[SMM Aluminum Flash News] EU RecAL Project Targets Smarter and Higher-Value Aluminum Recycling

Supply disruptions linked to Middle East tensions and shipping issues around the Strait of Hormuz have tightened aluminum can availability in India, causing Diet Coke shortages across several cities. As the product relied heavily on aluminum cans, delays in shipments and higher logistics and insurance costs increased packaging pressure. Industry estimates showed imported aluminum cans from the UAE, Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia rose by about 25% to 30%, while domestic can makers were already operating near full capacity. Diet Coke has gradually returned to stores in 200 ml glass bottles, with prices rising to nearly INR 100 compared with around INR 30 for the previous can format.

Alunorte, the world’s largest alumina refinery, is accelerating the use of drone technology after investing about USD 633,000 in a fleet of 15 drones for equipment inspection, environmental monitoring and security management. The company said drones can replace some confined-space and high-altitude operations while reducing visual inspection time by around 80% and improving inspection accuracy. In the first three months of 2026, the program generated an estimated USD 1.19 million in financial returns through reduced downtime and lower scaffolding needs. Alunorte noted that drones combined with artificial intelligence and thermal imaging will further enhance operational efficiency, safety and sustainability management.

[SMM Update] China's mainstream consumption areas saw secondary aluminum alloy ingot inventory decrease by 99 mt WoW from last Friday to 31,200 mt, mainly driven by destocking in Foshan and Ningbo.