Alupro unveils new circular packaging economy manifesto

As part of its commitment to delivering a circular and sustainable aluminium packaging supply chain for the UK, Alupro has unveiled a pioneering new manifesto. Alongside navigating the sector through a challenging period of change, the report aims to create the conditions needed to further improve the availability of recycled materials for use in the production of new aluminium packaging. 

Calling for changes that maximise the opportunities presented by recent reforms in national waste policy, the manifesto details the precise support needed from government and other stakeholders that will allow the aluminium value chain to realise its full potential at the heart of an efficient packaging circular economy. 

Alongside championing the circularity of aluminium packaging and shining a spotlight on recent market growth, the report outlines key challenges facing the sector and explains why rising costs and stringent regulations are reducing the sector’s competitiveness in the face of strong economic uncertainty. 

Reaffirming the importance of close collaboration between industry and government, the manifesto explains how, with the right support, the UK can further increase the use of recycled materials, as well as accelerating progress towards decarbonising the sector and inspiring future sector growth to protect valuable manufacturing jobs. As part of the document, five key asks are outlined:

1.     That the packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system should fund the attainment of recycling targets through infrastructure improvements and public engagement campaigns, as well as encouraging the use of easy-to-recycle packaging materials like aluminium.

2.     That the UK’s deposit return scheme (DRS) should prioritise ‘can-to-can’ recycling loops to fund the system, secure long-lasting environmental outcomes and protect well-paid manufacturing jobs.

3.     That measures should be adopted to ensure waste packaging materials are sold to recyclers who will turn it into new packaging grade material, as well as supporting companies in using more recycled material in their products.

4.     That companies should be incentivised to prioritise materials whose inherent properties do not change after being recycled (like aluminium) in their packaging designs, allowing them to survive multiple recycling journeys and reducing reliance on critical raw materials.

5.     That UK economic and environmental policies should support the aluminium value chain in its efforts to decarbonise, as well as improving global competitiveness with targeted strategic support on high operating costs.

Commenting on the manifesto launch, Tom Giddings, executive director of Alupro, said: “Aluminium is the UK’s ultimate packaging material, popular with household brands looking for a trusted, sustainable solution to protect their products. With clear targets in place to maximise the use of recyclable packaging, adoption rates continue to accelerate with market growth of more than 50% realised in the past decade alone.

“However, amidst a complex backdrop of rising costs and stringent regulations, the industry is facing numerous challenges that are not only challenging global competitiveness, but also holding back future growth. Our aluminium manifesto aims to tackle these hurdles head-on, calling for five key asks to drive the industry forward.

“Voicing the views of the aluminium packaging value chain, the report outlines exactly what must happen to create a more circular packaging economy.” 

For more information about Alupro, or to download a PDF of its latest aluminium manifesto, visit: alupro.org.uk.