【SMM Aluminum Flash News】ALFED Calls for Greater Domestic Recycling Capacity to Retain Aluminum Value in the UK

Published: Aug 3, 2026 16:30

Save

The Aluminium Federation (ALFED) said the UK already has strong aluminum collection and recycling systems, but lacks sufficient high-value domestic processing capacity, resulting in large volumes of aluminum scrap being exported. In 2025, the UK exported more than 623,000 tonnes of aluminum scrap, including over 23,000 tonnes to the United States, while still importing around 90,000 tonnes of scrap. ALFED called for greater investment in advanced sorting, alloy-specific recycling and remelting capacity, arguing that treating aluminum scrap as a strategic secondary raw material would strengthen supply chain resilience, reduce reliance on primary aluminum imports and retain more economic value within the UK.

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM's internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

For any inquiries or for more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn

For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn

Related News

25 mins ago

Kailida looks forward to meeting you at the 2026 SMM (3rd) South China Nonferrous Metals Annual Conference

25 mins ago

1 hour ago

July aluminum foil exports pulled back 9.3% MoM; Full-year target of 1.3 million mt still achievable

According to the latest data from the General Administration of Customs of China, cumulative exports of Chinese aluminum foil (HS code 7607 series) totaled 802,000 mt in January-July 2026, of which July exports stood at 118,800 mt, down 9.3% MoM from the June high of 131,000 mt, with the "rush to export" pulse effect clearly peaking and retreating.

1 hour ago

July aluminum foil exports pulled back 9.3% MoM, but the full-year target of 1.3 million mt remains achievable [SMM Analysis]

[SMM Analysis: July Aluminum Foil Exports Pulled Back 9.3% MoM, Full-Year Target of 1.3 Million mt Still Achievable] According to the latest data from the General Administration of Customs of China, China’s cumulative aluminum foil (HS code 7607-series) exports from January to July 2026 reached 802,000 mt, with July exports at 118,800 mt, pulling back 9.3% MoM from June’s high of 131,000 mt. The pulse effect of the “export rush” has peaked and is clearly pulling back.

1 hour ago