Novelis Doubles Recycling Capacity of UK Plant for Used Aluminium Cans

Novelis Inc., a top player in sustainable aluminum solutions and the global leader in aluminum rolling and recycling, has announced a significant investment of around $90 million to boost its recycling capabilities at its Latchford, UK plant. This investment will enhance the facility's ability to process used beverage cans (UBCs) by an additional 85 kilotonnes per year, marking an impressive increase of over 100% in its recycling capacity. This expansion underscores Novelis' commitment to advancing sustainability in aluminum recycling.

The investment encompasses the establishment of a new dross house and the installation of three advanced bag houses, alongside the adoption of state-of-the-art shredding, sorting, de-coating, and melting technologies. These enhancements are designed to significantly elevate the plant's capability to handle a larger volume and a more diverse range of aluminum scrap. The upgrades aim to streamline operations and boost efficiency across the board. With this expansion, Novelis Europe anticipates a substantial annual reduction in CO2e emissions, totaling over 350,000 tonnes. This initiative not only supports increased recycling capacity but also reinforces Novelis’ commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.

The project is slated to begin commissioning in December 2026. Upon completion, the facility will have the capability to recycle 100% of used beverage cans (UBCs) collected through the upcoming UK deposit return scheme. This development will establish a fully local, circular recycling system, effectively eliminating the necessity to export scrap materials from the UK. By processing all collected UBCs domestically, the project supports a more sustainable and self-sufficient recycling infrastructure within the country.

Emilio Braghi, Executive Vice President of Novelis and President of Novelis Europe, emphasized the company's strong commitment to sustainability and leadership in recycling. He noted that Novelis has the highest ambition among European recycling players to increase recycled content across its product range. In fiscal year 2024, Novelis achieved an average of 63% recycled content globally. The new investment represents a significant step in expanding their recycling capacity, further advancing their goal of achieving full circularity in the aluminum industry. This initiative underscores Novelis's dedication to providing innovative, high-recycled, and low-carbon aluminum solutions.

Allan Sweeney, Plant Manager of Novelis Latchford, highlighted the strategic significance of the investment in Latchford, reinforcing Novelis's leadership as the largest aluminum recycler in the UK. He emphasized that advancements in technology will enable the recycling of all types of used beverage can (UBC) scrap. This progress will promote the production of low-carbon, high-recycled content products, aligning with Novelis's ambitious sustainability objectives and supporting the environmental goals of their customers.