‘TEST YOUR METTLE’ BUREAU VERITAS ADVISES PACKAGING SECTOR ON ALUMINIUM STANDARDS

It comes amid a soaring demand for aluminium in the coming years - driven by the construction, packaging and automotive sectors. This is down to a greater adoption of electric vehicles and moves to reduce plastic packaging in favour of aluminium packaging to protect the environment.

Yet, despite its versatility and status as the one of the most recycled materials on the planet, aluminium sourcing and production comes with various negative environmental, social and governance (ESG) impacts. For example, latest research suggests aluminium accounts for 1-2% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as well as contributing to widespread biodiversity loss.

As a result, says global certification expert Bureau Veritas, a number of industries are now under greater pressure to address the ESG impacts of aluminium production and use, especially when it comes to biodiversity and waste management.

Karolina Lachi Kolarova, Business Unit Director of Certification at Bureau Veritas states: “Recent years have seen significant changes for industries that utilise aluminium – whether that’s sourcing, production, use or recycling.

“What’s more, aluminium demand is expected to soar in the coming years driven by the electric vehicle boom and the continuing move away from plastic packaging. As a result, one of the most pressing issues for sectors like construction, automotive and packaging is how to continue to maximize the benefits of this precious metal in the most sustainable manner possible.

“As such, it’s no surprise that businesses are now under greater pressure to up their due diligence and establish practices aimed at limiting the environmental impact of aluminium. Naturally, this should start with a holistic and transparent approach that ensures robust standards throughout the value chain.”

According to Bureau Veritas, certification to Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI), which in recent years has developed two standards - the Performance Standard and Chain of Custody Standard – is key. These are designed to promote sustainable practices in aluminium production, use and recycling.

For instance, Bureau Veritas certified global packaging company Ball Corporation, which manufactures beverage cans for some of the world’s most famous consumer brands, according to the ASI standards. Developing a bespoke package of support, the certification expert also helped the packaging giant achieve compliance to a whole suite of other standards including FSSC 22000 and ISO 45001.

Bjoern Kulmann, Director Global Sustainability at Ball Corporation, said: “As a leading supplier to the global beverage industry, we are committed to making cans the most sustainable package. This means our aluminium sourcing and production processes must always reflect our dedication to the highest procurement and sustainability standards. We are proud to be the first beverage can maker in the world to become ASI certified and we’d like to thank Bureau Veritas for their technical expertise and tailored certification services, which helped us to meet the stringent conditions of ASI.”

Karolina adds: “By adopting ASI standards, companies can participate in collaboratively fostering responsible production, sourcing and stewardship of aluminium - essentially by considering and minimising the ESG impacts of each and every single part of the supply chain. Cleary then, given the myriad of benefits this is likely to bring, the time to take swift action and test your mettle is now.”

Bureau Veritas is among the few certification bodies worldwide to offer accredited certification to ASI as part of its comprehensive sustainability certification offer, Circular+. Circular+ is a holistic approach that offers process audit and management system services to help organisations manage their environmental and social impacts.

For further information, call 0345 600 1828 or visit www.bureauveritas.co.uk. Or visit our Sustainability Services section to learn more about sustainability offerings 

To find out more about how Ball Packaging achieved compliance with the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI), visit https://vimeo.com/395223286