ALUMINUM PACKAGING

Aluminum Sow vs. Remelt Block: Recycling Giants Transforming Global Industry Toward the Net Zero Era By SO OK TRADING – 18 May 2026 As industries worldwide accelerate toward the Net Zero era, aluminum is no longer just an ordinary raw material. It has become a tangible source of energy driving the Circular Economy forward. Today, let’s explore the two key players in the recycling world — Aluminum Sow and Remelt Block — the dynamic duo reshaping global industry, from massive smelters to everyday foundries. Aluminum Sow: The giant of smelting, weighing hundreds to thousands of kilograms. Perfect for large-scale industrial furnaces, offering lower unit costs and efficient bulk transport. Remelt Block/Ingot: Smaller in size, weighing 5–100 kilograms. Easy to move, quick to melt, and highly flexible — ideal for foundries that require precise temperature control and adaptability. Together, they are crucial gears in the system, reducing energy consumption by up to 95% compared to primary aluminum production, while also helping industries avoid Europe’s carbon tariffs (CBAM). Thailand is no exception — we are the hub of aluminum recycling and mid-to-downstream processing in ASEAN, especially in the EEC (Chonburi–Rayong) region, where the EV and clean energy boom is driving demand for Aluminum Sow to new heights. ✨ Aluminum Sow is not just a massive ingot, but a bridge to a green future through the Circular Economy. SO OK TRADING is ready to be your trusted partner at every step — from sourcing high-quality metals to powering the transition toward a carbon-free world.

Naphtha Crisis 2026 – Latest Situation Update Positive Outlook | SO OK TRADING Since the outbreak of the Middle East conflict in late February, the global energy market has been shaken dramatically. Crude oil prices surged past $150 per barrel, driving Asian naphtha prices to nearly double. By mid‑May, prices corrected to $897 per ton, though still 62.54% higher than last year. Even as prices begin to ease, supply chain “lag effects” remain — shipping delays of 15–20 days and congested ports due to competition for raw material shipments from the Middle East continue to pressure industries across Asia. In Thailand, SCGC declared force majeure and temporarily shut down the Rayong Olefins plant, while PTTGC and SCGC are studying the establishment of a joint venture to enhance flexibility and reduce long‑term costs. In Japan, leading snack brand Calbee announced a packaging strategy shift, reducing color printing on 14 products to black‑and‑white to cope with ink and resin shortages — reflecting the rising trend of “minimalist design” during the crisis. At the same time, recovery signals are emerging: Naphtha prices dropped from the peak of $1,020 → $897 per ton Spreads rebounded: Ethylene–Naphtha +250–280 / Propylene–Naphtha +310–330 Plastic prices remain high but show signs of stabilization If the Middle East situation does not flare up again, this crisis is expected to ease by late June – early July 2026. SO OK TRADING FAST • SHARP • RELIABLE Your Trusted Business Partner

**“Aluminium – The Eco-Friendly Packaging Dominating the Global Market ♻️ In an era driven by Circular Economy and Net Zero, aluminium is emerging as the rising star material, replacing single-use plastics for both Thai and international brands. With its ability to be infinitely recycled, strong yet lightweight, and premium in appearance, aluminium is more than just packaging — it is a global environmental strategy and a powerful brand image asset. The global market is booming: from USD 52 billion in 2025 to USD 67.7 billion in 2030, with an average annual growth rate of 5.4%. This is a golden opportunity for businesses ready to embrace a green future

Recycling – From “Waste” to “Strategic Capital” In an era where the world is accelerating toward Net Zero and the Circular Economy, recycling is no longer just about “being eco-friendly.” It has become a new global business rule that every industry must adapt to. Discarded materials are now being redefined as strategic resources driving clean energy, electric vehicles (EVs), and AI data centers. Today, “waste” is not something to be disposed of — it is a resource to be seized. Recycling is the capital of the future, shaping the trajectory of the global economy in the decade ahead

Aluminum Boom! LME Surges – Premium Hits Decade High In May 2026, the global aluminum market remains “the hottest in years.” Prices broke past $3,600 per ton, driven by supply disruptions in the Middle East and soaring demand from the EV and clean energy industries.

✨ Aluminum Scrap – Tangible Energy & The New Carbon Tariff Wall As the world moves toward Net Zero Emissions, aluminum scrap is no longer just “waste.” It is a strategic resource that saves 90–95% of energy compared to primary production, and stands at the heart of the Circular Economy.

Aluminium Scrap: From Waste to the World’s Green Resource in High Demand SO OK TRADING | 5 MAY 2026 In a world racing toward Net Zero and the Circular Economy, aluminium scrap is no longer just waste — it has become a strategic resource that nations are competing to secure. Global prices have surged to their highest level in four years, while demand from electric vehicles (EVs), clean energy, and recycled packaging continues to rise. Major economies such as China, India, the United States, and the European Union are accelerating domestic recycling systems to safeguard resources for their own industries. Thailand is also stepping up — emerging as one of the world’s leading importers of aluminium scrap to supply smelters and key industries in automotive, construction, and packaging, driving the transition toward a Green Economy. Today marks the golden moment for businesses with clean, well‑sorted scrap ready to meet Net Zero goals. Because aluminium scrap is not just leftover material — it is the resource of the future for our planet. SO OK TRADING FAST • SHARP • RELIABLE

2026 is the year when “metals across the world are boiling.” From steel to aluminum, from copper to tin, every price chart is surging like an unstoppable economic wave. Soaring energy costs, heated geopolitics, and new technologies such as EVs and AI have become the driving forces shaking the global metals market. Thai steel prices have risen by 10–15%, while non-ferrous metals like aluminum, copper, and tin have all climbed to their highest levels in years. This is not just about “price numbers” — it is a signal of a major transformation in the industrial world. SO OK TRADING invites you to look deeper into the “boiling metals” — when every ton of steel and metal becomes the power propelling the new global economy.

Global Plastic Crisis! Overlapping Shocks Shake the Industry At the beginning of 2026, the world faced a “Petrochemical Shock” that sent plastic raw material prices soaring by more than 37%. Conflicts in the Middle East and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz caused a severe shortage of naphtha—the lifeblood of the plastic industry—across the globe. Japan and South Korea were forced to cut production, while China accelerated its shift to alternative energy. Europe and the United States also struggled under surging costs. At the same time, the world is grappling with an environmental crisis from overflowing plastic waste. Recycling rates remain at only 10%, while the other 90% is landfilled, incinerated, or leaked into the environment. Alarmingly, microplastics have already entered the food chain and the human body. This is not just a “temporary crisis” but a structural turning point for the global plastic industry. Companies that adapt quickly—embracing Bio-based Plastics, Chemical Recycling, and the Circular Economy—will emerge as leaders in the new era now taking shape. SO OK TRADING is ready to be your trusted business partner. FAST • SHARP • RELIABLE

✨ Aluminum – The Future Material of Global Packaging ✨ Imagine the soda can in your hand… light, convenient, and refreshingly cold. Behind it lies the story of aluminum — a material that not only meets practical needs but also represents a major transformation in the packaging world of 2026. ♻️ Infinitely recyclable, saving maximum energy

ALUMINUM MARKET UPDATE – April 21, 2026 ADC12 & A6063: The Premium and Scarce Metals Driving Global Industry The aluminum market is entering a turbulent phase. Prices are soaring, supply is tightening, and premiums have reached record highs. With the Middle East supply shock cutting global output by nearly 9%, and LME prices surging to $3,500–$3,626/ton, ADC12 and A6063 have become the most critical — and costly — materials shaping automotive, EV, and construction sectors worldwide. ADC12 powers die-cast components for vehicles and electronics, while A6063 defines the future of low-carbon architecture and EV frames. Both alloys now stand at the center of global manufacturing, reflecting the new reality: scarcity, volatility, and opportunity.

Middle East Conflict Shakes the Plastic Industry – Naphtha Shortage! When a vital global raw material like Naphtha becomes scarce due to conflict in the Middle East, the packaging industry is immediately shaken. Plastic prices soar, supplies run short, and brands are forced to urgently seek new solutions. In this crisis, Aluminum has emerged as the most watched material — not only as a premium alternative but also as a symbol of sustainability in an era of rising energy costs. With infinite recyclability, aluminum is increasingly seen as the future of packaging. This article by SO OK TRADING explores: Why the shortage of Naphtha disrupts plastics worldwide How aluminum has become the “hero” of the packaging industry Strategies businesses must adopt to survive in a volatile market

Global Metal Market 2026: A Year of Volatility and New Opportunities This year, precious metals are surging, while industrial metals are driven by clean energy and AI technologies. SO OK TRADING presents a comprehensive overview of the global metals market, highlighting price trends in gold, copper, tin, and aluminum, along with updates on the situation in Thailand — helping you spot opportunities ahead of the curve. FAST • SHARP • RELIABLE Your trusted business partner

Global Plastic Crisis 2026: How War and Naphtha Shook the Industry Article by SO OK TRADING | April 5, 2026 Plastic — once considered a basic raw material of everyday life — has now become a “scarce commodity” shaking the world in April 2026. The ongoing Middle East conflict and the global naphtha shortage have delivered a heavy blow to the petrochemical industry, driving plastic prices sharply upward and impacting every sector, from food packaging to automotive components. This article explores: The roots of the crisis — from the Hormuz Strait blockade to factory shutdowns in the Middle East The impact on prices and costs — with plastic prices soaring over 37% in just one month The situation in Thailand and worldwide — as industries face severe shortages Adaptation strategies — with governments and businesses racing to implement solutions This is not just about “rising costs” — it is about “shortages” that are reshaping global industry in unprecedented ways. SO OK TRADING Your Trusted Business Partner FAST • SHARP • RELIABLE