to a fixed inverter arrangement, Opsun has adopted a modular configuration capable of carrying one to six inverter units in each row. This allows the structure to be adapted to different electrical string layouts and project requirements.

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Installation efficiency is another focus of the design. Assemblies leave Opsun's regional production lines in a pre-assembled form, reducing the amount of work required at the project site. Across the structure, a single-nut hardware format has been standardised for connection points.

The rack is supplied with a standard inclination of 10 degrees, while projects requiring a different configuration can specify pitches of up to 20 degrees. Its mounting components move within integrated rail channels, enabling installers to adjust the system around uneven rooftop conditions, tapered insulation and other structural variations. This eliminates the need for project teams to undertake custom cutting or fabrication at the installation site.

Alongside the main structure, Opsun is offering an optional universal Inverter Cover made from folded aluminium. The accessory provides protection against direct solar radiation while maintaining an open-sided arrangement that allows ambient airflow around the inverter equipment for thermal management.

Maintenance requirements have also been considered in the cover design. Its integrated hood mechanism can be lifted to expose the internal wiring areas, giving technicians access to components without requiring removal or dismantling of the supporting rack.

The cover is compatible with large-format inverter equipment, including SolarEdge Three Phase Inverters with Synergy Technology in configurations ranging from SE80KUS to SE120KUS.

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The rack's base rails can also be integrated with several commercial rooftop attachment systems, including OMG, U-Anchor, S-5! and Facet systems. The mounting solution can be used across built-up roofs, thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO), ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), asphalt surfaces and standing-seam metal roofing.

“What we kept hearing from EPCs was that inverter placement on the roof was still a field problem, no standardised solution, a lot of improvisation,” said François Gilles-Gagnon, president of Opsun Systems. “The SunRail platform lent itself well to solving that. The Inverter Rack is built on the same engineering logic: aluminium construction, engineered for real site conditions, and fast to install.”

Opsun manufactures its structural aluminium systems at facilities in High Point, North Carolina, and Cornwall, Ontario. Its portfolio covers solar mounting applications across commercial, industrial and residential projects, including flat roofs, pitched roofs, ground-mounted systems and carports.

For the aluminium value chain, the launch is another example of the metal's role extending beyond solar panel frames into the broader structural ecosystem of renewable-energy installations. In this case, aluminium forms the backbone of a rooftop system designed around load performance, installation flexibility and access for equipment maintenance.

Maison L'Occitane en Provence celebrates 50 years with new travel retail exclusive Shea Hand Cream

Sun, 05 Jul 2026 02:30:00 +0530

To celebrate its 50th anniversary, Maison L'Occitane en Provence unveils a new Travel Retail Exclusive Limited Edition of its iconic Shea Hand Cream in a generous 150ml format, available exclusively in global travel retail from Summer 2026.

Created as a tribute to five decades of sensorial beauty, craftsmanship and connection to nature, the exclusive edition reimagines one of the Maison's most beloved creations through a distinctive anniversary design inspired by the landscapes, flora and enduring ties of Haute-Provence.

For more than 30 years, Shea Hand Cream has remained one of the Maison's signature creations, renowned for its rich texture, comforting sensoriality and highly effective care for dry hands. Enriched with 20 per cent shea butter, the formula intensely moisturises while helping to protect the skin barrier, leaving hands feeling soft, supple and nourished.

A cherished ritual of care since 1993

First created in 1993, the iconic Shea Hand Cream has become a cherished ritual of care passed from generation to generation and shared from mother to daughter, friend to friend and across cultures worldwide.

Its instantly recognisable aluminium paint-tube design, made from 95 per cent recycled aluminium, was inspired by the artist paint tubes once used by founder Olivier Baussan's mother. Today, the limited-edition 150ml tube-continues that legacy while celebrating the hands that create, share and care.

Celebrating the Maison's botanical heritage

Designed exclusively for travel retail, the anniversary edition celebrates L'Occitane en Provence's botanical roots through an elegant interplay of earthy tones and the iconic blue associated with the Shea collection. Flowing illustrations unfold across the tube and outer box, featuring emblematic flora from the Maison including Lavender, Immortelle and Verbena.

Interlaced lines running throughout the design symbolise the ties between nature, people and place that have shaped the story of Maison L'Occitane en Provence since 1976, while also reflecting the Maison's continuing commitment to celebrating the richness and living force of flora in Haute-Provence.

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A journey of commitments

The Shea collection also reflects Maison L'Occitane en Provence's long-standing commitment to women's economic empowerment and biodiversity preservation in West Africa. Since the 1980s, the Maison has worked hand in hand with women Shea producers and today partners with more than 6,000 women across multiple cooperatives.

Made with 100 per cent organic fair-trade Shea butter, the Karité Confort collection continues this commitment through the SH(E)ARE programme (Shea Action for Regenerative Ecosystems), a regenerative initiative designed to support biodiversity restoration in the forests where the shea trees grown naturally, strengthen local communities and help secure the future of shea ecosystems for generations to come.

An exclusive travel companion

Available only in global travel retail, the anniversary edition has been created for travellers seeking an exclusive keepsake that celebrates both the Maison's heritage and one of its most iconic creations. The 150ml format also makes it an ideal companion for frequent travellers looking to enjoy long-lasting hydration while on the move.

Melanie Laroche, Brand Director, L'Occitane en Provence, Global Travel Retail, said: 'As Maison L'Occitane en Provence celebrates 50 years of history, this Travel Retail Exclusive edition of our iconic Shea Hand Cream pays tribute to the roots, ingredients and human connections that have shaped the Maison since 1976. Travel retail offers a unique platform to share this story with travellers around the world through an exclusive creation inspired by the sensorial spirit and botanical richness of Haute-Provence.'

Note: This article has been shared by L'Occitane and has been published by AL Circle with its original information without any modifications or edits to the core subject/data.

RCMP awards Ocean Pacific Marine $74.7M contract for aluminium coastal patrol vessels

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 18:00:00 +0530

Ocean Pacific Marine, based in Campbell River, British Columbia, has been awarded a USD 74.7 million contract to build three aluminium coastal patrol vessels for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).

The aluminium patrol vessels are designed to operate at speeds of up to 28 knots with a range of 450 nautical miles. They can accommodate up to six personnel and are equipped for coastal security, diving and underwater recovery operations, as well as towing.

The vessels will be built through a joint venture with Camarc Design, a Scottish naval architecture firm known for designing high-speed patrol vessels used by police, coast guard, naval and rescue agencies. The 27-metre vessels will be used by the RCMP to support law enforcement, search and rescue, and emergency response operations along British Columbia's 26,000 kilometres of coastline. Bruce Kempling, founder and president of Ocean Pacific Marine, said the contract is “recognition that a small business from Campbell River can compete on the national stage and deliver world-class marine projects.”

Ocean Pacific Marine said the contract is expected to increase its workforce by 20 to 30 employees over the course of the project, in addition to its current staff of 63. The vessels are currently in the design stage, and the company has not announced a construction or delivery schedule. Kempling added, “We are incredibly proud that these vessels will be built here in British Columbia by Canadian tradespeople.” Campbell River Mayor Kermit Dahl said the investment will create opportunities for local workers and “further reinforce Campbell River’s reputation as a centre of excellence for marine services.”

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Founded in 1985, Ocean Pacific Marine builds, repairs and refits vessels for recreational, commercial and government customers. The company has previously completed projects for the Canadian Coast Guard, Department of National Defence, Royal Canadian Navy, Pacific Pilotage Authority and the RCMP.

Chief Executive Govinda Advani said the RCMP contract reflects the company's track record built over more than four decades. He added that Ocean Pacific Marine also aims to support the vessels' ongoing maintenance.

The company said the project is expected to support employment in welding, marine engineering, electrical and mechanical trades, project management and procurement. It will also create work for British Columbia-based suppliers and subcontractors, including fabrication partner Bracewell Marine Group in Richmond.

Window Magic launches luxury aluminium fenestration range and experience centre in India

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 06:15:00 +0530

Window Magic has launched WM AURA, its new ultra-luxury aluminium fenestration range, while unveiling Window Magic Atelier, a dedicated luxury fenestration experience centre in South Delhi, marking a new phase in the company's expansion in India's premium construction market.

The company said the Atelier is designed as an immersive destination for architects, developers, interior designers and homeowners, showcasing luxury doors, windows and façade systems through dedicated experiential zones featuring the brand's latest products and design capabilities.

The launch of WM AURA has been developed in collaboration with a European specialist in advanced aluminium architectural systems, combining international engineering expertise with solutions tailored for the Indian market.

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According to Manish Bansal, Director and CEO of Window Magic, the new experience centre reflects growing demand for premium fenestration solutions that combine aesthetics, innovation and performance as India's luxury real estate sector continues to expand. He added that WM AURA reinforces the company's commitment to introducing world-class aluminium systems to the country.

The WM AURA portfolio includes aluminium sliding systems, large glass façades and minimalist architectural designs, offering enhanced thermal and acoustic performance for luxury residential, commercial and landmark building projects.

Founded in 2002, Window Magic manufactures engineered uPVC and aluminium doors and windows for residential, commercial, institutional and infrastructure developments across India. The company said it will continue to focus on innovation, sustainability and strategic partnerships to strengthen its position in the architectural solutions market.

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