Last month, the UK government unveiled its new 10‑year Industrial Strategy, targeting manufacturing, lowering energy costs, and boosting innovation. This strategy has significant implications for the metal packaging sector—particularly for aluminium.
Nadine Bloxsome, CEO of the Aluminium Federation and leader of the UK Aluminium Alliance, told CanTech International that there’s a “real opportunity for aluminium packaging producers to align with government funding streams, particularly through programmes like the IETF and Transforming Foundation Industries”. She noted that companies already improving energy efficiency, using high‑quality scrap, or processing secondary aluminium are “well‑placed to benefit” from such initiatives.
A core mission of the UK Aluminium Alliance is building a fully circular aluminium economy—recycling endlessly and capturing post‑consumer scrap like beverage bottles and cans domestically. Efforts are underway to enhance sorting, traceability, and closed‑loop reuse within the UK.
Strengthening Steel Packaging and Tinplate Integration
Though steel packaging isn’t explicitly named in the Industrial Strategy, its impact is clear within the broader UK steel industry. Jason Galley, CEO of MPMA, sees the Strategy as “a vote of confidence for aluminium and steel packaging”. He emphasized the importance of:
Investment in electric arc furnace steelmaking at Port Talbot;
Expansion of renewable energy access;
Prioritizing domestic sourcing of packaging-grade steel.
Additionally, modern steel cans are primarily made from tinplate—steel coated with a thin tin layer—to prevent corrosion and ensure food safety. This tinplate process continues to support the resilience and recyclability of steel packaging within the circular economy.
Policy, Trade Barriers, and Decarbonisation
Despite the momentum, challenges remain. Bloxsome warns that post‑Brexit regulatory divergence—around rules of origin and product standards—could hamper progress. Tariffs like Section 232 on UK aluminium exports to the U.S. continue to pose obstacles. She also stresses the need for the UK’s upcoming Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism to align with the EU’s to avoid market fragmentation and red tape.
Meanwhile, Galley pointed out that “transitioning manufacturing to renewable electricity is among the most effective paths to achieving Net Zero goals,” and both steel and aluminium must equally benefit.
Aluminium vs Steel Cans: Key Metrics at a Glance
Metric
Aluminium Packaging
Steel (Tinplate) Packaging
Recyclability
Endless recycling; high domestic scrap recovery
Recycled without quality loss; tin removed before remelt
CO₂ Savings (per tonne scrap)
~Emissions saved via secondary processing
~1.5 tonnes CO₂; 1.4 t ore + 740 kg coal saved
Policy Support
IETF, Transforming Foundation Industries grants
Industrial Strategy includes broader steel support
Trade Status
U.S. tariffs under Section 232
Domestic sourcing boosted; reliant on EU-aligned CBAM
Energy Transition
Shift toward renewables crucial
Electric arc furnace usage supported by the strategy
Outlook: A Unified Path to Low‑Carbon Circularity
The UK Industrial Strategy places metal packaging front and centre in its vision for a low‑carbon, resilient manufacturing sector. Supported by domestic recycling initiatives and renewables investments, both aluminium and tinplate packaging are positioned to drive the UK’s circular economy.
To fully capitalize, policymakers must address trade barriers, regulatory alignment, and invest in local recycling infrastructure. If these conditions are met, metal packaging can be the linchpin that connects UK manufacturing to both industrial strength and environmental sustainability.
