Local schoolchildren treated to interactive recycling workshop

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Earlier this month (March), KS2 pupils from Thomas Russell Junior School in Burton-on-Trent were treated to an interactive aluminium recycling workshop, after student Elsie Burgess (8) took home first place in a national competition.

Organised by the Aluminium Packaging Recycling Organisation (Alupro), the competition saw thousands of primary pupils from all over the UK tasked with designing the graphics for a brand new recycling bin. According to the judges, Elsie’s winning entry brought passion and creativity to the challenge of increasing recycling rates.

As her prize, Elsie’s design has been created and delivered to her school. In addition, her classmates were also treated to a hands-on recycling workshop run by social enterprise Casting Innovations.

Demonstrating the aluminium recycling process in a safe and controlled environment, the workshop saw drink cans melted down and cast into moulds. Each pupil took home a recycled keyring to remind them about the importance of recycling.

Claire Boot, education officer at Alupro, commented: “Educating the next generation is an important part of our work here at the Aluminium Packaging Recycling Organisation and we’re delighted to see the continued impact of the Masters of Infinity programme. We were so impressed with this year’s entries, but Elsie’s design really stood out.”

Mrs Kerr-Delworth, teacher at Thomas Russell Junior School, added: “I came across the Masters of Infinity resources when I was looking for a project for my Climate Changers – an inspirational bunch of year 6 pupils who are passionate about their role in looking after our planet – and was immediately drawn to it.

“The resources are brilliant as they have child-friendly graphics and a theme – beat LandPhil – but the language and facts behind this don’t talk down to children and are incredibly informative and engaging. The Climate Changers led an assembly to introduce the rest of the school to the resources and the competition but next time we will be incorporating the work into our PSHE curriculum time to really do it justice. What a find!”

For more information about our educational resources, visit www.learningaluminium.co.uk.

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‘Munch, scrunch, recycle!’ this Easter, says Alupro

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Alupro, the aluminium packaging recycling organisation, is hopping into spring with the launch of its latest easter-themed promotional campaign, ‘Munch, Scrunch, Recycle!’. Aimed at local authorities, the programme will encourage residents to think more carefully about their waste this Easter.

Each year, around 80 million Easter eggs are bought in the UK, , most of which are wrapped in recyclable aluminium foil. This week, as part of the campaign, Alupro will encourage local authorities to download a library of social media images and animations – available in English and Welsh – to promote responsible recycling.

The assets, available to download from the Alupro website, are designed to encourage residents to scrunch and recycle their foil after enjoying their Easter treats.

Tom Giddings, executive director at Alupro, commented: “Easter is a time for celebration and indulgence, but with foil packaging used to protect Easter eggs each year, it’s also important to remember to dispose of our waste responsibly.

“Aluminium packaging is infinitely recyclable, and with a little scrunch, it can be transformed into something new. By encouraging  the public to recycle their aluminium packaging this Easter, local authorities can help protect our environment and ensure this valuable resource stays in use for longer.”

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re3 waste partnership launches foil recycling campaign

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re3, the waste partnership covering Bracknell Forest, Reading and Wokingham Borough Councils, has joined forces with Alupro to roll-out a creative campaign encouraging residents to recycle their aluminium foil.

Aluminium is endlessly recyclable, and recycling it saves 95% of the energy used to make aluminium from raw materials. To recycle, simply scrunch your wrapping foil, foil lids or chocolate foil into a ball the size of a fist and pop into your recycling bin.

Foil trays should be wiped or rinsed to remove food residue, there’s no need to run the tap, just a quick swill in the bowl at the end of the washing up is usually sufficient.

Launching today, the “Fantastic Foil” initiative will target households through a paid social media campaign and promotional signage at the re3 Recycling Centres. In addition, pupils from across the three boroughs will be invited to take part in a competition to create a spring-themed sculpture from clean, used aluminium foil.

Entries for the competition will close after the Easter holiday on 19th April, with three winners each taking home a £20 voucher. Their school will also receive £100 in vouchers to spend on books, supplies and activities.

In a joint statement re3 Joint Waste Disposal Board Members: Cllr Karen Rowland, Chairman of the Joint Waste Disposal Board and Reading Borough Council’s Lead Councillor for Environmental Services and Community Safety; Cllr Ian Shenton, Wokingham Borough Council’s Executive Member for Environment, Sport and Leisure and Cllr Helen Purnell, Bracknell Forest Council’s Executive Member for the Environment and Community Cohesion, commented: “We’re on a mission to help residents waste less and recycle more. Rolling out this campaign will enable us to improve awareness and education about the importance of best practice foil (and other aluminium packaging) recycling, with the aim of further improving consumer engagement and increasing capture rates in result. A key part of the campaign is working closely with our local schools to educate and inspire the next generation. We’re looking forward to seeing their creativity shine.”

Tom Giddings, executive director at Alupro, added: “We’re delighted to working with re3 to raise awareness of the importance of recycling aluminium packaging. Since launching in 2017, our foil campaign has reached more than 2.5 million households, with data suggesting that it really helps to drive a positive uplift in kerbside recycling rates. We’re looking forward to seeing the widespread impact of the campaign, as well as helping to judge creative entries from hundreds of budding sculptors across Berkshire!”

To find out more about re3, visit www.re3.org.uk

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About the competition:

More information about the competition, including T&Cs  can be found on the dedicated page on re3 website:

https://re3.fccenvironment.co.uk/fantastic-foil-recycling/

 

About re3 (www.re3.org.uk)

re3 is a waste management partnership between Bracknell Forest, Reading and Wokingham Borough Councils and FCC Environment. The partnership’s aims are to develop solutions for the management of waste in Central Berkshire and to encourage people to reduce, reuse and recycle more of their waste.

MetalMatters recycling campaign rolls out across West Devon

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MetalMatters, the industry-supported campaign that encourages households to recycle their cans, foil, empty aerosols, trays, tubes and metal screw tops, has been rolled out by West Devon Borough Council.

As part of continued efforts to improve kerbside recycling rates, the initiative will see residents across the region receive an informative leaflet posted directly through their letterbox. Targeting more than 26,000 homes across the borough, the campaign aims to raise widespread awareness of how best to recycle used metal packaging.

Since its launch in 2012, MetalMatters has been adopted by hundreds of local authorities across the UK. Designed to support kerbside recycling schemes, MetalMatters can be run by any local authority, either region-wide, by collection round or even by demographic targeting.

Commenting on the announcement, Cllr Lynn Daniel, Lead Member for Environment at West Devon Borough Council, said: “Our goal is to increase recycling rates and reduce waste by identifying environmentally responsible ways to meet the needs of our local communities.

“MetalMatters will allow us to engage with residents across West Devon, encouraging them to think about their recycling habits and how best to dispose of their metal packaging. Metal is endlessly recyclable, so it’s one of the most sustainable materials that we have.”

Cllr Mandy Ewings, Leader of West Devon Borough Council, added: “Many residents are already committed to recycling and reducing waste, which is great news, but we can do more. It’s worth remembering that every aluminium can you recycle saves enough energy to run a TV for three hours – so putting your metal packaging into your recycling container can make a big difference.”

Tom Giddings, Executive Director of Alupro, concluded: “For more than a decade, our MetalMatters programme has been educating the public about the benefits and importance of recycling metal packaging. We’re confident that the introduction of this campaign will help to drive an increase in recycling rates and households taking positive action across West Devon.

“For us, the most important message is that metal is highly recyclable, meaning the quality and properties of the metal will be unchanged during the recycling process. Making a few small changes can add up to a big environmental impact.”

Funded by the metal packaging industry, MetalMatters aims to educate householders about the benefits of metal packaging and encourages them to adopt best practice recycling behaviours. For more information about MetalMatters, visit: www.metalmatters.org.uk.

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Lindal Group joins the UK Aerosol Recycling Initiative

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Lindal Group, a global leader in the design, manufacture and sale of specialist valves, actuators and spray caps used in aerosol products, has joined other key members in the UK Aerosol Recycling Initiative as a funding partner.

Spearheaded by Alupro, the UK Aerosol Recycling Initiative was launched in 2022 to increase awareness and uptake of aerosol recycling across the UK. Working towards a recycling rate of 50% by 2030, the programme brings together leading businesses and influencers from across the aerosol supply chain to inspire positive national change.

As a funding partner, Lindal Group will help to accelerate the initiative’s feasibility studies, data collection activities, pilot programmes and consumer engagement campaigns.

Thuy-Tien Nguyen, Global Sustainability Manager at Lindal Group, commented: “We’re delighted to join the UK Aerosol Recycling Initiative as a funding partner. Being a major supplier to the global aerosol supply chain, we appreciate the challenges surrounding aerosol recycling and the imperative to both raise awareness and increase uptake.

“Programmes like this are essential to better understand consumer behaviours, address barriers and drive further improvements. Already, the initiative has made significant headway and delivered impressive results. We’re looking forward to supporting its future trajectory and accelerating national change.”

Tom Giddings, executive director of Alupro, added: “Having the backing of Lindal Group will prove pivotal to achieving the UK Aerosol Recycling Initiative’s three main ambitions – inspiring change, embracing a sustainable future and driving further progress towards a 50% aerosol recycling rate by 2030. We have big plans for the future and, with the support of our partners, will continue to inspire a national uplift in aluminium packaging recycling rates.”

For more information about the UK Aerosol Recycling Initiative, click here.

About LINDAL Group

LINDAL Group is a worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and sale of valves, actuators and spray caps used in aerosol products. The Hamburg, Germany-based company has more than 60 years of experience with innovative dispensing solutions for the cosmetics, household, health care, food and technical industries.

The LINDAL Group is represented by subsidiaries and licensees in more than 15 countries throughout Europe, Asia and The Americas. The company is renowned for its innovative designs, which deliver optimal functionality and return on investment. As a result, LINDAL aerosol dispensing solutions are the choice of the world’s most prestigious and trusted brands.

What the aluminium packaging recycling industry wants to see in 2024

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Tom Giddings, executive director of Alupro, looks to the year ahead and explains what the aluminium packaging recycling industry wants to see in 2024.

When we look back over the past 12 months, it’s likely to go down in history as a year of frustration for the packaging value chain. Delays to expected consultations, disappointing decisions from the government and fluctuating PRN prices all played their part.

However, there were, of course, numerous upsides too. Finally receiving a consultation response regarding DRS was a massive step in the right direction, while setting an official date for the mandatory recycling of kerbside and commercial food waste put real fire power behind tackling a growing environmental challenge.

In addition, while consistency in collections legislation may have been shelved as part of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s net-zero shake-up, Simpler Recycling will take us a welcome step forward towards a more uniform material scope for kerbside recycling collections and a higher recycling rate for England. It must be said that the opportunity for the future looks incredibly bright.

For those of us working towards achieving a more circular economy, it’s therefore important to see 2024 as a year of progress, decision-making and action – an opportunity to build momentum and drive real, positive, proactive change. From an aluminium perspective, this can be condensed down into three key asks:

  1. A record year for aluminium packaging recycling rates

Aluminium packaging recycling in the UK continues to go from strength to strength. Continued investment into awareness and education initiatives is helping to drive widespread behavioural change, with households appreciating both the environmental and economic value of best practice recycling.

The latest PRN data perfectly reflects this impressive growth. In September 2023, for example, the industry had already achieved 92% of its annual obligation (an uplift from 116,439 tonnes to 137,275 tonnes compared to the same period in 2022), with aluminium collected through kerbside, bring, on-the-go and via incinerator bottom ash (IBA) all rising.

While some industry critics had suggested that the high recycling rates reported during the COVID-19 pandemic were just a short-term trend, it’s positive to see that impressive volumes and positive consumer recycling behaviours have continued.

In 2024, we’d like to see even higher collection and recycling volumes of aluminium packaging. After all, we’re hugely ambitious about aluminium’s role within a circular packaging economy and we’re committed to leading from the front. If PRN prices remain realistic, we see no reason as to why this shouldn’t happen.

  1. Real progress when it comes to future legislation=

With policy now progressing fast, the next 12 months should be seen as a period of real opportunity. Specifically, we’d like to see progress made in appointing a DRS scheme administrator, as well as the detail of the scheme finally bottomed out. We’d also like to see further momentum made towards agreeing a series of decisions that will ensure the scheme’s best possible long-term output. You can read our thoughts in further detail here. 

Elsewhere, we welcome the formation of an EPR steering group and think that Margaret Bates is an excellent appointment as interim Head of the UK Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging Scheme Administrator. Let’s now accelerate momentum and ensure that it delivers fair proposals, while securing widespread input from the wider supply chain.

  1. Clear, consistent, creative communication

As we move ever closer towards a bright new future for the recycling industry, relevant, timely and consistent communication is more important than ever. We’re proud to be continuing with our hugely successful aluminium packaging recycling programmes (MetalMatters and Every Can Counts) and remain committed to flying the flag – both in terms of awareness and education.

Our initiatives delivered widespread benefit in 2023 and proved instrumental in increasing consumer engagement across the UK. Results from our programmes highlighted the real value of communication, as well as changing consumer behaviours when it comes to best practice recycling.

In 2024, we’ll continue to lead by example. However, banging the drum when it comes to consumer education is a gauntlet that we all must pick up and I’d like to see this happening across the wider packaging value chain. After all, with new legislation looming and widespread change likely, communicating with clarity, consistency and creativity must remain our utmost priority.

While 2023 might go down on record as somewhat of a frustrating year, the next 12 months are perfectly positioned to deliver progress, decision-making and action. Personally, I believe that our most important priorities are striving to reach ever higher recycling rates, inspiring real momentum when it comes to future legislation, and communicating with clarity.

As a sector we have the opportunity to build real momentum. It’s certainly an exciting time ahead, but collaboration is key to achieving the best possible results.

For more information about the Aluminium Packaging Recycling Organisation, visit www.alupro.org.uk.

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Alupro to sponsor Letsreycle Communications Conference

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Alupro, the Aluminium Packaging Organisation, has been announced as the latest sponsor of this year’s Letsrecycle Communications Conference. Taking place at the Hallam Centre in London (7 February), the event will bring together local authority waste management professionals from across the UK to celebrate progress and share best practice.

Exploring the latest communication strategies and technologies, the conference will showcase effective ways to enhance engagement and encourage behavioural change. Attendees will have the opportunity hear from industry leaders, take part in Q&A sessions and network with a variety of exhibitors.

Throughout the event, the Alupro team will be on-hand to share its latest campaigns, including MetalMatters – a consumer engagement programme designed to educate and inspire local communities about the benefits of recycling metal packaging. Already, the initiative has been rolled out by hundreds of councils nationwide, each of whom have reported an immediately positive impact on recycling rates.

Tom Giddings, executive director of Alupro, commented: “Letsrecycle Communications Conference is a key date in our calendar and we’re pleased to be sponsoring this year’s event. The team is looking forward to meeting delegates and discussing the positive impact that our campaigns can deliver.

“We firmly believe that collaboration can drive measurable change. If you’re looking for proven solutions to engage more closely with constituents, visit our stand and speak to the team – we’ll take you through our latest campaigns and explain how creative communication can really help to drive an uplift in recycling rates.

For more information about Alupro, or its latest campaigns, visit www.alupro.org.uk or meet the team at this year’s Letsrecycle Communications Conference.

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New partner for UK Aerosol Recycling Initiative

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CleanPak, the market leader in aerosol recycling, has joined the UK Aerosol Recycling Initiative. Spearheaded by Alupro, the aluminium packaging recycling organisation, the programme was founded to raise awareness of and increase aerosol recycling in the UK.

Part of Hull-based environmental services specialist Clean Eco Group, CleanPak uses state-of-the-art technology to dispose of both full and empty aerosols. The plastic and metal components are separated for recycling, while any residual gas and liquids are turned into fuel.

Launched in September 2022, the UK Aerosol Recycling Initiative is working towards the goal of achieving a 50% aerosol recycling rate by 2030. Alongside improving consumer education and establishing an accurate baseline recycling rate, the group collaborated to launch a roadmap to guide a national uplift in collection and reprocessing volumes in order to achieve its ambition.

David Roebuck, founder and executive officer at Clean Eco Group, commented: “We’re thrilled to have joined the UK Aerosol Recycling Initiative – a hugely important movement for the industry. Alongside increasing education and data transparency, it aims to identify and implement vital improvements throughout the value chain to increase recycling rates.”

Tom Giddings, executive director at Alupro, added: “As a leading player in the aerosol recycling sector, the involvement of CleanPak will prove invaluable to the UK Aerosol Recycling Initiative as we continue to expand our activities nationwide. The knowledge, insight and firepower of the team will enable us to take significant strides towards our goal of achieving a 50% aerosol recycling rate by 2030.

“The initiative is continuing to gain significant momentum – we’re looking to make important progress and we’re excited to work alongside our partners to maximise the recycling rate of aluminium packaging.”

For more information about the UK Aerosol Recycling Initiative, visit: www.alupro.org.uk/industry/programmes/the-uk-aerosol-recycling-initiative. For more information about Alupro, visit www.alupro.org.uk.

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Q3 data shows impressive uplift in aluminium packaging recycling

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According to recent data published on the National Packaging Waste Database (NPWD) by the Environment Agency (EA), aluminium packaging recycling volumes in Q3 continued to increase – showing an impressive uplift compared to the same period in 2022.

During the three-month period (Jul-Sep), 48,135 tonnes of aluminium packaging were collected for recycling – a 21% increase year-on-year. Of this volume, 33,051 tonnes were recycled by consumers through kerbside, bring and on-the-go systems (an uplift of 15% YOY), while 12,950 were recovered from incinerator bottom ash (IBA), a 19% increase compared to Q3 2022.

To date in 2023, 137,275 tonnes of aluminium packaging have been captured across the UK, representing a 17% increase compared to the same period last year (116,439). With 92% of the obligation already achieved (147,925), this puts us firmly on track to far exceed annual targets.

Tom Giddings, executive director of Alupro, commented: “It’s positive to see that the tonnage of aluminium packaging collected for recycling across the UK is rising steadily. While some industry critics had suggested that the high rates reported during the COVID-19 pandemic were just a short-term trend, it’s reassuring to see that impressive volumes and positive consumer recycling behaviours have continued.

“It’s also good to see that PRN prices have finally started to stabilise, following ongoing fluctuations, late data submissions and no end of unnecessary complications. Moving forward, more work needs to be done to ensure that the PRN price doesn’t drive material flow, as it arguably has done in recent years. Much like the rest of the industry, we’re hoping for a calm and peaceful 2024 from a PRN perspective!

“However, we mustn’t rest on our laurels when it comes to upward trending collection volumes. It’s of vital importance that organisations such as Alupro continue to bang the drum when it comes to consumer education. Through our awareness programmes, Every Can Counts and MetalMatters, we will continue to play a driving role in reminding households about the value of best practice recycling, while working towards our ambitious goal of a 100% recycling rate for aluminium packaging.

To access the National Packaging Waste Database, visit www.npwd.environment-agency.gov.uk.

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Alupro showcases programme success with inspiring annual report

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Alupro, the aluminium packaging recycling organisation, has launched a new report demonstrating the national impact of its pioneering educational initiatives. The Alupro Impact Report details activity delivered during 2022, explores the outcomes of its latest campaigns and tracks progress towards its goal of achieving a 100% recycling rate for aluminium packaging.

Crucially, the report explains how the achievements of Alupro’s members contribute to two of the major sustainability challenges faced by the world today; climate change driven by carbon emissions as well as the well-established fact that globally we use too many resources. This report shows how the simple act of recycling aluminium packaging contributes significantly to tackling these issues.

Alongside providing a snapshot of the UK’s aluminium industry, the report clarifies Alupro’s vision and measures the impact of its initiatives. Indeed, detailed analysis of campaigns including Every Can Counts, Metal Matters and Foil in Love with Recycling reveals a reach of more than 26 million people across the UK.

The document also analyses the activities of the UK Aerosol Recycling Initiative, which brings together key businesses from across the aerosol supply chain to drive higher recycling rates. Activity within the past 12 months includes identifying an accurate recycling baseline and launching a pioneering roadmap to higher aerosol recycling.

Tom Giddings, executive director at Alupro, commented: “We’re delighted to have launched our first impact report to provide further insight into the work we deliver. As a member organisation, it’s important to demonstrate how we’re working to achieve our goals and the progress we’re making.

“Last year, our campaigns reached millions of households. The education programme competitions we ran received more than 1,116 entries and we inspired thousands of consumers through our events activities and our social media programmes. This is positive progress towards increasing awareness of best practice recycling and inspiring behavioural change.

“While our campaigns last year proved hugely successful, we’re not resting on our laurels. Instead, we’re working hard to build upon these foundations, improve national education when it comes to aluminium packaging recycling, fight for effective policies and continue to deliver upon our responsibility as the voice of the industry.”

To read or download Alupro’s impact report in full, visit: alupro.org.uk/impact-brief-report

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