The Aluminium Federation (ALFED) is reminding industry that there are now just two weeks remaining to submit nominations for the 2026 ALFED Awards, with the deadline fast approaching on Friday 3rd July 2026. The Awards celebrate the individuals, innovations and organisations helping to drive the UK aluminium industry forward.
Taking place as part of the ALFED Business Briefing & Annual Dinner, the Awards have become a key opportunity to recognise excellence across the aluminium value chain. This year’s programme will be delivered under the theme “Making Things Happen” – reflecting the sector’s focus on turning ambition into action and delivering practical outcomes for industry.
At a time when manufacturers face increasing challenges around competitiveness, energy costs, decarbonisation, skills development and investment, the Awards seek to highlight those businesses and individuals that are making a measurable difference through leadership, innovation and commitment to the industry’s future.
With the nomination window now entering its final two weeks, ALFED is encouraging organisations across the supply chain to ensure their submissions are in before the Friday 3rd July deadline.
The 2026 Awards programme includes three categories:
- Rising Star Apprentice Award – recognising exceptional young talent and the next generation of leaders entering the aluminium industry.
- Low Carbon Innovation Award – celebrating projects, technologies and initiatives that are delivering meaningful progress towards decarbonisation, circularity and sustainable manufacturing.
- Industry Champion Award – recognising individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the aluminium sector through leadership, advocacy, collaboration or long-term service to the industry.
The Awards are proudly sponsored by BOAL UK Ltd, whose support continues to help recognise and celebrate excellence across the sector.
Speaking on the Awards, BOAL’s Managing Director, Emma Swann commented:
“BOAL is proud to support the ALFED Awards as Sapphire Sponsor – recognising the innovation, collaboration and new talent that continue to drive our industry forward. Our commitment also extends to enabling a lower carbon Annual Dinner in 2026, reflecting not a one off initiative but the way we operate, lead and engage with the aluminium community.”
Nadine Bloxsome, CEO of ALFED, said:
“The UK aluminium industry is full of individuals and organisations delivering real progress every day. Whether that’s investing in innovation, supporting apprentices, developing low-carbon solutions, strengthening supply chains or championing the interests of the sector, these achievements deserve recognition.
With just two weeks left to nominate, we strongly encourage members across the industry to put forward the people, teams and projects that deserve to be recognised before the deadline on Friday 3rd July.”
This year’s theme, ‘Making Things Happen’, reflects the conversations increasingly taking place across industry and Government. The focus is shifting from strategy alone to implementation and delivery. The Awards provide an opportunity to celebrate those people and businesses who are leading that change and making a tangible impact.
The Awards come at an important time for the aluminium sector as it continues to support national priorities around industrial growth, critical materials, defence, net zero, infrastructure and advanced manufacturing. Across the industry, companies are investing in new technologies, developing future skills, improving resource efficiency and helping to build more resilient domestic supply chains.
By recognising these achievements, ALFED aims to showcase the strength, innovation and expertise that exists throughout the UK’s aluminium value chain and inspire continued progress across the sector.
The winners will be announced at the ALFED Business Briefing & Annual Dinner on Thursday 24th September 2026 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Stratford-Upon-Avon, bringing together senior industry leaders, manufacturers, recyclers, processors, suppliers and stakeholders from across the aluminium community.
Bloxsome added:
“The Awards are about more than recognising success. They are about highlighting the people, projects and businesses that are helping to shape the future of our industry. With the deadline fast approaching, we encourage organisations from across the supply chain to submit their nominations and not miss the opportunity to be part of this celebration.”
Nominations are now open, but only for a limited time. Submissions must be received by Friday 3rd July 2026.
For further information on the ALFED Awards, nomination criteria and sponsorship opportunities, please visit: https://alfed.org.uk/alfed-awards/