The UK's largest aluminium recycler, Novelis, today reported that it was temporarily reducing its intake of used beverage cans (UBCs).

A short-term restriction of UBC spot purchases is anticipated to have an impact on certain parts of the UK’s supply chain, though according to Andy Doran, National Manager for Novelis, this will not affect material from contracted customers. He added that this situation ‘is likely to remain the case for several weeks’ while the company manages its inventory of UBC.

Although global and domestic demand for aluminium has been reportedly strong, seasonal variations in both demand and supply has resulted in ‘larger than normal amounts of feedstock accumulating’ at Novelis’ UK plant in Latchford, near Warrington. This has been partly due to a surge in supply of UBCs following the Christmas holiday period. The company expects to resume normal levels of intake in the Spring.

In order to manage growth in it’s UK reprocessing capacity, Novelis has revealed plans for a further $2.5 Million (£1.6 M) capital investment in the Latchford Recycling plant. Mr Doran added: “This investment will allow us to upgrade our ability to consume more used beverage containers. Novelis is committed to growing recycling further over the long term. We have made a global commitment to increase our already extensive use of recycled aluminium to 80 per cent of all aluminium output by 2020.”