[SMM News] Buying Sentiment for Aluminum Ingots in Central China Market Recovered on May 18

Italy-based Laminazione Sottile Group has been certified against the ASI Chain of Custody Standard V2 (2022), covering Laminazione Sottile S.p.A., Italcoat S.r.l. and IPS Industrial Packaging Solution S.r.l. The certified operations serve packaging, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, HVAC-R, automotive, aerospace and construction sectors through the production of aluminum coils, sheets, trays and flexible packaging materials. ASI stated that the certification strengthens material traceability and responsible sourcing practices across the aluminum value chain. One minor non-conformance was identified during the audit and will be addressed through corrective actions and follow-up verification.

Luxury fashion house Louis Vuitton has unveiled its Horizon Aluminum collection, marking the tenth anniversary of the Horizon travel range and the brand’s first luggage line made entirely from aluminum. Developed in collaboration with industrial designer Marc Newson, the collection features a single-piece aluminum shell without visible rivets and incorporates concealed internal hinges for a streamlined appearance. The aluminum surface is embossed with Louis Vuitton’s signature Monogram pattern, which the company says helps improve structural strength by distributing stress more evenly. The range also includes a matching aluminum Vanity Case and features leather-trimmed details, TSA-approved locks and optimized storage space. The launch highlights the growing adoption of aluminum in premium luggage products due to its lightweight and durable properties.

Red Bull is reinforcing its sustainability strategy by prioritising aluminum packaging, circular economy initiatives and long-term emissions reductions. Producing more than 12 billion aluminum cans annually across over 175 countries, the company views aluminum as a key material supporting its environmental goals due to its infinite recyclability and closed-loop recycling potential. Since 2025, all aluminum used in Red Bull beverage cans has been sourced from Aluminum Stewardship Initiative (ASI)-certified suppliers. The company also supports deposit return schemes (DRS) and other recycling programmes to improve can collection rates. In line with its Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) commitments, Red Bull aims to reduce Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 42% by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions across its value chain by 2040.