Hongqiao Holdings Plans $9B Capex in 2026, Focusing on Yunnan Aluminum Processing Upgrade

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.

The EU-funded RecAL project aims to upgrade Europe’s aluminum recycling system by addressing alloy contamination and downcycling challenges. Led by the Austrian Institute of Technology, the initiative brings together 19 partners from nine countries to develop 14 recycling technologies and the “RecAL Hub” digital platform to improve scrap sorting, traceability and reuse efficiency. The project seeks to increase the share of high-performance recycled aluminum through smarter and more digitalised recycling processes. Aluminum beverage can recycling rates in Europe have reached 76.3%, while automotive aluminum recycling exceeds 90%, highlighting the growing importance of secondary aluminum supply chains amid rising lightweight material demand.