Alupro, the aluminium packaging recycling organisation, has announced the appointment of Tom Giddings as Executive Director. Previously Interim General Manager, Giddings takes up the role with immediate effect.

As Executive Director, Giddings will be responsible for leading Alupro as it works to fulfil the industry’s obligation to meet, and exceed, recycling targets for aluminium packaging. He will act as the independent voice of the industry on issues of government policy and legislative development and will also spearhead Alupro’s Every Can Counts and MetalMatters consumer education programmes.

Having joined Alupro in June 2020 as Sustainability and Public Affairs Manager, Giddings has firmly positioned himself as a driving force within the sector. Prior to joining Alupro, he held the role of Sustainability Data and Reporting Manager at international packaging provider DS Smith, where he was responsible for the continuous improvement of sustainability initiatives.

Commenting on his new role, Giddings said: “Taking up the position of Executive Director, at such a pivotal time for the industry, is incredibly exciting. The opportunities ahead are significant and I’m looking forward to building on excellent progress to drive even higher aluminium packaging recycling rates in the future.

“Alongside acting as the independent voice of the industry, a key focus of my role will include sharing Alupro’s expertise and working to further stimulate the UK’s collection infrastructure. Inspiring collaboration across value chains and sectors is key to achieving this goal and will prove pivotal in both seizing opportunities and tackling recycling challenges head-on.

“I’m committed to promoting the benefits of aluminium packaging and celebrating its role within a sustainable, circular, low-carbon future. With enviable properties and infinite recyclability, aluminium will remain at the forefront of the packaging industry for years to come.

“But while the future looks bright, the present is just as exciting. Earlier this week, Alupro announced a collaboration with Fun Kids that aims to improve national recycling knowledge. In addition, over the next few weeks, we’re set to launch our educational programmes for 2022. These initiatives are key to ensuring best practice recycling remains front of mind for generations to come – through our creative campaigns, we’re working hard to inspire the recycling influencers of tomorrow.”