Novelis, the world's largest recycler of aluminum, is taking a significant step towards creating a circular economy for aluminum in the United Kingdom. The company has announced a $90 million investment to expand its recycling capabilities at its Latchford plant, demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainability and resource efficiency in the aluminum industry.
The expansion project at the Latchford facility is set to increase its used beverage can recycling capacity by 85,000 metric tons per year, more than doubling its current capabilities. This substantial boost in capacity will enable Novelis to process a larger volume and wider variety of aluminum scrap, significantly reducing the need for primary aluminum production. The upgrade includes the construction of a new dross house, three new bag houses, and the installation of cutting-edge technologies for shredding, sorting, de-coating, and melting. These advancements will not only increase the plant's recycling capacity but also improve its operational efficiency.
One of the most notable aspects of this expansion is its alignment with the future UK deposit return scheme. Once completed, the upgraded Latchford facility will have the capacity to recycle 100% of the UBCs expected to be collected under this scheme. This development creates a fully local circular system for aluminum recycling, eliminating the need to export scrap from the UK and further reducing the carbon footprint of the recycling process. The facility is expected to begin commissioning in December 2026, marking a significant milestone in the UK's journey towards a more sustainable aluminum industry.
Novelis' investment in Latchford is a clear reflection of its ambitious sustainability goals and reinforces its position as a leader in the European recycling market. The company reported an average of 63% recycled content in its products for fiscal year 2024 and aims to further increase this percentage across its product range. By enhancing its ability to recycle all types of UBC scrap, Novelis is not only supporting its own sustainability objectives but also those of its customers across various industries, including aerospace, automotive, beverage can, and specialties.
The environmental impact of this expansion is substantial. Novelis projects that the increased recycling capacity and implementation of advanced technologies at Latchford will result in an annual CO₂ equivalent reduction of more than 350,000 metric tons for Novelis Europe. This significant decrease in emissions demonstrates the company's commitment to driving the transformation of the aluminum industry towards full circularity and leading the market with innovative, high-recycled, and low-carbon aluminum solutions.
The Latchford expansion is part of a broader trend in the aluminum industry towards increased sustainability and circularity. As consumers and regulators alike demand more environmentally friendly products and processes, companies like Novelis are stepping up to meet these challenges. By investing in recycling infrastructure and technologies, Novelis is not only reducing its own environmental footprint but also helping to create a more sustainable supply chain for aluminum-based products.
The success of this project could have far-reaching implications for the aluminum industry and recycling efforts worldwide. As Novelis demonstrates the feasibility and benefits of large-scale aluminum recycling, it may inspire other companies and regions to follow suit. This could lead to a global shift towards a more circular economy for aluminum, reducing the need for energy-intensive primary aluminum production and minimizing the industry's overall environmental impact. The Latchford expansion serves as a model for how innovative recycling solutions can contribute to a more sustainable future, turning what was once considered waste into a valuable resource and driving the aluminum industry towards a greener, more circular future.
