pressrelease

Contact: Cherry Hamson/Rick Hindley
Tel: 01527 597757

May 31st, 2007

Waste Strategy Focus On Aluminium Welcomed

Alupro, the not for profit organisation sponsored by the aluminium packaging and recycling industries, has welcomed recognition in the new Waste Strategy of the environmental importance of recycling the metal.

Since 99 per cent of aluminium packaging is consumer packaging, achievement of high recycling rates is totally dependent on public participation in easy-access recycling systems. Discussions with senior policy advisors in recent months have led to recognition in the document of the significant carbon and energy savings which are made when products are made from recycled metal.

"We look forward to working with Defra's new products and materials unit to identify how the new joined-up thinking which is evident in the Strategy can help increase the amount of aluminium returned for recycling and subsequent re-use" says Rick Hindley, executive director of Alupro.

"It is an astonishing fact that 75 per cent of all aluminium that has ever been produced is still in circulation, and we want packaging - which is currently achieving 32.5 per cent recycling rate overall, with 48 per cent for drinks cans - to hit equivalent rates of recycling achievement."

Several aspects of the new strategy are positive for aluminium, including the new focus on design for recycling, strengthening the roles for local authorities which work together, improving the availability of recycling facilities in public areas and at events, and the potential for 'third sector' community organisations to compete effectively for contracts.

"We hope there's enough here to encourage organisations that provide efficient recycling services based on social and environmental principles to increase their focus on providing services to businesses and other away-from-locations" says Rick. "More than £20m worth of aluminium cans are available from these sources, and we are developing programmes this year which particularly target this under-resourced sector."

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The Aluminium Packaging and Recycling Organisation (Alupro) is a not for profit organisation sponsored by the leading aluminium packaging and recycling companies in the UK. Its role is to work with all partners to optimise the amount of aluminium cans and foil recycled, and to represent members to Government.

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