Earlier this week (30 April), Alupro published a refreshed version of its pioneering Aluminium Manifesto. Initially launched in 2022, the Aluminium Manifesto outlines the views of the aluminium packaging industry and details the changes needed to deliver a world-class recycling system for the UK.

Alongside highlighting the positive progress made to date, including discussions surrounding the Simpler Recycling policy and a binary labelling system, the 2024 update also identifies where more progress is needed. This includes addressing confusion around Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and the need for sector-specific innovation support.

Its seven key asks call for changes to existing infrastructure, consistent communications and well-designed legislation.

Tom Giddings, executive director of Alupro, commented: “Aluminium packaging plays a vital role in achieving a circular economy. Our updated manifesto not only serves as a progress report, but also as a renewed call to action for the entire aluminium packaging supply chain.

“Our industry is incredibly proud of the improvement in recycling rates we’ve achieved over the last 10 years, with over 80% of beverage cans and nearly 70% of all aluminium packaging being recycled in recent years. More remarkable still, this has been driven on a voluntary basis by Alupro members, but we’re reaching the limit of what’s possible without significant regulatory support.

“Our manifesto outlines seven key requests needed to deliver a world-class recycling system for the UK and, while we’re encouraged by the small steps made in the past two years, there’s still work to be done. We hope that it will serve as a roadmap to achieve a 100% recycling rate for aluminium packaging, foster collaboration and maximise the contribution of aluminium packaging to a circular economy in the UK.”

To read or download the updated manifesto, visit: https://alupro.org.uk/sustainability/manifesto-update-2024/.

ENDS