"Runaya and ECKART have entered a strategic partnership to launch India’s first manufacturing unit for gas-atomized aluminium powders."

Runaya Metsource and Germany-headquartered ECKART have announced the setting up of a joint venture, Runaya Eckart Aluminium Powders Private Limited (REL), at Jharsuguda in Odisha to manufacture specialised aluminium powders.

Runaya Metsource provides advanced technological solutions for the circular economy and waste-to-wealth innovations, while ECKART is a global leader in aluminium granules and effect pigments. According to a joint statement, the new facility will manufacture green, spherical gas-atomised aluminium powders — a first-of-its-kind initiative in India.

The powders will cater to advanced applications across sectors such as aviation, space exploration, aerospace, solar technology, process catalysts and effect pigments. The companies said the project marks a significant milestone for the country, as fine spherical aluminium powders of this kind were earlier entirely imported.

Effect pigments are specialised materials used to create visual effects such as shimmer, sparkle and colour-shifting, and find applications across a range of industries to enhance the aesthetic appeal of products.