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Frequently Asked Questions

Joining the scheme

Why should I join the scheme?

The benefits of CAB CLR Scheme membership to CAB members include:

  • sorting and separation of higher quality aluminium scrap with increased value compared to scrap containing mixed alloy grades
  • development of the aluminium closed loop recycling value chain
  • contribution to industry-wide aluminium recycling data
  • promotion of your sustainability credentials to customers and use of the scheme logo.

How much will the scheme cost me to join?

The CAB CLR Scheme is open to members of CAB and is part of your membership package, with no additional fees. As the voice of the aluminium in building sector, the goal of CAB is to improve the collection and treatment of used aluminium in the UK and to highlight our contribution to the circular economy.

Where can I find a list of scheme members?

The current list of scheme members is on our website here.

What is the difference between “Founder Members”, “Members” and “Associate Members?

In recognition of their contribution to the scheme, members of the CLR (pilot) Scheme have transferred to the full scheme as “Founder Members”. As the pilot phase has now ended, the “Founder Member” category is closed. Organisations that meet the full scheme criteria (as set out ;here) here are “Members” of the scheme. For those organisations that would like to join the scheme now and are working towards the relevant criteria, they are “Associate Members”. This will normally be for a period of up to two years, at which point we would expect the Associate Member to meet the criteria for Members, and to transfer to the Member category accordingly.

Scheme members

Is there a logo to promote the scheme?

Yes, there is a scheme logo, and this also identifies whether a member is a Founder Member, a Member or an Associate Member. More details are available on the scheme logo to use, the style guide and the claims guide.

Is there a membership certificate for the scheme?

Yes, each scheme member is presented with a membership certificate on an annual basis.

When should I send in my first monthly return?

When your membership application meets all relevant criteria, your membership of the scheme will be confirmed by email and the requirements for your monthly data return will be highlighted at this time. We would normally require your first monthly data return for your first full month of scheme membership.

What happens if I fail to send in a monthly return?

We will contact you to notify you of any outstanding returns. It is possible to provide a “zero” return if there have been no relevant transactions in the month. Failure by a scheme member to make monthly returns could result in them losing their membership of the scheme.

How will you keep my data confidential?

CAB will handle members’ data in strict confidence and in accordance with its Privacy Policy. Only aggregated recycling data will be published by CAB in relation to this Closed Loop Recycling Scheme and all reasonable endeavours shall be taken to ensure that recycling data will not be attributable to individual members.

Certification

What certification(s) do I need?

This is probably the biggest change comparing the pilot scheme to the full scheme. We are requesting that all members of the full scheme hold the relevant Quality Management System certification and either the relevant Environmental Management System certification or a suitable environmental policy. The exact requirements will depend on your role in the value chain and your membership class (i.e. Member or Associate Member). This is set out in more detail in the scheme criteria here.

We have prepared this Guidance for company assessors.

Can I join the scheme without ISO 9001 certification?

Possibly. For “Fabricator” or “Installer” members of the scheme, we will accept a suitable Factory Production Control (FPC) system in lieu of ISO 9001, where the scope is considered relevant with evidence of third-party certification and regular audits. An FPC should detail:

  • The scope of the system.
  • The steps taken to ensure that products manufactured meet the stated performance characteristics.
  • Appropriate control of incoming materials, components, equipment, the production process and the product.
  • How the findings of inspections, tests or assessments are recorded and how necessary corrective actions are taken.
  • Who is responsible for the FPC system, demonstrating that sufficient, competent personnel are available to establish, document and maintain the FPC system.

Please contact CAB to see whether your FPC meets these criteria and you can become a scheme member. If you need to work on any aspect to meet the scheme criteria, you may be accepted onto the scheme as an Associate Member in the short term.

For “Recycler” members of the scheme, we will accept suitable evidence of licences & “closed loop” processes in place in lieu of ISO 9001. This is set out in more detail in the scheme criteria here

Can I join the scheme without ISO 14001 certification?

Possibly. For “Fabricator” or “Installer” members of the scheme, we will accept a suitable Environmental Policy if you do not have ISO 14001 in place. A model Environmental Policy, setting out the important principles (see below), can be found here.

To join as a “Fabricator” or “Installer” member of the scheme, our organisation already has an Environmental Policy in place – is it OK?

Possibly. The model Environmental Policy sets out the important principles to be considered. These include clear statements concerning:

  • The organisation’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact and continually monitoring and improving its environmental performance.
  • The involvement of the organisation’s top management team to implement the policy.
  • The involvement of all employees in meeting the aims and objectives of the policy.
  • The importance of meeting all relevant regulatory requirements, maintaining appropriate records.
  • Promoting the recycling of aluminium, and closed loop recycling where possible, recognising all scrap as an important resource.

The policy should be signed off by a representative of the top management team and show evidence of a regular review process.

If your organisation has an existing Environmental Policy, please forward it with your application form and CAB will assess its suitability.

For ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certification, why are you asking for “UKAS accreditation or equivalent”?

For ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certification, we are asking for the certification body to be UKAS accredited or equivalent in order to demonstrate that scheme members have in place robust quality and environmental management systems that can help to improve their overall performance and provide a sound basis for sustainable development initiatives, such as this. This could be important in demonstrating the credibility of the scheme and its possible recognition by third parties.

What does “UKAS accreditation or equivalent” mean?

UKAS accredited organisations, and in the case of certification bodies their certificated clients, can use the national accreditation symbols in accordance with the official guidelines for use. Certificates relating to those activities covered under UKAS accreditation should carry the relevant national accreditation symbol. In the case that your certification has been issued by a body that is not accredited by UKAS, for “equivalent” certification we require management systems certification (i.e. ISO 9001 or ISO 14001) by a company operating in accordance with ISO 17021, with accreditation to that effect from an accreditation body that demonstrates compliance with ISO 17011.

What if our ISO 9001 or ISO 14001 certification is issued by a non-UK certification body?

Certification from a company with accreditation by a member of IAF (International Accreditation Forum) and/or EA (European Cooperation on Accreditation) Multilateral Agreements (MLA) for “Management systems certification” to include ISO 9001 or ISO 14001 is also acceptable to the scheme for overseas companies/ certification, where relevant to the manufacturing plant concerned. Please refer to the Directory of EA Members and MLA Signatories.

Marketing

How will you promote the scheme and scheme members?

We will be sharing details of the scheme with all relevant third parties to help develop the full scheme. We will be promoting the scheme to main contractors. We will do this by direct contact and through regular emails. We will promote the scheme using mailshots, targeted PR and advertising supplements. We will also promote the scheme to other trade bodies and programme operators to identify how we can best collaborate and extend the scheme.