Last week, UK aluminium packaging organisation Alupro launched its Aluminium Manifesto at a virtual roundtable event. With speeches from Neil Parish MP, Chair of the EFRA committee; and Ruth Jones MP, Shadow Minister (EFRA), the event assembled leading parliamentary groups to discuss the national transition towards a circular economy.

Alupro

The Manifesto outlines the national approach to packaging and waste management and how Alupro believes it needs to change, as well as explaining the importance of rejuvenated legislation and consumer engagement for a strong, circular economy in the UK.

Within the Manifesto, Alupro asserts that close collaboration between industry actors and the government is needed for effective recycling systems. Opinions of the supply chain are also given a platform, as well as the importance of aluminium for the future of sustainable packaging. Aiming to help the UK meet aluminium recycling targets and achieve resource circularity, the Manifesto outlines seven key asks:

1. That used aluminium packaging is consistently collected for recycling wherever possible.
2. That ambitious on-the-go recycling infrastructure is put in place to prevent the landfilling or littering of recyclable material.
3. That government and industry must collaborate to educate consumers about best practice aluminium recycling.
4. That a well-designed deposit return scheme (DRS), with variable deposit fee, is implemented to promote the high collection and recycling of beverage containers.
5. That a well-designed extended producer responsibility (EPR) system is implemented that incentivises the use, and value, of infinitely recyclable aluminium.
6. That the government must support the deployment of proven technologies to facilitate the widespread recycling of aluminium packaging.
7. That recyclable products recovered from incinerator bottom ash (IBA) are accounted for in recycling rates.

Tom Giddings, Executive Director of Alupro, commented: “Aluminium is infinitely recyclable and therefore plays a central role in the circular economy of tomorrow. Indeed, nearly 75 per cent of all aluminium ever produced worldwide is still in use today – a remarkable statistic.
“With the UK Government having set a target of eliminating all avoidable plastic waste by 2042, and aiming to work towards use of only recyclable, reusable or compostable plastic packaging by 2025, the industry needs to embrace significant change. As a result, we anticipate more brands switching to sustainable packaging options – like aluminium. Having the systems in place to maximise recycling rates is therefore key to achieving ambitious goals.

“Alupro’s Aluminium Manifesto outlines the views of the aluminium packaging industry and details the changes needed to realise a more sustainable future for our waste. It’s our stake in the ground to tackle challenges, harness opportunities and embrace change to deliver a world-class national recycling system.”

Neil Parish MP, Chair of the EFRA committee, added: “I welcome Alupro's manifesto and applaud the organisation’s work to improve recycling across the UK. Recycling rates remain stagnant, and Government needs to take a greater role in reducing unsustainable packaging and encouraging the move to a circular economy. Aluminium packaging, such as cans, which can be infinitely recycled and reused again, will be a central part of this.

“That’s why the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee, which I chair, is looking closely at what more can be done to reduce plastic waste. We also need a much simpler recycling system as the lack of uniformity between local authorities is a barrier to improving recycling rates. I encourage all parties to endorse this manifesto which comes at a pivotal moment as we all strive to improve our environmental credentials."