From production to recycling: the aluminium industry and its impact on net zero goals

As the UK accelerates towards its net zero targets, the aluminium industry is proving to be a critical player in the drive to reduce carbon emissions and build a sustainable future. With its crucial role in both the production and recycling of one of the most versatile metals, the UK aluminium industry has the potential to significantly impact the country’s path to achieving net zero goals. In this article, we will discuss the key reasons why the aluminium industry is vital towards the UK’s net zero ambitions, and how you can join the conversation at the Aluminium Federation (ALFED) House of Lords Lunch on Thursday 26th June 2025.

Three key reasons highlight why the aluminium industry is vital in the UK’s fight towards net zero:

1. Recycling and Circular Economy: Aluminium is one of the most recyclable materials in the world. The UK aluminium industry is at the forefront of a circular economy, where the metal can be recycled indefinitely without losing quality. This vastly reduces the need for primary aluminium production, which is highly energy-intensive, thus lowering carbon emissions.
2. Carbon Emission Reduction through Green Technology: The UK aluminium sector is adopting cutting-edge green technologies that are drastically reducing carbon emissions in both production processes and supply chains. Efforts such as using renewable energy in aluminium smelting are helping to decarbonize manufacturing while maintaining industry productivity.
3. Supporting a Green Economy: The aluminium industry provides vital components for key sectors that are central to the UK’s green transition. From electric vehicles to renewable energy infrastructure, aluminium is critical in the development of low-carbon technologies, driving economic growth while meeting environmental targets.

The Aluminium Federation (ALFED), representing the interests of the UK’s aluminium sector, is a key advocate for advancing these goals. Through the efforts of thought-provoking initiatives such as the UK Aluminium Strategy and the UK Aluminium Manifesto launched in 2024, ALFED works to provide insights, shape policy, and foster collaboration between industry, government, and other stakeholders to unlock the full potential of aluminium in helping the UK meet its climate ambitions.

Join the conversation that matters at the ALFED House of Lords Lunch!

As part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability, ALFED are set to host the Annual House of Lords Lunch on Thursday 26th June 2025, where industry leaders and policymakers will gather to discuss the topic, ‘Driving the UK Aluminium Strategy – Unlocking Potential and Impact of Net Zero’. This event will be a critical opportunity for thought leaders and industry experts to examine the role of the aluminium sector in achieving net zero, offering valuable insights on the future of sustainable aluminium production and recycling in the UK.

During the lunch, we will share insights into the opportunities and challenges facing the UK aluminium industry, including:

• Developing sustainable and resilient supply chains that support the UK’s Net Zero goals.
• Addressing export challenges, including scrap retention, to ensure the economic value of secondary aluminium remains within the UK.
• Enhancing the UK’s competitiveness globally by integrating aluminium into broader industrial and trade strategies.
• Creating high-value green jobs and fostering economic growth in regions like South Wales and the North East, where the aluminium sector holds transformative potential.

Nadine Bloxsome, Chief Executive Officer of ALFED, commented: "The aluminium industry is uniquely positioned to make a significant contribution to the UK’s net zero journey. From the recycling of aluminium to the role it plays in green technologies, our sector is committed to reducing carbon emissions and supporting sustainable growth. The House of Lords Lunch on 26th June will be an important opportunity to bring together key stakeholders to collaborate on strategies for unlocking the potential of aluminium in driving forward a greener future for the UK."