It’s been tempting of late to think that the world has gone slightly crazy. The resources sector is being continually challenged with the scourge of plastic waste finding its way into our oceans and the latest restrictions on exports of some secondary raw materials into large overseas markets such as China. Partially in response, the industry is considering new policy measures be that a reform of the existing UK Packaging Recovery Note system, a more comprehensive Extended Producer Responsibility system or a Deposit Return Scheme for some types of beverage packaging. All options have merits, all have their downsides and to some extents, all have some ‘winners’ and ‘losers’ in terms of the redistribution of value within the supply chain. Something that has been needed for some time. Within the metals, or more specifically aluminium sector we have always been confident of the part we play within an integrated packaging recovery system, whatever the format. In particular, the net cost position of aluminium. So we continue to look forward, and proactively engage in the discussions on these rapidly evolving agendas.
More recently, the US administration has seemingly opened a can of worms and potential global trade wars with unilateral tariffs on imports of steel and aluminium. Whilst it is a subject, all of its own, it is safe to say at this stage that there are no immediately foreseen adverse impacts on the UK secondary metals sector. Both aluminium and steel are permanent materials and materials that can circulate infinitely to a large extent, within a UK or European closed loop system. And in any case scrap/secondary materials are excluded from any proposed tariffs.
So at times of immediate turmoil it is helpful to lift your gaze above the day to day and look even further to the future.
Novelis along with other aluminium industry partners have been long-time supporters of a national schools’ competition, linked to the Design and Technology curriculum. The Alu D&T Awards engages school pupils (aged 7-14) with the material properties and sustainability potential of aluminium by challenging them to design a sustainable product for the future. Judging and awarding prizes in response to the real-life briefs faced by designers, engineers and manufacturers is challenging and invigorating in equal measure. Novelis is working towards the concept of ‘Aluminium for good’ in which we use everything within Novelis’ circle of influence to make the world more sustainable and a better place for our neighbours. More specifically globally we invest £2.8M every year in the areas of Recycling, Safety and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
Of all these, and in uncertain times, it is reassuring to see young people engaging so well in the ideas of a sustainable and equitable society for the future. Something to look to on the horizon as we navigate the choppy waters in the months and years ahead.
