Alupro has brought together some of Scotland’s most influential political figures to deliver cross-party support for the country’s impending deposit return scheme (DRS) and agree how best to accelerate progress towards achieving a truly circular economy in 2025. 

The expert panel discussion, which was kindly sponsored by Clare Haughey, MSP for Rutherglen, took place at the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh. Chaired by Simon Johnson, The Daily Telegraph’s Scottish political editor, speakers included Mercedes Villalba MSP, spokesperson for net zero and biodiversity; Maurice Golden MSP,  convener of the cross-party group on circular economy; and Tom Giddings, executive director of Alupro. 

In addition to discussing Scotland’s DRS and the critical details required to drive positive long-term change, the session explored national progress towards achieving a more circular economy and shone a spotlight on aluminium as a critical packaging material for delivering upon future sustainability ambitions.

Commenting on the event, Giddings said: “It was a real privilege to bring together some of Scotland’s most notable energy and environment ministers to discuss upcoming policy, dig deeper into the latest recycling rates and share insight on accelerating circular economy thinking. I’d like to extend my warmest thanks to Clare Haughey MSP for sponsoring the event, as well as Simon Johnson for hosting and the other speakers for their valuable contributions.

“With members spanning the entire supply chain, Alupro acts as the voice of the aluminium packaging industry on issues of government policy and legislative development. While UK aluminium packaging recycling rates have continued to rise in 2024, maintaining positive policy progress is critical for further increasing collection volumes and material quality, as well as helping the sector accelerate progress towards a more circular economy.”