Aluminium’s versatility has made it an important material in industries from packaging to transport. Today, Simmal is seeing aluminium take on an expanding role in both traditional applications and cutting-edge sectors. Below, we go through aluminium’s growing use – from familiar packaging and construction to fast-growing areas like consumer electronics, renewable energy, electric vehicles, and even sustainable packaging.

Packaging: From Foil to Beverage Cans

Aluminium packaging is everywhere – from foil wraps to drink cans – thanks to its light weight, food safety, and recyclability. Analysts project global aluminium demand for packaging will grow from 7.2 million tonnes in 2020 to 10.5 million tonnes by 2030​ , driven by the popularity of canned drinks and a shift toward more eco-friendly packaging.

Recycling rates underscore aluminium’s prevalence in packaging. In the UK, 162,357 tonnes of aluminium packaging were recycled in 2023 – a 68% recycling rate (including about 81% of drink cans)​. Because aluminium can be remelted indefinitely without losing quality, using it for packaging helps businesses meet sustainability goals while reducing waste.

Building and Construction: Light, Strong, and Durable

Building and construction embraced aluminium early for its strength, lightness, and corrosion resistance. In the United States alone, roughly 2.5 billion pounds (~1.1 million tonnes) of aluminium went into construction products in 2022. Extruded profiles (e.g. window frames) account for the largest share​. And demand keeps rising – a recent survey predicts about 9% growth in aluminium use for construction by 2027, fuelled by increased use in commercial buildings and solar installations on roofs​. Builders also favour aluminium for its durability and ease of meeting building codes (it won’t rust and can be fire-rated)​.

Consumer Electronics: Sleek, Heat-Conductive Housings

Consumer electronics have become a major market for aluminium. Smartphones, laptops, and tablets often use aluminium alloy bodies to keep devices lightweight and cool (aluminium acts as a built-in heat sink). In 2022, over 1.21 billion smartphones were shipped worldwide​, and many featured aluminium frames or casings for durability and a premium look.

Tech manufacturers also promote aluminium’s sustainability. Apple, for example, now sources roughly two-thirds of the aluminium in its products from recycled material​ without compromising quality. From sleek laptop unibodies to heat-dissipating shells on game consoles, aluminium is the go-to metal to make gadgets both robust and refined.

Renewable Energy: Powering Solar and Wind

Renewable energy systems lean heavily on aluminium as well. In solar power, nearly 85% of the material in a photovoltaic (PV) panel setup is aluminium​. – primarily the extruded frames and mounts that support the panels. Aluminium’s light weight and corrosion resistance make it ideal for solar arrays that must endure decades of weather. Large wind turbines also incorporate aluminium to reduce weight. The turbine’s nacelle (the generator housing atop the tower) and some internal components are often aluminium alloy​, helping increase efficiency by lightening the load at the top. With the rapid growth of solar and wind farms, aluminium use in renewable energy is set to climb.

Electric Transport: From EV Batteries to Charging Stations

Electric vehicles (EVs) are a fast-growing market for aluminium. To offset the weight of heavy battery packs, automakers use aluminium extensively in EV frames, bodies, and battery enclosures. On average, EVs contain about 25% more aluminium than comparable petrol cars – roughly 200 kg in an EV vs. 160 kg in a conventional car. This extra aluminium is found in body panels, chassis components, motor housings, and especially the battery housing.

The battery casing in an EV is often made of aluminium for strength and lightness. An aluminium battery box can be up to 50% lighter than a steel one​, helping to extend driving range. Many modern EV models rely on aluminium-intensive designs for performance and safety. As EV sales surge, aluminium demand in this sector will keep accelerating.

Aluminium is also important for EV charging infrastructure. Charging stations require tough, weatherproof enclosures – a job tailor-made for aluminium. It naturally resists rust and helps dissipate heat from electronics​. The UK, for example, is targeting 300,000 public EV charge points by 2030​ – underscoring the scale of expansion. Aluminium housings ensure chargers are durable yet lightweight, making them easier to install and long-lasting in the field.

Food-Grade Packaging: Replacing Single-Use Plastics

Another fast-growing arena for aluminium is food and beverage packaging. Businesses and consumers are increasingly wary of plastic waste, and regulators are pushing for sustainable packaging solutions. Aluminium is fully recyclable and unlike plastic it doesn’t degrade each time it’s recycled. In the UK, about 7.7 billion plastic water bottles are used each year, and replacing them with aluminium cans would require an estimated 99,000 tonnes of aluminium​ – a clear illustration of aluminium’s potential to replace plastics.

Big beverage players are already making the switch. Coca-Cola, PepsiCo and others have begun offering water and soft drinks in aluminium cans instead of plastic bottles​. The appeal is clear: the average aluminium drinks can contains ~68% recycled material, versus only ~3% in a plastic bottle​. For food and drink companies, using food-grade aluminium packaging cuts plastic waste and signals a commitment to sustainability – all while keeping products safely sealed and shelf-stable.

A Metal for All Markets

From drink cans to electric cars, aluminium’s reach across industries is broader than ever. Legacy sectors like packaging and construction still depend on its light weight and durability, while emerging sectors – electronics, renewables, and electric transport – are fuelling new demand. In each case, aluminium adds value by cutting weight, resisting corrosion, conducting heat, and being endlessly recyclable.

At Simmal, we’re proud to supply aluminium extrusions and profiles to all these sectors, and we see firsthand how this material transforms products. For businesses, aluminium is increasingly the go-to choice for innovation and sustainability. Companies that leverage aluminium’s advantages – with lighter designs, recyclable materials and versatile profiles – will lead the pack in their fields. Simmal stands ready to support that journey, providing the expertise and high-quality aluminium solutions to turn these possibilities into reality.