Runaya Metsource and ECKART have announced the establishment of their joint venture manufacturing facility, RunayaEckartAluminium Powders Private Limited (REL), in Jharsuguda, Odisha. The facility marks the first production site in India dedicated to green, spherical gas-atomized aluminium powders.
The powders will serve advanced applications across aerospace, aviation, space exploration, solar energy, process catalysts, and effect pigments. Until now, these specialised spherical aluminium powders were fully imported, making the facility a significant milestone in strengthening domestic manufacturing capabilities.
The plant employs a high-precision atomization process in which molten aluminium is converted into fine, spherical powder under inert conditions at elevated temperature and pressure. The result is a uniform powder with an average particle size of 15 microns, which can be further customised to meet specific application requirements. The facility will also produce specialisedaluminium alloy powders for next-generation manufacturing technologies.
The spherical morphology of the powders delivers enhanced performance across multiple industries. Applications include paints and coatings, automotive and aerospace components, solar pastes used in silicon solar cells to improve conductivity, as well as catalysts, refractory materials, and titanium dioxide production.
ECKART brings global leadership in aluminium powders and effect pigments, supplying some of the world’s most demanding customers. The joint venture combines ECKART’s technology and market expertise with Runaya’s circular-economy-driven manufacturing approach to create a high-value, low-carbon materials ecosystem in India.
Naivedya Agarwal, Managing Director of Runaya, said the facility represents a shift from basic metal supply to the production of engineered materials that enhance performance, efficiency, and product quality across strategic industries.
Dr Christian Przybyla, CEO of ECKART, said the partnership aligns technology, sustainability, and innovation, while marking ECKART’s entry into one of the world’s fastest-growing markets and reinforcing its commitment to carbon neutrality.
The domestic availability of these aluminium powders is expected to reduce import dependence, shorten supply timelines, and improve cost efficiency for Indian manufacturers across multiple high-growth sectors.
Runaya, a Vedanta Group company, focuses on deploying advanced technologies to drive sustainability and efficiency across the natural resources sector. Its portfolio spans circular economy solutions, gas-atomized metallurgical powders, critical mineral recovery, aluminium industry innovations, and advanced composite products. The company is also recognised for its industry-leading gender diversity, with women comprising 50% of its workforce.
ECKART Group, part of ALTANA AG, is a global leader in effect pigments with operations across 70 countries. Its products serve coatings, printing, plastics, construction materials, cosmetics, and emerging applications such as 3D printing. The group specialises in metallic and pearlescent pigments, metal powders, and advanced material solutions for high-performance applications.
