Non Ferrous Scrap

Aluminum: The Heart of Global & Thai Packaging From a lightweight metal to smart packaging that is safe, endlessly recyclable, and cost‑efficient in transportation! Did you know… the aluminum can you’re holding has a history dating back to the 19th century, and today it is becoming the “symbol of the future” for the global food and beverage industry

Recycled Aluminum: From Scrap to the New Global Standard As industries worldwide accelerate toward Net Zero and embrace the Circular Economy, Aluminum Remelt Ingots are no longer just an “alternative material.” They are becoming the main driver that every nation relies on for sustainability and economic competitiveness. With outstanding properties—lightweight, strong, corrosion-resistant, and excellent thermal and electrical conductivity—remelt ingots are now essential across diverse industries: automotive, construction, electronics, and packaging, all of which demand high-quality, eco-friendly materials. Most importantly, recycling aluminum consumes up to 95% less energy than producing primary aluminum, dramatically reducing both costs and carbon footprints. At the same time, global demand continues to rise, especially for ADC12, which is highly sought after in China, Japan, and Thailand, along with A356 and AC4B for automotive and high-strength applications. Global Shifts in 2025–2026 - China: Expanding production capacity to support electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing and construction, with stricter import standards for scrap aluminum. - United States: The world’s highest remelt usage (81%), driven by energy efficiency and carbon reduction, reinforced by strict tariffs under Section 232 (raised to 50%). - Japan: Fully dependent on imports and recycling, leveraging advanced sorting technologies and increasing the use of green aluminum in high-end automotive manufacturing. - Thailand: Rising as ASEAN’s scrap hub, exporting heavily to China and the U.S., with an aluminum can recycling rate of 86% and new circular economy initiatives such as the Aluminium Loop. From Scrap → To the Hero of Tomorrow Aluminum Remelt Ingots are rapidly evolving into the new global standard across industries. For those in the metals and manufacturing sectors, now is the time to adapt and seize opportunities in the global market.

Thailand is entering a new era where aluminium cans are no longer just packaging — they have become symbols of sustainability, innovation, and circular growth. In 2025, the metal packaging industry is projected to generate over 18 billion THB, with aluminium accounting for 74.22% and aluminium cans leading at 58.48%. Many producers are switching from plastic to aluminium to meet ESG goals and to build a modern, eco-friendly brand image. If you are looking for Aluminium Coil, Ingot, or Remelt for sustainable packaging or industrial applications that demand international quality standards, please contact SO OK TRADING today.

Thailand’s aluminum scrap market is entering an exciting new era. What was once considered “waste” has now become a strategic resource powering sustainability, circular economy models, and global technology industries. In particular, UBC (Used Beverage Can) scrap is emerging as a cornerstone of the circular economy, enabling closed-loop recycling and reducing carbon footprints. By 2026, Thailand is set to strengthen its role as a regional hub for aluminum recycling, transforming scrap from a low-value byproduct into “White Gold” for both domestic and international markets.

UBC Scrap: The Green Gold of the Future From waste cans to strategic resource—UBC (Used Beverage Cans) are now powering the global circular economy. With over 99% purity and 95% less energy use than virgin aluminum, UBC is the key to low-carbon manufacturing.

“Copper Scrap is not just old waste — it is the key to a clean energy future and the Circular Economy.” In an era where the world strives to cut carbon emissions and maximize resource efficiency, recycled copper is rapidly transforming into a strategic asset that nations compete to secure. Those who understand its value and manage it wisely… will be the ones who hold the future of production.

Copper Price Outlook – February 2026 The market is entering a true inflection point: demand from EVs, AI, and clean energy is surging, while global supply remains tight. SO OK TRADING provides a clear snapshot of the market and practical procurement strategies during price corrections, helping Thai businesses seize opportunities in this strategic asset of our era.

The global aluminum market remains elevated. On January 29, prices surged to USD 3,325/MT, the highest level in nearly four years, before closing at USD 3,110/MT on January 30. This represents a +8.78% increase in just four weeks, driven by strong investor confidence and tightening supply.

Here’s the English short introduction post version, Mongkol

Lead Bullion – Primary Energy Driving the Industrial World Lead Bullion is a heavy metal raw material with unique properties. It has high density, effectively shielding against X-rays and radiation; it is soft and malleable, making it easy to process into various components; it has a low melting point, helping to reduce production costs; and it is 100% recyclable, supporting the circular economy and ESG standards. For these reasons, Lead Bullion plays a central role in the battery industry, radiation protection, construction, and alloy manufacturing. Market trends for 2026 indicate that global demand is expected to continue rising, with prices remaining stable or increasing to USD 2,050–2,200 per metric ton (LME). The proportion of recycled lead continues to grow, becoming an essential part of global ESG initiatives. SO OK TRADING is committed to supplying high-quality Lead Bullion, reliably supporting the future of energy and industry.

Thailand presents significant aluminum scrap opportunities due to its role as a major ASEAN processing hub, high import volumes (especially from the US), strong local manufacturing demand (automotive, electronics), and a growing focus on recycling for sustainability, with potential for suppliers in UBCs, wheels, and industrial scrap, though regulations are tightening. Key opportunities lie in supplying raw scrap to domestic smelters for ADC12 alloy production, catering to the automotive sector, and leveraging Thailand's strategic location for regional trade, but expect strict quality control and compliance. Key Opportunities Processing Hub: Thailand is a leading scrap processing center in ASEAN, transforming scrap into valuable alloys like ADC12 for industries. High Demand: Significant import volumes indicate massive local consumption, especially from the US, driven by manufacturing. Industry Focus: Strong demand from automotive, electronics, and construction sectors for recycled aluminum. Strategic Location: Ideal for refining and re-exporting, serving as a hub replacing China's role in US scrap trade. Recycling Growth: Government support and consumer interest in recycling create a robust supply chain for materials like aluminum cans (UBCs). Types of Scrap in Demand UBCs (Used Beverage Cans): High demand for clean, sorted UBC scrap. Auto Parts: Wheels, extrusions, and other aluminum components from the thriving auto industry. Industrial Scrap: Extrusion scrap, sheet scrap, and general factory offcuts.

Aluminum and copper scrap are vital for new products, with aluminum used in lightweight automotive/aerospace parts, packaging (cans), and construction (siding, windows) for its strength-to-weight ratio, while copper excels in electrical wiring, plumbing, and electronics due to its superior conductivity and corrosion resistance, with both metals significantly reducing energy and resources compared to virgin material. Aluminum Scrap Usage Transportation: Car parts, airplane components, trains (reducing weight for fuel efficiency). Packaging: Beverage cans, foil, food containers (lightweight, non-toxic). Construction: Window frames, roofing, siding, structural elements. Electronics: Casings, heat sinks. Copper Scrap Usage Electrical: Wiring (household, industrial), motors, generators, transformers (best conductor). Plumbing: Pipes, fittings (corrosion-resistant). Electronics & Renewables: Circuit boards, solar panels, wind turbines, EVs (high demand). Industrial: Machinery, heat exchangers, decorative items (as brass). Key Benefits of Recycling Both Energy Savings: Significantly less energy needed than mining new ore. Resource Conservation: Reduces mining impact and conserves natural resources like bauxite. Circular Economy: Creates a sustainable loop, especially crucial for growing green tech demand.

Aluminium is the most abundant metal in the earth’s crust. Approximately 75% of aluminium ever produced is still in use today as it can be recycled endlessly without compromising any of its unique properties or quality. Aluminium’s lifecycle provides significant benefits through recycling, saving 95% of the energy it would take to make new aluminium metal. More information on recycling may be found here. Recycling aluminium has five steps: Step 1: Collecting Scrap There are two categories of aluminium scrap: New Scrap New Scrap is surplus material that arises during the manufacture and fabrication of aluminium products, up to the point where they are sold to the final consumer. For example, off cuts of aluminium sheet or extrusions are considered new scrap. Sometimes, this new scrap can be safely recycled by aluminium smelters as its composition is known. Old Scrap Old Scrap is material that has been used by the consumer and subsequently discarded. For example, used beverage cans, window frames, electrical cabling and car cylinder heads are all considered old scrap. Aluminium smelters are unable to safely accept this old scrap as its composition is usually unknown and it can be contaminated. Scrap aluminium is also collected from the community – from households, scrap merchants, local and regional authorities, etc. Step 2: Sorting Scrap The scrap is then sorted – grouping all coated (painted or lacquered) aluminium together, and grouping all uncoated aluminium together. Paper, plastic and other non-aluminium recycling needs to be removed. Step 3: Crushing The sorted aluminium is then crushed into bales – by compacting the aluminium scrap, it reduces freight, storage and handling costs Step 4: Remelting Uncoated scrap is loaded directly into a large furnace called a remelter, where it is heated at high temperatures and turned into molten form. If the scrap aluminium is coated, it is processed through a gas fired rotary furnace to remove any coating and then transferred to the remelter. Step 5: Casting The molten aluminium is cast at a temperature of just over 700°C to form ingots