Last week (5th December), Alupro hosted policymakers, civil servants, industry leaders, NGO representatives and environmental experts at a special lunch reception in the House of Commons.

The event, kindly sponsored by Dr Rupa Huq MP, Labour MP for Ealing Central and Acton, celebrated progress in aluminium recycling and discussed the industry’s path to achieving a true circular economy in 2025.

Guests heard from Tom Giddings, executive director at Alupro; as well as Dr Rupa Huq MP; and Bob Blackman CBE MP, chair of the 1922 Committee and Conservative MP for Harrow East. Sam Jones, head of climate and sustainability at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP), also took to the stage to discuss the pivotal role of aluminium in the UK’s packaging supply chain of the future.

In comment, Giddings said, “With members spanning the entire supply chain, Alupro acts as the voice of the aluminium packaging industry on issues of government policy and legislative development. While aluminium packaging recycling rates have continued to increase in 2024, maintaining positive policy progress is critical to further increasing collection volumes and material quality, as well as helping the sector accelerate progress towards an economy that truly unleashes the circular economy power of aluminium.”

As part of the event, Alupro encouraged MPs to sign-up to its commitment to take action and support the industry towards circularity. The pledge consists of three points of action, from delivery of a world-class Deposit Return Scheme in 2027 to implementation of a packaging Extended Producer Responsibility system that encourages the use of the most recyclable materials as well as supporting UK recycling infrastructure through policies that encourage investment in domestic recycling facilities.

ENDS

Pictured: Top left – Bob Blackman CBE MP addresses the room; Top right – Dr Rupa Huq MP signs the pledge.