Manufacturing

Helium, a scarce non-renewable gas, is indispensable for numerous high-tech sectors with few viable substitutes.

Its unique cryogenic properties, superior heat conduction, chemical stability, tiny atomic size, and rapid diffusion make it vital in semiconductor fabrication, medical MRI scanners, aerospace, fibre optics, and advanced research.

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East, including attacks on Qatar’s key energy infrastructure and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, has severely disrupted not only oil and gas flows but also global helium availability.

Qatar, home to the massive Ras Laffan facility, normally accounts for over a third of worldwide helium supply as a by-product of large-scale natural gas processing.

Damage to the site and blocked shipping routes have created a dual shock, driving up prices and threatening downstream industries.

In semiconductor manufacturing, helium plays multiple irreplaceable roles.

It serves as a carrier gas in deposition, a diluent in plasma etching, and a coolant to prevent wafer warping during high-temperature steps.

It is particularly critical for extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography used in sub-5nm chips that power artificial intelligence and high-performance computing. The gas also enables leak detection and maintains ultra-pure environments in fabrication plants.

Some experts noted that semiconductor fabs are reliant on a stable supply, highlighting that helium escapes storage containers at roughly 1% per day, making large inventories impractical.

Demand for helium in chip production is forecast to rise more than fivefold by 2035, according to market analysts.

Major players such as TSMC typically hold several months of stock and operate recycling systems, yet prolonged disruption could slow output or, in extreme cases, force temporary shutdowns.

South Korea’s chipmakers, including Samsung and SK Hynix, appear especially exposed after sourcing around 65% of their helium from Qatar in recent years, though some have secured longer-term deals with suppliers drawing from US sources.

Taiwan has a somewhat more diversified position but still faces risks.

Helium is typically extracted in tiny concentrations (0.3–0.5%) from natural gas and requires energy-intensive cryogenic separation, membranes, and pressure swing adsorption before liquefaction for transport.

Qatar’s vast processing scale at Ras Laffan made it uniquely central to global supply.

Alternative geological sources with higher helium concentrations exist, notably in the US and Canada, where smaller operators can deploy lower-cost membrane and PSA technologies, but scaling these will take time.

Some industry figures have estimated that if the strait opened immediately, it would still take four to six months to normalise supply.

Should the crisis persist, semiconductor manufacturers are likely to accelerate helium reclamation and conservation techniques, similar to closed-loop systems successfully adopted in modern MRI machines.

Past shortages over the last two decades have already encouraged diversification strategies, including broader sourcing from the US, Russia, and emerging projects.

While contingency plans exist, the duration of the current blockage will determine the full extent of impact on the chip sector and the wider technology supply chain.

Persistent volatility could hasten efforts to reduce single-country dependence and promote balanced global helium sourcing. 

This report was based on insights from IDTechEx

Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD) has released findings from a public survey assessing the impact of its single-use plastics policy, highlighting significant progress in reducing plastic consumption and increasing environmental awareness across the emirate.

Introduced in 2020, the policy has played a key role in shaping broader sustainability efforts in the UAE, contributing to the implementation of nationwide restrictions on single-use plastic products. Since its launch, more than 470mn plastic bags have been avoided, while usage at major retail outlets has fallen by as much as 95%.

Recycling initiatives have also gained traction, with around 267mn plastic bottles collected through household efforts and a network of more than 170 smart recycling machines across Abu Dhabi. These measures have helped divert approximately 7,386 tonnes of plastic waste from landfill, with associated emissions savings comparable to removing around 185,000 petrol-powered vehicles from the road for a year.

To evaluate public perception and behaviour, EAD surveyed over 5,000 residents representing 126 nationalities. The results indicate a strong rise in awareness, with 96% of respondents recognising the environmental risks linked to plastic use. A similar proportion said they are actively reducing their reliance on plastic through everyday sustainable practices.

Health considerations are also influencing behaviour. Around 95% of participants acknowledged the potential health impacts associated with plastic products, signalling a broader shift towards safer consumption choices. Public response to awareness campaigns has been largely positive, with 89% expressing satisfaction with the clarity and effectiveness of EAD’s messaging.

The survey also points to growing acceptance of policy measures supporting sustainability. Nearly 89% of respondents said the cost of reusable alternatives is reasonable, while 88% supported allocating proceeds from plastic bag charges to environmental initiatives. In addition, 95% indicated confidence in existing regulations and enforcement measures.

Officials say the findings reflect a meaningful change in public attitudes, reinforcing the effectiveness of policy interventions and awareness campaigns. The results are expected to inform future regulatory developments, including plans to further oversee the trade of single-use products and promote environmentally friendly alternatives.

The outcomes align with national sustainability ambitions, including the UAE’s broader efforts to reduce plastic pollution and encourage responsible consumption. Public support for these initiatives appears strong, with 93% of respondents expressing overall satisfaction with the survey and its objectives.

EAD noted that the results underline Abu Dhabi’s leadership in advancing environmental policies and fostering community engagement in sustainability. By combining regulation, awareness and innovation, the emirate is continuing to build momentum towards reducing plastic waste and supporting a more sustainable future.

Zebra Technologies is set to outline how an emerging “intelligence supercycle” is reshaping manufacturing and economic growth at Hannover Messe 2026.

From its presence in Hall 15, the company will present insights into how artificial intelligence (AI) and digitalisation are transforming industrial operations.

The shift is expected to redefine workforce skills, productivity and innovation. Industry forecasts suggest that within the next few years, a significant proportion of digital workers will rely on generative AI daily, while automation will increasingly influence decision-making and employee training. These developments are unfolding alongside persistent challenges such as supply chain disruption, talent shortages and intensifying competition.

Zebra argues that the most practical path forward lies not in pursuing artificial general intelligence, but in advancing Augmented Collective Intelligence (ACI), where human expertise and AI systems operate together. This approach is particularly relevant for frontline workers, who remain central to industrial performance.

According to Zebra’s connected factory research, more than half of manufacturers in Europe anticipate AI-driven growth by the end of the decade, with nearly all prioritising digital transformation. However, progress remains uneven. Misalignment between executive leadership, IT and operational teams, as well as uncertainty over implementation strategies, continues to slow adoption of Industry 5.0 frameworks.

Geopolitical pressures and trade shifts are also influencing manufacturing strategies. As companies explore re-shoring or relocating production closer to home markets, the need for robust traceability and visibility across supply chains is increasing. Ensuring compliance with quality and regulatory standards is becoming more complex as operations diversify geographically.

At the event, Zebra’s leadership team will host a series of discussions focused on building the connected factory. Topics will include data infrastructure, supply chain resilience and the practical application of AI on the shop floor. A key session will examine “AI in the moment”, highlighting how real-time intelligence, powered by on-device AI and advanced sensing technologies, can enable faster and more adaptive decision-making in operational environments.

Alongside its thought leadership programme, Zebra will showcase a range of partner-led demonstrations designed to illustrate real-world applications of connected factory solutions. These include systems for product authentication, quality inspection, and automated material handling, as well as tools that integrate AI into enterprise resource planning workflows.

By combining its own technologies with a broader partner ecosystem, Zebra aims to demonstrate how manufacturers can move beyond isolated digital initiatives towards fully integrated, data-driven operations. The company positions this shift as essential for improving efficiency, strengthening resilience and maintaining competitiveness in an increasingly complex industrial landscape.

Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) has announced plans to acquire an 80% stake in Italian recycling firm Eco Green, marking a further step in its international growth strategy and strengthening its presence in Europe’s secondary aluminium market.

The proposed transaction, subject to regulatory approval, will enhance EGA’s access to aluminium scrap supply chains and expand its recycling footprint across the continent. Eco Green specialises in scrap collection, sorting, casting and dross processing, handling more than 70,000 tonnes of material annually.

The company operates facilities in northeast Italy, including a site in Villafranca di Verona that manages around 23,000 tonnes of scrap each year. Part of this material is transferred to its Nogara di Verona plant, where over 20,000 tonnes of secondary aluminium products are cast annually alongside dross processing activities. An ongoing expansion at the Nogara facility is set to add a further 15,000 tonnes of recycling capacity, with completion expected in the second half of 2026.

Eco Green serves more than 60 customers across Europe, primarily in aluminium processing and semi-fabrication, with end markets spanning automotive, construction and wider industrial sectors. The business has also developed a broad sourcing network of more than 350 suppliers, ensuring a steady flow of raw materials.

Founded in 1993 by the Scappini family, Eco Green remains family-led and employs around 70 people. Its existing management team is expected to remain in place following completion of the deal.

EGA has been steadily building its global recycling capabilities, complementing its primary aluminium production. The company already operates the UAE’s largest aluminium recycling plant at Al Taweelah in Abu Dhabi and has acquired recycling assets in both Germany and the United States in recent years.

Once the Eco Green acquisition is finalised, EGA’s total recycling capacity is expected to exceed 400,000 tonnes per year across its global network, with an additional 200,000 tonnes under development in Europe and the US. The company markets its recycled aluminium under the RevivAL brand.

The move comes amid growing demand for recycled aluminium worldwide. Industry forecasts suggest demand could double by 2040, accounting for a significant share of supply growth over the coming decades. In Europe, recycled aluminium currently meets around 40% of total demand, with consumption projected to rise substantially in the years ahead.

EGA has been particularly active in expanding its European footprint. In 2024, it acquired German specialty foundry Leichtmetall and announced a major capacity expansion project at the site. In the United States, its subsidiary Spectro Alloys has also undergone recent upgrades, increasing production capacity and supporting further growth.

Recycling aluminium requires around 95% less energy than producing primary metal and results in significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions, making it a key component of the industry’s decarbonisation efforts.