ALFED launches UK Aluminium Alliance

The Aluminium Federation (ALFED) has officially launched the UK Aluminium Alliance (UKAA) – a new initiative to future-proof the aluminium industry, drive low carbon growth and secure aluminium’s place at the heart of UK industrial policy, according to the company.

Unveiled at the House of Lords in front of government stakeholders, OEMs, recyclers and industry leaders, the Alliance aligns directly with the government’s new Industrial Strategy for a Stronger Britain and recent energy cost reforms announced for over 7,000 manufacturing businesses.

The UKAA will serve as a coordinated, cross-sector platform to unlock investment, accelerate policy reform, and amplify the strategic importance of aluminium in defence, construction, manufacturing and the transition to net zero.

Developed by ALFED in partnership with Dr Mark Jones of CONETZ (Connecting for Net Zero), the Alliance will now operate as a formal part of ALFED – bringing together smelters, processors, finishers, manufacturers and OEMs in a collaborative industrial framework. “The launch of the UK Aluminium Alliance comes at a crucial time,” said Nadine Bloxsome, CEO of the Aluminium Federation.

“With the UK’s Industrial Strategy reaffirming support for decarbonisation, sovereign manufacturing, and lower industrial energy costs, this Alliance will ensure aluminium plays a leading role in powering Britain’s clean and competitive industrial future. It’s time to stop viewing aluminium as just a recyclable material – and start recognising it as critical infrastructure for the economy, net zero and national resilience.”

Delivering on the UK Industrial Strategy:

• The Alliance will take forward delivery in five priority areas that directly align with Industrial Strategy goals:
• Energy pricing reform – supporting implementation of the British Industry Supercharger and long-term cost competitiveness
• Sector mapping – building a live national picture of UK aluminium capacity and reprocessing to support procurement and investment
• Workforce development – strengthening the domestic skills pipeline and aligning with green skills funding
• Circular market development – scaling UK demand and closed-loop aluminium systems
• Policy engagement – ensuring aluminium is formally recognised as a strategic material in UK industrial planning

The launch follows government commitments to reduce electricity network charges by up to 90% for energy-intensive industries and embed new Industrial Sector Councils. The UKAA will act as an industry-facing platform to engage directly with government departments such as DBT, DESNZ, and MOD.

Built on a bottom-up, industry-led approach, the Alliance reflects extensive engagement with ALFED members and wider industry voices. It moves beyond traditional trade body boundaries, welcoming participation from OEMs, material suppliers, SMEs, and academic partners.

ALFED will now embed the Alliance across its technical services, training and policy work – including active engagement with government on energy strategy, carbon border mechanisms, and reshoring UK manufacturing.

To find out more and express interest in supporting the UK Aluminium Alliance, visit:
alfed.org.uk/policy-areas/uk-aluminium-alliance