Alupro has announced that it is to lead MetalMatters, the metal packaging industry’s kerbside recycling improvement programme, on behalf of its funding partners.

Originally developed by Beverage Can Makers Europe (BCME) in partnership with Novelis and Tata Steel, and supported by WRAP, the MetalMatters programme achieved impressive results in pilot programmes in two local authorities, improving kerbside capture rates for metal packaging.  The programme was named Communications Campaign of the Year at the recentCIWM Awards for Environmental Excellence.

Alupro will build on the successes achieved so far, and draw on learnings from its own successful Aerofoil programme, which helped local authorities expand kerbside programmes to include aerosols and foil containers.  It will focus initially on developing campaigns in strategic partnerships with local authorities and developing the funding base to ensure the programme becomes a showcase for extended Producer Responsibility for partners across the metal packaging industry.

As part of this process Coca Cola Enterprises Ltd (‘CCE’) has become the first packer/filler to partner with the programme, along with the UK’s leading foil container manufacturers i2r Packaging Solutions, Nicholl Food Packaging and Coppice Alupack.

CCE commercial recycling manager Nick Brown said: “MetalMatters is an excellent example of an industry initiative that is capable of really delivering results and creating positive change.  As a company committed to transforming recycling by educating and inspiring consumers, championing improvements to existing collection systems and by investing in strategic recycling infrastructure projects MetalMatters is a perfect fit for us and we look forward to contributing to its future success.”

On behalf of BCME, Norman Lett said: “Alupro has a successful track record of developing and managing programmes which bring together partners from different sectors of this industry. We are confident that they can realise the huge potential of MetalMatters and are excited by the progress they have already made in developing the funding base.  All the partners look forward to working on increasing the impact that MetalMatters can have on kerbside recycling rates for metal packaging across the UK.”