The voice of the UK aluminium Industry, Aluminium Federation (ALFED), have once again marked their supremacy today by officially launching the UK Aluminium Alliance (UKAA). This initiative is tapped to create a future-proof aluminium industry, which shall aid the sector in securing low-carbon growth, making it the heart of the UK industrial policy.
Image source: alfed.org.uk
Around the same time, ALFED, in partnership with the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade, has also proposed to bolster the UK's aluminium sector's international trade and technical capabilities. This was announced in the House of Lords, where this partnership marked a pivotal role in rising opportunities as well as challenges.
This partnership emerges as UK businesses adapt to a changing regulatory environment, marked by the introduction of the UK's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and a series of newly established Free Trade Agreements.
In addition to this, ALFED has launched the UK Aluminium Alliance, which is focused on aiding the entire industry to achieve low-carbon growth.
The official launch of UKAA was held at the House of Lords with the presence of government stakeholders, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), industry leaders and recyclers. The presence of such esteemed people in this initiative marks the beginning of an alliance which shall directly contribute to the UK government's new Industrial Strategy for a Stronger Britain.
Additionally, energy cost reforms have been recently announced for over 7,000 manufacturing businesses. UKAA shall further serve cross-platform, which aims towards unlocking new investment opportunities, enhancing the policy reform with amplified strategic importance, all indicating the sustainability of aluminium.
This shall further include upholding the crucial elements of aluminium in different sectors, especially manufacturing, construction, defence and aiding the process of transitioning to net zero.
Nadine Bloxsome, CEO of the Aluminium Federation, has commented, "The launch of the UK Aluminium Alliance comes at a crucial time. With the UK's Industrial Strategy reaffirming support for decarbonisation, sovereign manufacturing, and lower industrial energy costs, this Alliance will ensure aluminium plays a leading role in powering Britain's clean and competitive industrial future. It's time to stop viewing aluminium as just a recyclable material – and start recognising it as critical infrastructure for the economy, net zero and national resilience."
UKAA has been established in partnership with Dr Mark Jones of CONETS, who is connecting for the Net Zero and will be operated as a formal part of ALFED. The main motive of this initiative is to bring together all the smelters, finishers, OEMs, processors and manufacturers who shall be collaborating in the industrial framework.
The Alliance is focused on delivering in five key areas, which shall further align with the industrial strategy goals, including:
The launch comes in response to government commitments to cut electricity network charges by up to 90 per cent for energy-intensive industries and to establish new Industrial Sector Councils. The Alliance will serve as an industry-facing platform for direct engagement with government departments, including DBT, DESNZ and MOD.
Note: To feature your brand and share insights, contribute an article or interview in our forthcoming e-magazine "Sustainability & Recycling: Aluminium's Dual Commitment."
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