Novelis Inc., the global leader in aluminium rolling and recycling, has announced a substantial £90 million investment to boost its recycling capacity at its Latchford plant in the UK. This project will significantly increase the plant’s ability to process used beverage cans (UBCs), enhancing its recycling capability by 85,000 tonnes annually, more than doubling its current capacity.
Emilio Braghi, Executive Vice President of Novelis and President of Novelis Europe, highlighted the company’s commitment to sustainability. “Novelis has set the bar high for recycling in the European market,” he said. “With an average of 63% recycled content in our products globally for fiscal year 2024, this investment is a key milestone in our programme to expand recycling capacity. It reaffirms our dedication to driving the aluminium industry towards full circularity and offering innovative, low-carbon aluminium solutions.”
The investment will fund the construction of a new dross house, three additional bag houses, and the installation of advanced shredding, sorting, de-coating, and melting technologies. These upgrades will enable the Latchford facility to process a wider range of aluminium scrap and increase overall operational efficiency. The enhancements are expected to lead to a reduction in carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions by over 350,000 tonnes annually for Novelis Europe.
The expanded facility will be capable of recycling 100% of the UBCs collected under the forthcoming UK deposit return scheme, creating a local, fully circular system. This development is anticipated to eliminate the need to export aluminium scrap from the UK, further supporting the country’s sustainability goals.
Plant Manager Allan Sweeney commented, “This investment solidifies our position as the largest aluminium recycler in the UK. With new technological advancements, we will be able to recycle all types of UBC scrap. This will not only help us meet our own ambitious sustainability targets but also support our customers in achieving their environmental objectives.”
The expansion project is scheduled to begin commissioning in December 2026. The new infrastructure and technology will enable Novelis to handle an increased volume and variety of aluminium scrap, driving forward its goal of producing high-recycled content and low-carbon products.
This significant investment underscores Novelis’ role as a frontrunner in aluminium recycling and its dedication to fostering a circular economy in the UK. The company’s efforts align with broader environmental initiatives aimed at reducing waste and improving recycling rates, marking a pivotal step in the global transition towards more sustainable industrial practices.