Tuesday 28th November 2023 saw the launch of a lecture led by the Environment Agency, which saw the Aluminium Federation’s (ALFED) Technical Manager, Jan Lukaszewski deliver a talk on the challenges facing the UK aluminium industry.
ALFED represents businesses who process, trade and work with aluminium; helping our members solve problems, capitalise on opportunities and boost their competitiveness. However, given the 2050 roadmap, increasing sustainability initiatives is an area where ALFED are keen to offer more value to members. This is because the aluminium industry is a vital part of the UK manufacturing sector, and a modern aspect of the economy; meaning that the sector will play a key role in the country’s transition to a more sustainable future.
Aluminium is ideally positioned to help the UK industry as it moves towards more sustainable supply chains and through support from ALFED’s Sustainable Suppliers and by adhering to the 2050 Roadmap. As the voice of the UK aluminium industry, we are committed to engaging with members on programmes which directly impact the future of a circular economy.
This leads to the importance of our work with the Environment Agency. They are an active, understanding and supportive body that can help with the aim of driving a more sustainable future. Aluminium is becoming a strategic metal, displacing other metals, plastics and even organic materials as it becomes the metal of the future. In fact, the increase in global demand is meaning that the total consumption is predicted to hit 130 million tons by 2030.
Within Jan’s presentation, he highlighted the following points regarding the optimism of the UK aluminium industry.
- Aluminium is 100% recyclable without the deterioration of properties
- The UK primary aluminium production plant has a world low carbon footprint
- The UK recycles around 1 million tons of secondary aluminium each year, operating some of the world’s leading plants. Given the confidence in the UK aluminium recycling industry, major new plants are being planned and expansion capital is being invested into existing sites
Ultimately, the aluminium sector is a major contributor to the UK economy, contributing to 39,000 jobs across the UK and £7.4 billion in Gross Value Added. The valuable byproducts of primary and secondary aluminium production are underset and are resources that are recovered and recycled back into production and even fertiliser. Taking the lead from the Environment Agency and the Health and Safety Executive, the UK aluminium industry is amongst the safest and most environmentally friendly; minimising emissions and safeguarding nature, which therefore protects water.
The mutual trust and respect between the Environment Agency and the aluminium industry was witnessed by the ALFED training lecture, which not only explored the successes and best practices but also looked at some of the challenges We all live in the same country and reap its rewards, so therefore, we need to protect it and our future!
ALFED will be hosting a short webinar focussing on helping you understand what falls under the scope of the CDM regulations. Please see details below to book your place:
CDM Regulations Webinar:
- Tuesday 21st May 2024
- 11.00am – 11.30am
- Book Now
We are also hosting various technical training courses, also hosted by our Technical Manager, Jan Lukaszewski. Please see below details to book your spot while places last:
World of Aluminium Training Course:
- Tuesday 24th September 2024
- 9.00am – 4.30pm
- Bragborough Hall Business Centre, Daventry, NN11 7JG
- £299+VAT for ALFED Members | £349+VAT for non-members
- Book Now
To find out more about ALFED, or to become a member, please visit: www.alfed.org.uk.
