Sustainability

The Element of Choice: A Sustainable Future highlights how aluminium is powering innovation, sustainability, and economic growth in the UK and beyond.

After months of uncertainty over US tariffs, the UK–US Economic Prosperity Agreement removed the 25% duty on aluminium, restoring confidence for exporters. With decarbonisation, resilience, and energy security now priorities, aluminium has become central to the UK’s future economy — underscoring the need for a strong, unified industry voice.

Produced by Content With Purpose in partnership with ALFED, the new digital series explores aluminium’s growing strategic importance across industries.

Discover more at: https://contentwithpurpose.co.uk/alfed/theelementofchoice

In a recent podcast on Trade, Customs & CBAM featuring Anna Doherty from The Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade, we break down why CBAM should be on your radar right now, especially as the EU and UK take two very different approaches. From the EU’s certificate-based system to the UK’s proposed tax model and reporting thresholds, businesses must navigate a complex and evolving landscape. 

We also explore one of the biggest challenges companies face today: estimating CBAM exposure. Without reliable emissions data, many businesses risk either overestimating or underestimating their liabilities, and with new service providers entering the space, uncertainty still remains. 

Crucially, don’t assume that preparing for EU CBAM means you’re ready for the UK version. These systems may share a name, but they operate differently, and a one-size-fits-all strategy simply won’t work. Understanding both regimes, and how they may interact as policies evolve, is essential. 

Finally, we look at the bigger picture: Is CBAM the future of global trade? With the EU leading and the UK close behind, more countries are exploring similar mechanisms. The direction is clear, sustainability is becoming a core pillar of international trade policy. 

If you’re involved in imports, exports, or supply chains, this is a must-watch to stay ahead of compliance and cost risks.

Benefits include:

• Reduced CCL charges on energy bills
• Improved energy efficiency and cost savings
• Structured reporting and compliance support
• Alignment with industry sustainability goals

Eligible activities may include:

• Melting, alloying or refining aluminium, titanium or magnesium
• Electrolytic or chemical surface treatment
• Secondary material recovery and reprocessing
• Metal-related chemical production
• Other associated metallurgical or electrolytic processes

Eligibility is assessed at site level based on qualifying activities and energy use.

ALFED support includes:

• Eligibility assessments
• Phase 3 applications and transition support
• Target setting, reporting and compliance guidance
• Environment Agency submissions
• Audit and evidence pack support

If your business pays the Climate Change Levy and operates aluminium, titanium or magnesium processes, you may benefit from joining the CCA scheme during Phase 3.

To discuss eligibility, onboarding or next steps, contact: alfed@alfed.org.uk

One area where ALFED is keen to offer more value to partners and members is through sustainability initiatives.

The aluminium industry is a vital part of the UK manufacturing sector and an essential component of the modern UK economy, which will play a key role in the UK’s transition to a more sustainable future.

Aluminium is ideally positioned to help 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, we are committed to working with members on programmes which directly impact the future of a circular economy.

Because aluminium can be recycled endlessly while maintaining its quality, it’s a key part of global drives towards waste reduction and a circular economy. We work closely with government, members, other industries and trade bodies worldwide to maximise aluminium’s contribution to innovation and policy.

For example, a recent initiative is our collaboration with European Aluminium regarding the EU Circular Economy Package, which looks at elements such as recognition of multiple recycling, aluminium packaging targets and metal recovery from incinerator bottom ashes.

We’re tying this into innovation-related activity promoting more efficient recycling processes and the use of recycled aluminium in new applications. This includes advanced engineering and packaging among others, and also involves advising on related standards development.

Another crucial part of recycling is education, and through both our training courses and outreach campaigns, we promote developments that move our industry forward.