The Corby manufacturer took home the prize at the 2026 Made in Britain Impact Awards for “making a sustainable material the everyday standard”
A Northamptonshire aluminium manufacturer which specialises in the supply of bespoke extrusions, machined and finished components, has been awarded by Made in Britain for its commitment to sustainability.
Aluminium Shapes Ltd was awarded the ‘Sustainability Initiative of the Year’ award at the 2026 Impact Awards – an award which celebrates businesses putting environmental responsibility into practice and achieving results that make a measurable difference.
The accolade was awarded at this week’s Impact Awards ceremony, hosted by Made in Britain – the internationally recognised trademark for British-made goods.
Darren Millard, Managing Director at Aluminium Shapes Ltd, said: “It’s a special occasion for us as we’re celebrating our 40th year in business. Considering we only launched the product in January this year, being recognised as a sustainability leader is an honour. I’m immensely proud of the whole team and what we’ve achieved. We’re determined to reduce CO2 emissions in every way possible and improve the environment that we all live in.”
Aluminium Shapes Ltd introduced a lower-carbon alternative across its entire aluminium extrusion operation in January 2026. Its new material incorporates a high proportion of recycled aluminium and has a carbon footprint approximately three-quarters lower than the global industry average.
In less than a year, the initiative has delivered estimated carbon savings of more than 20,000 tonnes, which is equivalent to taking almost 5,000 cars off the road.
Judges particularly praised the company for implementing this initiative without sacrificing the strength, quality or reliability that its customers need.
John Pearce, CEO of Made in Britain, said: “Aluminium is essential to countless products, from buildings and vehicles to machinery and everyday equipment. But producing it can also carry a substantial environmental cost.
“Aluminium Shapes Ltd has taken a major step towards changing that, and we’re delighted to recognise this by awarding the company the Sustainability Initiative of the Year award.
“What ultimately set this entry apart was the company’s decision to make a more sustainable material the everyday standard, rather than the premium option – and the results it has achieved are quite extraordinary.”
Also recognised in the Sustainability Initiative of the Year category was Ideal Manufacturing, trading as Fill Refill Co, which came highly commended, and Neuthread c/o Daisy Chain, which took home the runner-up prize.
Organised and hosted by the not-for-profit trade body, Made in Britain, the Impact Awards are open exclusively to its 2,250 members – manufacturers who proudly use the official Made in Britain trademark to promote their goods.
Other winners from the 2026 Impact Awards include Invica Industries (Heritage Manufacturer of the Year), Rotary Precision Instruments (Heroes of British Export), MAV Systems (Innovation of the Year), Anna Angel of Anya Sushko Handbags England (Inspiring Leader of the Year), Orange Campers (Marketing Campaign of the Year), Apex Pumps (Excellence in Procurement), Trueform Engineering Ltd (Social Impact in Manufacturing) and Scarab Sweepers (Trademark Excellence).
