At the helm of the Aluminium Federation (ALFED), Nadine Bloxsome offers a candid snapshot through an insightful interview for AL Circle’s 'Aluminium Industry: Focus Europe' e-magazine of the UK and European aluminium sectors, touching on demand dynamics, trade headwinds, and the critical push toward circularity. In this exclusive, she unpacks the challenges, opportunities, and ALFED’s vision for a resilient, low-carbon aluminium future. Here’s a sneak peek into the persona’s insights and beyond into his firm belief in the industry’s future.

AL Circle: How would you describe the current state of the European and UK aluminium industries in terms of demand, production capacity, and market stability? Are there any significant shifts in the market that you foresee in the near future?

Nadine Bloxsome: The UK aluminium industry is a vital component of the national economy, contributing approximately GBP 2.97 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) and directly employing around 37,000 individuals, predominantly in the West Midlands. When considering its broader impact, the industry supports 97,000 full-time equivalent jobs and generates £6.8 billion in GVA. Aluminium demand remains robust, driven by its wide-ranging applications in sectors such as transportation, construction, and packaging. However, production capacity is constrained by rising energy costs and increasing competition from low-cost non-European producers, which continue to challenge market stability.

The industry is experiencing significant shifts as sustainability becomes a dominant priority. ALFED plays a crucial role in advocating for fair trade practices, urging policymakers to ensure equitable market conditions. Efforts to drive investment in recycling infrastructure and innovations in sustainable aluminium production are creating opportunities for resilience and growth. As the industry adapts to changing priorities, ALFED’s leadership is essential in maintaining stability and ensuring the sector’s long-term competitiveness.

AL Circle: How are current trade policies and global competition from non-European producers impacting the European aluminium sector? Do you see any shifts in trade policies or protective measures that could either benefit or challenge European aluminium producers?

Nadine Bloxsome: Trade policies and global competition are significantly impacting the UK aluminium industry, with subsidised imports from non-European producers undermining market stability and threatening domestic operations. ALFED has emphasised the critical need for stronger anti-dumping measures and tariff regulations to protect European producers from unfair competition. In its response to the UK Industrial Strategy Consultation, ALFED has outlined the detrimental effects of unregulated trade practices and the importance of implementing measures that level the playing field for UK and European producers.

ALFED has called for collaborative efforts between the UK and EU to address these challenges, advocating for a more unified approach to trade regulations and market protection. While these policies are still evolving, ALFED’s active engagement ensures that the interests of its members are at the forefront of discussions, helping to mitigate risks and support the competitiveness of the aluminium supply chain.

AL Circle: Aluminium has a strong role to play in the circular economy. How is the UK aluminium sector advancing recycling initiatives, and what challenges does it face in reaching 100% circularity? Are there any industry-wide initiatives ALFED is involved with to promote recycling?

Nadine Bloxsome: Aluminium is an essential material in the circular economy due to its ability to be recycled indefinitely without losing quality, using 95% less energy than primary production. The UK aluminium sector has made significant progress in recycling, achieving some of the highest recovery rates for materials such as packaging and automotive components. However, challenges remain, particularly in addressing infrastructure gaps and reducing contamination in recycled materials.

ALFED is leading efforts to advance the circular economy by supporting initiatives such as the Aluminium Packaging Recycling Organisation (Alupro), which promotes recycling awareness and infrastructure improvements. Furthermore, ALFED is actively lobbying for investment in advanced recycling technologies and systems to help the industry achieve its goal of 100% circularity. These efforts not only reduce environmental impact but also strengthen the UK’s position as a leader in sustainable aluminium production.

AL Circle: Looking forward, what is ALFED’s vision for the UK aluminium industry over the next decade? What key factors will shape the industry’s growth, and where do you see the greatest opportunities and challenges?

Nadine Bloxsome: ALFED envisions a sustainable and innovative UK aluminium industry that leads in global markets while contributing to the circular economy. Over the next decade, key growth factors will include the increasing demand for lightweight materials in transportation and construction, the development of low-carbon aluminium production, and the expansion of recycling infrastructure.

However, challenges such as high energy costs, global competition, and regulatory barriers remain significant. ALFED’s proactive advocacy for supportive policies, alongside its efforts to drive innovation and collaboration across the supply chain, will be instrumental in overcoming these challenges and unlocking new opportunities for the sector.

To explore the full interview and gain deeper insights into the global aluminium market and how ALFED is contributing to its growth, click here.