The Council for Aluminium in Building (CAB) has reported significant growth in its Closed Loop Recycling Scheme, marking its strongest year of member participation since the programme was launched.
The news was shared at CAB’s 31st Annual General Meeting, where Chief Executive Nigel Headford confirmed that more businesses have joined Closed Loop in the past year than in any previous period.
Nigel described the surge in adoption as a clear sign that the aluminium supply chain is embracing practical steps towards circularity.
“Closed Loop has had more members join this year than any other,” he noted, emphasising the growing recognition of aluminium’s value as a recoverable, infinitely recyclable material.
The Closed Loop Recycling Scheme enables members to return aluminium fabrication and installation scrap into a dedicated UK recycling stream. This ensures that high-grade aluminium waste is retained within domestic circulation rather than being downcycled, exported or lost from the supply chain.
By keeping material moving through a controlled recycling pathway, the scheme supports lower-carbon production, reduces reliance on imported aluminium, and strengthens the resilience of the UK aluminium industry.
Nigel highlighted that the scheme is designed to be accessible for companies of all sizes, from fabricators and installers to system houses and manufacturers.
“It’s a simple concept with measurable impact,” he explained. “The more aluminium we recycle within the UK, the more we reduce energy use, carbon emissions and unnecessary imports.
“Closed Loop gives members a straightforward way to contribute to the circular economy while demonstrating responsible practice to clients.”
The uptick in participation comes as sustainability expectations continue to rise across construction. Clients, regulators and supply chain partners are placing increasing emphasis on embodied carbon, transparent material sourcing and demonstrable environmental action.
CAB’s Closed Loop initiative provides members with a credible and verifiable way to evidence progress in these areas, aligning with both industry pressures and wider environmental goals.
Recycling aluminium uses as little as five percent of the energy required to produce primary metal, making high recycling rates one of the industry’s most powerful levers for carbon reduction.
CAB’s scheme helps ensure that the environmental benefits of aluminium recycling are retained within the UK, funnelling scrap back into the domestic re-melt system where it can be processed and returned directly to manufacturing.
Nigel said the surge in engagement reflects the industry’s growing appetite for collaboration on sustainability initiatives. “Closed Loop demonstrates what can be achieved when members come together with a shared purpose,” he said.
“It’s not just about waste reduction; it’s about building a circular, resilient aluminium supply chain for the future.”
Looking ahead, CAB plans to further expand the scheme’s reach by supporting members with guidance on scrap segregation, transport logistics and the documentation needed to demonstrate circularity.
The association also intends to continue advocating for greater recognition of aluminium recycling within government policy and wider construction sustainability frameworks.
“The momentum behind Closed Loop shows how seriously our members are taking their environmental commitments,” Nigel concluded.
“As participation grows, so does our ability to make a measurable difference to carbon reduction and resource efficiency across the sector.”
For more information about the Closed Loop Recycling Scheme or to join the programme, visit www.c-a-b.org.uk or contact enquiries@c-a-b.org.uk.