Another Wave of “Buy the Rumor, Sell the Fact” in China Aluminum Market? SMM Reports

German aluminum producer Trimet has announced a series of investments to expand its recycling operations across Germany. The company has increased capacity at its Gelsenkirchen recycling plant through the installation of new melting units, adding up to 80,000 tones of annual recycled aluminum output. From August 2026, the site will begin using hydrogen-rich process gas to reduce CO₂ emissions. Trimet is also building a new recycling facility in Hamm, scheduled to start operations by the end of 2026, focusing on aluminum scrap sorting, processing and logistics using laser-based analysis technology. In addition, storage upgrades at its Essen site will add around 16,000 tones of capacity. The company is also expanding its portfolio of high-recycled-content aluminum alloys for automotive and industrial applications.

AnorTech Inc. has entered a one-year research collaboration with the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) to develop alumina-based materials for carbon dioxide capture. The project will focus on amine-functionalised alumina adsorbents designed to improve CO₂ adsorption capacity, selectivity and long-term stability. The alumina samples are sourced from AnorTech’s Gronne Bjerg anorthosite project in Greenland and processed in Canada. Testing will be conducted under various operating conditions, including different temperatures, humidity levels and simulated flue gas environments. The collaboration builds on earlier work involving alumina-based catalysts for converting captured CO₂ into methane through hydrogenation and could support future commercial applications of sustainable alumina in carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) technologies.

Estrella Damm has partnered with Crown to launch a limited-edition range of seven 440ml aluminum cans as part of its 150th anniversary celebrations in 2026. Inspired by Barcelona, the brand’s birthplace, the recyclable aluminum cans feature designs highlighting landmarks, culture and lifestyle elements associated with the city. The packaging was produced using Crown’s Accents Color technology at its Peterborough facility, enabling multiple can designs to be manufactured within the same high-speed production run. Crown said the process ensured consistent color quality and print performance across all designs. The anniversary can series will be launched in the UK market ahead of the summer season as part of Estrella Damm’s year-long celebration programme.