SMEs in construction turn to personal guarantee backed finance
63% rise in loan applications in 2024
SMEs in construction are boosting their financial resilience through personal guarantee backed loans and invoice financing according to Purbeck Insurance Services – the UK’s only provider of personal guarantee insurance.
63% more SME construction firms applied for personal guarantee backed finance in 2024 compared to 2023. This is where the owner/director puts their personal assets up as security for the loan and uses
insurance to mitigate that risk.
There was also a 24% rise in construction firms using invoice finance in Q4 2024, allowing the lender to use unpaid invoices as collateral for funding.
Plant & Equipment
Just under half of the SME construction firms taking on a new loan, needed the funds to provide working capital.
Todd Davison (pictured), MD of Purbeck Personal Guarantee Insurance, said, “With promises of a building boom, it is vital that firms take positive steps to improve their financial resilience so that they can stay the course. One way is to cut some of the risks associated with personal guarantee backed loans by taking insurance. This means construction firms can get access to the finance they need without exposing themselves to additional risk.”
T 0208 004 7250
info@purbeckinsurance.co.uk www.purbeckinsurance.co.uk
Editor’s Comments
Welcome to our January issue of Sustainability
Today! Explore our hand-picked features on innovative companies across the sustainability, energy, water, recycling & waste management sectors.
We’re delighted to feature John Hanlon & Co Ltd as our Specialist Hire Equipment & Sales Company of the Month on page 4. In this focus piece we dive into the market dominance that the company has had over the last 40 years, as well as note their sustainability best practices by exploring its range of Komptech Shredders and Screeners, including the latest E-Mobile Shredders.
On page 10, we have a full review of the AQE 2024 Expo, held at the NEC in Birmingham from 9-10 October 2024. Boasting the largest exhibitor turnout and the most comprehensive conference programme since 2002, AQE 2024 was an unmissable gathering for professionals, researchers, and policymakers deeply invested in the fight
against air pollution and climate change.
We also feature Solenvis on page 12, a Top Exhibitor from WWEM 2024 Expo, who has been at the forefront of engineering services and energy management for the last three decades: supplying and installing solutions for monitoring, controlling and saving energy and utilities. Our focus piece highlights the complete range of flow solutions that was exhibited at last year’s show.
Other show reviews: Recycling Expo 2024, WWEM Expo 2024.
Other topics covered: Energy Management, Quarrying & Mining, Environmental, Recycling & Waste Management, Pumps & Valves, Water Management, Construction Finance.
Don’t forget to send us your latest Business, Industry and Sustainable news and updates and email us at: info@sustainabilitytoday.co.uk
Contacts
SUS Sales Manager, Jess Machin – 0121 550 7510 jessmachin@sustainabilitytoday.co.uk
Editorial, Gina Burton – 07483 931474 – gina@businessandindustrytoday.co.uk
Production Manager, Robert Sharp – production@businessandindustrytoday.co.uk Accounts Department, Paul Whitaker – 0121 824 4742 accounts@businessandindustrytoday.co.uk
For more information or format requirements, see our Media Pack
The entire content of this publication is advertorial based. To place an advertorial or an advert, please call 0121 550 7510.
SUSTAINABILITY TOD AY
Company of the Month 4-5
Now in its third generation, John Hanlon has been at the forefront of the heavy equipment rental market for over fifty years.
Greenbuild 6-7
As a member of the Stuart Canvas Group, Mudfords focuses on wholesale importing of textilebased products for the construction, building, and haulage sectors.
Water Management 8-9
A key part of Severn Trent’s industry-leading programme to tackle spills was its collaboration with Evenproducts to rapidly install and deploy an innovative auxiliary tank solution.
AQE Expo Review 10
AQE 2024, or Air Quality and Emissions Expo, made a significant impact from 9-10 October at the NEC in Birmingham.
WWEM Expo Review 12
WWEM is where visitors could connect with the top players in water management and wastewater.
Recycling Expo Review 14-15
Recycling Expo 2024, held at ExCeL London from 15-16 October, reaffirmed its status as the premier event for advancing the circular economy.
Energy Management 17
Lehmann-UMT
GmbH has developed the key technology for defibreing various organic materials with its bioextruder.
Specialist Hire Equipment & Sales Company of the Month
Komptech Lacero High-Speed
Horizontal Grinder: The undisputed ‘beast’ in wood and green waste
We are delighted to showcase John Hanlon & Co Ltd as our Specialist Hire Equipment & Sales Company of the Month
John Hanlon & Co Ltd is the UK’s leading specialist hire equipment and sales company. Established in 1973, the family-run business was named after founder John Hanlon and originally traded as an engineering company repairing various wheel loaders, dump trucks, and dozers, before later investing in machines for contract hire. Now in its third generation, John Hanlon has been at the forefront of the heavy equipment rental market for over fifty years, boasting a current fleet of over 300-wheel loaders, material handlers, shredders and screeners.
The company headquarters are in Bedfordshire, close to the A507 bypass with a new depot in Harworth, Doncaster now open for a growing Northern customer base and refurbishments on machines.
Market dominance
“We have spent the last 40 years as the market leader in long-term and short-term equipment hire ranging from all sizes of wheel loaders, material handlers and now shredders and screeners. Our hire fleet cover many different sectors including aggregates, cement, construction etc but our main sectors are household waste recycling as well as organic waste recycling,” explains Lee Hanlon, Area Sales Manager.
Spotlight on Komptech Lacero
“Notably, we have been the sole UK dealer for
Komptech since 2016: leading manufactures of a leading range of shredders, screeners, separators for various waste streams including wood, green and municipal waste. During 2024, we showcased the new Komptech Lacero High-Speed Horizontal Grinder on our October demo tour to targeted customers in the wood and green waste sectors. The high-speed grinder has been coined the ‘Beast’ – termed for its down-swinging rotor with 16 heavy duty teeth and 800hp+ CAT C18 engine that shreds over 100 tons of wood and green waste per hour. With a throughput up to 400m2/h, the Lacero delivers high-speed performance shredding at the quietest settings.”
The Lacero was positively received at many industryspecific events, including Recycling 2024 Expo last October for its unmatched high-speed performance. Komptech are already well established across the UK industrial waste sector with its leading product names such as the slow-speed shredder: Terminator, medium-speed shredder: Equalizor, ballistic separator: Ballistor and Eddy current separator: Metalfex.
Within the hire fleet, wheel loaders are the cornerstone of the John Hanlon product range, including renowned brands like CAT, Volvo and Liebherr. Expertly designed for versatile material handling tasks, wheel loaders offer maximum power, durability and fuel efficiency every time. With attention to detail, customers can additionally hire a full range of wheel loader attachments and additional waste handling options like screen guarding, air filters, extended boom, fire suppression, radar detection and more.
The Volvo H-Series are best-sellers, for example the Volvo L70H Wheel Loader offers the following features:
t Bucket capacity of 1.8-6.4m2
t Operating weight of 12,700-15,500kg
t STL at full turn: 8,500 kg.
“From our Komptech range, the Crambo has proven to be the benchmark in organic waste shredding. Whereas competitors offer slow-speed shredders that try to cover all kinds of waste to be processed,
the Crambo is designed purely for organic waste and gives the customer a shredder that can handle high levels of waste to be processed in a consistent and efficient manner.”
Sustainability best practices: diesel-free mobile shredder
In line with wider industry thinking, John Hanlon offers electric or hybrid options on all Komptech shredders and screeners, including the latest E-Mobile Shredders. While competitors in the market still rely heavily on diesel-powered engines, the E-Mobile Shredder from John Hanlon is distinguishable by having the shredder’s undercarriage and auxiliary components powered by a battery pack rather than using a diesel-generator.
“That’s not all. With the introduction of Komptech to our portfolio we can offer our customers not only machines to help move their waste with our hire fleet of Wheel Loaders and Material Handlers but also process the waste with options to offer them throughout the entire recycling process with our range of Komptech machines.”
Looking to the future
With sustainability as the driving force, John Hanlon has already been busy trialling electric options for the material handler fleet as well as the smaller wheel loader range. Komptech is also expected to expand its electric options for both shredding and screening in the short-term future.
“As we have been in operation for now over 50 years, our focus is to carry on providing our growing customer base with the highest quality machines as well as the highest quality support service for the next 50 years.”
The 300-strong rental fleet includes wheel loaders, material handlers, shredders and screeners. To find out more about all short and long-term rentals for brands including Volvo, CAT, Liebherr and Komptech, click here: www.johnhanlon.com
Alternatively, contact the sales team by phone or email: T 01462 813301 info@johnhanlon.com
Watch a live demonstration of the Komptech Lacero (‘the Beast’) here: www.linkedin.com/company/johnhanlonandcoltd
Best-selling products: Volvo Wheel Loaders and Crambo shredder
Agricultural Machinery Covers, Tarpaulins, Brick Nets, Large & Small Trailer Covers, Bungee Cords, Curtain Siders, Hessian Rolls, Lifting Slings, Sandbags, Load Straps, PVC Sheets, Roll-On Covers & Nets, Ropes, Skip Nets
An Aladdin’s Cave of building products
Founded nearly 200 years ago in 1832 by ropemaker John Horace Mudford, who pioneered handspun hemp, the company has a rich history. In 2018, Mudfords became part of the Stuart Canvas Group, a leading UK supplier of sports grounds and industrial covers.
As a member of the Stuart Canvas Group, Mudfords focuses on wholesale importing of textile-based products for the construction, building, and haulage sectors, as well as manufacturing bespoke covers. Now operating from new premises in Sheffield, the Yorkshirebased team benefits from expanded warehouse storage facilities for its comprehensive product range. Known for its exceptional customer service, Mudfords fosters long-term relationships and consistently delivers premium products.
Mudfords is a well trusted leader in the industry and offers an extensive range of tarpaulins, hessian and jute sheets, nets, straps and slings, ropes, cords and sandbags. These products have versatile uses that are particularly useful during the winter months when the weather can be very unpredictable.
Mudfords pallet covers are ideal for use in winter by because they are designed to provide insulation and robust protection from environmental elements, dust and debris. They also ensure the stabilisation of the pallets, and are a great investment to enhance the integrity, safety, and organisation of materials, making them a practical choice for any construction or transport operation.
protective qualities for wind, rain and UV. They can also retain heat when used to enclose workspaces, reducing heat loss and keeping the area warmer for workers and temperaturesensitive materials.
What’s more, their heavy-duty nature means they can withstand harsh conditions and repeated use, offering a cost-effective solution for long-term projects. They are also great for security purposes, as they can obscure valuable equipment and materials from view, reducing the risk of theft or vandalism.
and the ropes along the edges are a bonus. Excellent value for money.”
“Flexible and robust material that is easy to handle. I purchased mine to cover an iW trailer and I’m delighted. Highly recommended.”
“Perfect for covering a small boat, extremely thick & will be long lasting.”
Mudfords Heavy Duty Tarpaulin 610gsm are available in green or blue and manufactured from a sturdy durable PVC coated polyester. The tarpaulins are available in a range of sizes from 3.5m x 2.75m all the way up to 10m x 6m making the product ideal for all round use.
The tarpaulins come complete with eyelets every 4 feet and ropes with reinforced corners making them flexible to cater to more than one job. The product is incredibly versatile but is mainly used for Trailer Covers, Machine Protection and Camping Sheets.
Some areas of the UK have been hit hard with high levels of flooding due to excessive rain fall over the last few months. A great way to combat any potential flooding is to use sandbags. Mudfords has three varieties to choose from: Hessian; Polypropylene; and Rotproof.
Polypropylene are a cheaper choice and more catered towards light-weight use and equipped with anti-rotting protection for durability. However, Rotproof hessian sandbags are a better option for some merchants as the water intake is very minimal. They are traditionally used to assist in the prevention of flooding, and can be used with tarpaulins to help waterproof and seal sandbag barriers.
Mudfords pallet covers are typically made from durable, waterproof materials that protect pallets and their contents from rain, snow, and ice, which are common during winter months. As well as being reusable and ideal for multiple uses, they are made from durable 140gsm lightweight PE material. Each cover comes complete with metal eyelets on all corners, hemmed bottoms, sealed seams, and are available in three different sizes: Small – 1,000(W) x 1,200(L) x 500(H) mm, Medium – 1,000(W) x 1,200(L) x 1,000(H) mm, and X Large –1,000(W) x 1,200(L) x 2,000(H) mm.
Another excellent choice for construction companies during the winter are heavy-duty tarpaulins. Their durable, versatile, and have
Mudfords also has a 150gsm heavy-duty tarpaulin which is a great waterproof cover for many uses. It comes complete with eyelets all round and is ideally used for Garden Furniture, General Industry, Haystacks, and Mechanical Equipment.
The Heavy-Duty Tarpaulins have earned a reputation for excellence, consistently receiving 5-star ratings from satisfied customers. Here are three glowing reviews:
“The tarpaulin arrived within days of ordering. It’s very well made,
Debris Netting is an eco-friendly solution for controlling dust and debris, ideal for construction and scaffolding. It minimises pollution, maintains a cleaner work environment, and provides protection against wind, rain, and weather. Available in various colours for site visibility, each 50m roll comes in 2m or 3m widths, with durable polyethylene material and eyelets for easy installation. What’s more, its compact packaging also reduces environmental impact during shipping.
Pallet Covers
Debris Netting
Heavy Duty Tarpaulins
The Challenge Water Management
Severn Trent manages the largest network of storm overflows in the UK, with around 2,472 systems. As part of an industry-leading programme to tackle spills, the water company recognised the need to go further and faster in addressing stormwater challenges. A key part of Severn Trent’s industry-leading programme to tackle spills was its collaboration with Evenproducts to rapidly install and deploy an innovative auxiliary tank solution. These were manufactured using Tata Steel’s Magizinc® steel coating which promotes reduced environmental impact and longer life.
Severn Trent’s programme to tackle stormwater challenges targeted three of the key factors driving overflow incidents:
t Climate change – Intensifying rainfall events are increasing stormwater volumes, putting pressure on system capacity.
t Urbanisation – Expanding urban areas funnel more rainwater into sewer networks, reducing natural drainage.
t Rising demand – Population growth adds to wastewater volumes, increasing strain on stormwater systems.
In 2023 alone, these factors helped contributed to overflows being used 464,056 times nationwide.
Severn Trent’s response is an ambitious programme of innovative, scalable solutions, deployed rapidly across its network to reduce spills and protect the environment.
The Objectives
Severn Trent’s objectives for a stormwater management solution are driven by the need to modernise its infrastructure, reduce environmental impact, and enhance resilience in the face of growing challenges. Key objectives include:
t Reducing Pollution – Severn Trent aims to cut storm overflow uses by 20% and lower its contribution to river pollution from 14% to under 2% by 2030, aligning with regulatory and environmental commitments.
t Scaling Solutions Rapidly – With over 900 priority sites identified, the solution must be scalable and deployable on an accelerated timeline to meet urgent demands, especially ahead of extreme weather conditions.
t Maximising Efficiency – Solutions must integrate seamlessly with existing systems, optimising tank capacity, flow rates, and operational compatibility without causing disruption.
t Ensuring Long-Term Durability – Materials and designs must provide robust, reliable performance over decades, minimising maintenance
requirements and ensuring sustainability.
t Supporting Safe and Efficient Installation – With over 300 installations required, solutions must prioritise ease of assembly, on-site safety, and efficient training for contractors.
By addressing these objectives, Severn Trent is not only improving stormwater infrastructure but also setting a benchmark for environmental stewardship and operational excellence in the water utility sector.
Tiphanie Marriott, Senior Commercial Manager, Severn Trent
"Severn Trent and Evenproducts have worked collaboratively in defining the auxiliary tank solution and rapidly putting a plan in place to deliver. Evenproducts communication, organisation, flexibility and speed enabled Severn Trent to quickly and efficiently deploy solutions across our sites."
Evenproducts Solution
A key part of Severn Trent’s industry-leading programme to tackle spills was its collaboration with Evenproducts to rapidly install and deploy an innovative auxiliary tank solution. Over 300 hydrostatically balanced steel tanks were installed across 200 locations, creating capacity to hold hundreds of thousands of litres of additional stormwater. This scalable and sustainable approach not only prevented spills but also contributed to improved river health. Evenproducts’ solution provided a cost-effective alternative to traditional concrete tanks, meeting Severn Trent’s need for rapid deployment and long-term reliability.
Mike Haydon, River Health Capital Design Lead, Severn Trent
"We approached Evenproducts at the end of May to assist us in providing auxiliary storage solutions to be deployed across our region. From the very start Evenproducts have proven themselves in terms of product innovation and quality. They have risen to challenges we have faced both technically and logistically, with a can-do attitude and as a part of our team. Their technical ability and inherent flexibility has been essential to us delivering our programme. I definitely consider them to be a partner rather than a supplier."
Design and Logistical Challenges
The project presented several design and logistical challenges, which required innovative solutions: t Speed and Scalability – Rapid production, delivery, and installation were essential to meet a tight timeline ahead of winter weather. Evenproducts’ efficient design and streamlined logistics ensured the tanks were delivered and installed without delays.
t Site-Specific Customisation – Each tank had to be tailored for its location, requiring precise calculations for outlet numbers and positioning. This ensured optimal flow capacity while maintaining compatibility with Severn Trent’s existing systems. Collaborating closely with Severn Trent’s engineering teams, Evenproducts provided detailed technical drawings and customised drilling solutions at no additional cost.
t Residual Water Management – Without the option of base drains, minimising residual water post-drainage was critical. Evenproducts designed a bespoke drainage component, enabling effective emptying and enhancing operational efficiency.
t Unmanned and Remote Sites – Many of the 200 sites were unmanned and in remote locations, adding a layer of complexity to logistics and installation. Evenproducts adapted by coordinating precise delivery schedules and ensuring installation teams were well-prepared to operate independently in these challenging environments.
t Safe and Efficient Assembly – Overseeing installations at over 200 sites required a trained workforce and clear assembly processes. Evenproducts delivered comprehensive on-site and in-house training to more than a dozen installation partners and supervised initial builds to ensure consistency and safety.
Oliver Mathew, Managing Director, Evenproducts
"Our experience in the global humanitarian sector enabled us to meet Severn Trent’s ambitious goals, delivering to remote sites rapidly and efficiently.
We’re proud to support their commitment to environmental protection with reliable solutions even in the most challenging locations."
Features of The Solution
Evenproducts’ tank design was carefully tailored to meet the technical and operational demands of stormwater overflow management:
t Advanced Materials for Durability – The tanks were constructed using Tata Steel’s Magizinc® alloy, chosen for its superior corrosion resistance, ensuring long-term reliability. SealEco EPDM liners were selected for their chemical resistance and flexibility, making them ideal for stormwater environments.
t Optimised Maintenance and Operation – Highpressure suction outlets allowed for compatibility with tanker operations, while quick-release hose connections simplified setup and ongoing maintenance.
t Hygiene and Monitoring – The bespoke Remote
Base Drain Module (RBDM) allowed for effective drainage, ensuring minimal residual water and post-overflow hygiene. Visual level indicators provided real-time remote monitoring, ensuring operational readiness.
t Structural Integrity – Reinforcement rings enhanced the tanks’ structural durability, meeting long-term demands and ensuring resilience against environmental stressors.
Michael Kelly, Head of Commercial Distribution UK & Ireland, Tata Steel
"Through trusted manufacturing partners such as Evenproducts, Tata Steel can ensure that our reputation for the highest quality standards is maintained all the way through to finished products. Evenproducts’ ability to design and produce classleading water tanks has allowed us to support Severn Trent’s ambitious stormwater overflow programme with our Magizinc® steel."
Tom Low, Technical Director, SealEco Ltd
"At SealEco, our ethos has always been to produce tank liners of the highest quality, a belief shared by Evenproducts. Their leadership in stormwater, rainwater, and emergency relief markets, and dedication to quality and service has made them a trusted partner for over 30 years."
Treatment Works
One Large Treatment Works in Staffordshire was identified as a site that could benefit from enhanced capacity as part of Severn Trent’s programme to boost resilience and reduce overflows. It was one of Severn Trent’s 900 priority sites. To help address this, Evenproducts, with partners Avove, installed three hydrostatically balanced steel tanks, designed with advanced features, including the Remote Base Drain Module (RBDM) for effective drainage and automated cleaning. This provided an additional combined capacity of 600,000 litres. This solution increased the site’s stormwater handling capacity by 50%, enabling it to better manage peak rainfall and minimise the risk of overflows.
Hobbs, Project Lead, Avove
"Avove have successfully installed over 140 auxiliary tanks on the Severn Trent spills programme. This was made possible not only by being supplied with a great quality product but also with the professional and collaborative approach from Evenproducts and their technical experts who were always on hand to resolve any issues or queries we may have had during the installation."
Hear From Our Partners
Large-scale deployment was made possible through Evenproducts’ close collaboration with our trusted contractors, who worked with us to coordinate on-site training and ensure efficient, consistent installations across all locations. Now fully operational, this system provides Severn Trent with a scalable, robust solution for stormwater management.
Vaughan Bramwell-Jones – Project Lead, VertaseFLI Ltd
"We recently completed a programme of 28 steel tank installations. Evenproducts’ exceptional support, from pre-installation technical calls to on-site assistance, helped ensure the project was completed smoothly, on time, and within budget. We’re confident the tanks will perform as expected during the first big rains."
Stuart Clarke – Technical Operations Manager, GallifordTry
"The Severn Trent Overflow programme proved a very challenging and fast paced project in which all the supply chain pulled together to help deliver. The service provided by Evenproducts was both
professional and flexible which really helped GallifordTry deliver their programme."
Grant Walsh – Supervisor, Inspire Utility Solutions Ltd
"The tanks provided by Evenproducts are of great quality and the training provided to erect is excellent. The aftercare is second to none, always someone on the end of the phone to help and support."
Paul Wallis – Programme Lead, Kier Group
"Kier have worked closely with the Evenproducts team to deliver a number of storm tank solutions across Severn Trent Water. Our collaborative working relationship has meant we received smooth deliveries of tanks and expert installation advice for our client."
Tom Collings – Commercial Director, Watertight Management
"Thank you for the professionalism and dedication your team showed throughout this high-pressure project. Your support in managing last-minute changes and providing on-site training ensured a smooth transition to delivery. We look forward to future collaboration."
Keith Bowden – UK Technical Sales Manager, Evenproducts
"From the very first meeting with Severn Trent, this exciting project has been a career highlight. Collaborating with Severn Trent and our partners to develop solutions for this complex issue has allowed us to make real progress in reducing spills and improving environmental impact."
T +44 (0)1386 760950
https://evenproducts.com
Carl
Breath easier at AQE 2024
AQE 2024, or Air Quality and Emissions Expo, made a significant impact from 9-10 October at the NEC in Birmingham. Boasting the largest exhibitor turnout and the most comprehensive conference programme since 2002, AQE 2024 was not just another industry event – it was the place where the future of air quality and emissions monitoring will be shaped.
The show was an unmissable gathering for professionals, researchers, and policymakers deeply invested in the fight against air pollution and climate change.
The detrimental effects of air pollution on public health and the climate have never been more evident – or urgent. From the thick smog that shrouds cities to the invisible yet insidious greenhouse gases warming our planet, the call for action is growing louder. Governments, scientists,
and environmental activists are increasingly turning their focus to air quality measurement and emissions control, making events like AQE more critical than ever.
Technology has advanced rapidly, offering new insights into pollution patterns and ways to mitigate its impact. AQE 2024 served as a knowledge hub where attendees could explore the latest technologies, regulatory updates, standards, and innovative methods designed to combat air pollution and promote sustainability.
With over 200 leading technology and service providers under one roof, AQE 2024 was an unparalleled opportunity to dive deep into the latest advancements in air quality and emissions management. The event attracted a diverse range of attendees, including regulators, local authorities, consultants, instrumentation engineers, laboratory staff, process operators, and engine and powertrain developers, along with clean air campaigners and other stakeholders.
ROAR B2B acquires Water Monitoring & Air Quality Exhibitions
ROAR B2B, the events and media group, today announced it has completed the acquisition of WWEM the Water, Wastewater & Environmental Monitoring exhibition and AQE the Air Quality and Emission exhibition from ILM Exhibitions for an undisclosed sum. The events were staged at the NEC on October 9th & 10th 2024 and sat within the Environmental Portfolio at ROAR B2B, allowing the company to further expand its range of well-established live events and digital media in the sector. The deal brought WWEM & AQE into the same portfolio as the Environmental Services & Solutions Expo to become the UK No 1 media partner for the sector, underscoring ROAR B2B’s commitment to the environment sector.
WWEM is an in-person event that focuses on instrumentation and services for water and wastewater process monitoring while AQE, the Air Quality and Emissions show, is an event that focuses on
instrumentation and services for air quality and emissions monitoring. Both events were staged at the NEC Birmingham, UK in October 2024.
ROAR B2B operates in three main industry sectors, Environment, Business Technology and Social Care. Headline events in their portfolio include ESS, RWM, Call & Contact Centre Expo, B2B Marketing Expo and Naidex. These events place a focus on sectors that are critical to how we live, communicate and work, both now and in the future.
www.ess-expo.co.uk
The exhibition at AQE 2024 showcased cutting-edge technologies that push the boundaries of what’s possible in environmental monitoring. Low-cost sensors and mobile technologies are revolutionising how we track air quality in real-time, offering new ways to gather data and make informed decisions. The use of cellular networks to create expansive, interconnected monitoring systems is a gamechanger, allowing for the rapid deployment of sensors across cities and regions.
Visitors had the chance to engage directly with the minds behind these innovations, offering a unique opportunity to discuss challenges and solutions face-to-face. This interaction is invaluable for professionals seeking to stay ahead of the curve in an industry that evolves at breakneck speed.
AQE Expo returns next year to Birmingham’s NEC from 17-18 September 2025. This is our pick of the best exhibitors from this year’s show, listed here in alphabetical order: Buse Gases. Further details can be found on this page.
www.ess-expo.co.uk/five-shows/aqe
TheBUSE Group are a trusted name in gases for more than 130 years and a very experienced partner for your business.
As one of the leading suppliers in the Industrial, Food, Bulk and Specialty Gas Markets, we provide our customers with the highest quality products and outstanding level of service.
The customer is at the heart of what we do and are our focus.
Many items are Ex Stock for quick delivery, and we offer Individual Certificates of Analysis or Certificates of conformity which ever suits your requirements.
Our team go above and beyond to do their very best to deliver your requirements and enhance
customer relationships.
Buse Gases Ltd is committed to: t A meaningful Quality Management System, that is functional and properly maintained, continually looking to improve the effectiveness of the QMS. t Ensuring the QHSE system is compatible with the context and strategic direction of the organisation
Our quality objective is to achieve customer satisfaction by constant review and on-going measurement and analysis of all our services and by constantly updating our skills for all employees by both internal and external training where required.
Get in touch – visit: https://busegases.co.uk or call 0121 524 1111.
Winter tipped to be biggest yet for heat pumps
With British Summer Time already becoming a distant memory in 2024, experts are predicting this could be the biggest winter yet for the installation of heat pumps in commercial premises.
Heat pumps have been at the forefront of the government’s campaign for the decarbonisation of UK homes, including a £7,500 grant on offer to homeowners in England and Wales as part of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. But the need for decarbonisation in business premises, including the use of heat pumps, has generated less noise.
Now, however, as increasing number of businesses announce Net Zero plans and climate road maps, scrutiny on whether they turn those plans into reality is growing – and with it an interest in heat pumps.
and rents commercial heat pumps, expects that trend to continue. He said, “We are seeing increased interest from businesses in heat pumps, especially in the rental market which allows them to try out heat pump systems without dipping into their capital expenditure budget. Our view is that rental could be the key to encouraging businesses to decarbonise the heating of their premises and to overcome the myths and misconceptions that have been holding them back until now.
“There’s no doubt that heat pumps have been adopted more quickly in the domestic market and have earned more headlines, too. But the Net Zero argument is possibly the biggest driver of all when it comes to persuading businesses to make the switch and that’s reflected in an increase in enquiries. Our view is that this winter could be a turning point in the market.”
New HSX high-pressure float valve
GEA
AWP has developed a new highpressure float valve for NH3 and CO2 refrigeration and cooling processes. The HSX high-pressure float valve is designed for industrial applications such as cold storage, transportation, chemical processing, cement production and the pharmaceutical industry.
The purely mechanical operation of the HSX high-pressure float valves works without electricity and therefore no electrical voltage. This means that no additional cabling and control systems or regular maintenance cycles are required. By operating with HSX highpressure float valves, low condensation temperatures can be utilised without regard to the control system, especially in cold seasons. For example, a 5°C lower condensing temperature already saves over 13% energy.
increases, the liquid level in the highpressure float regulator rises and the refrigerant is expanded via the purely mechanical throttle opening.
Craig Moreton, Controls and Heat Pump Systems Lead at Trane UK, a company which manufactures, sells
Contact https://trane-hire.co.uk
HSX high-pressure float valves have a welded shut-off valve at the inlet and outlet, as well as a vacuum nozzle and an externally operated transport lock with manual adjustment. In addition, service valves for draining and discharging non-condensable gases can be installed via two G1/4" threaded connections. The principle is as simple as it is effective. If the cooling capacity
As a result of this expansion (pressure reduction) in the outlet, there is a liquid-vapour mixture behind the high-pressure float regulator, which is discharged to the separator. A highpressure collection tank is generally not required. The continuous expansion of the refrigerant prevents pressure fluctuations and reduces the amount of flash gas. This reduces the electrical power consumption of the compressor.
www.gea.com
The leading event for water management & wastewater professionals
From 9-10 October 2024 as part of the ESS Expo at Birmingham’s NEC, WWEM welcomed 4,091 high-level attendees eager to discover cutting-edge technologies, lucrative investment opportunities, and crucial insights that elevated their operations.
WWEM is where visitors could connect with the top players in water management and wastewater.
From local authorities and the Environment Agency to industry to civil engineers and construction, WWEM welcomed professionals from across the entire supply chain. Whether you were a water company looking for an update on regulation, an emergency responder searching for the latest tech or from industry, or looking for solutions to better manage your water and wastewater needs, WWEM had it all.
Visitors could meet and do business with thousands of visitors from local authorities, Environment Agency, wastewater consultants, major contractors, water companies, process industries and more.
This was not your average event, this was your chance to connect with 2,000 active buyers in the water market, as well as 12,000 total visitors to ESS. Being part of WWEM guarantees visitors facetime, exposure and leads with your target market.
Visitors could join hundreds of engaging conversations, strategic meetings, and thoughtprovoking presentations at this two-day event dedicated to water management, treatment and emergency response sectors; and network with potential customers, suppliers, and partners who can revolutionise perspectives and open doors to new opportunities.
Centred around cutting-edge water sustainability technologies and efficient management solutions, this expo served as a pivotal platform for showcasing the latest in environmental water strategies and practices. Visitors could engage in critical discussions on advancing water resource sustainability, implementing innovative technologies in water treatment, and exploring effective water conservation methods for a more sustainable future.
Our free-to-attend content sessions were full of knowledge and are all CPD accredited, enabling visitors to develop professionally, improve practice and
gain continued competence points.
An exceptional array of speakers is presented at the Water, Wastewater & Environmental Management Expo, each an authority in the domain of water conservation, purification, and sustainable management.
These leaders in the field imparted their valuable knowledge and skills, steering towards a future where water resources are managed more sustainably. Our roster featured pioneers in water conservation techniques, specialists in advanced water treatment technologies, and advocates for policies promoting water sustainability. They exemplify the forefront of innovation in water resources management.
The WWEM Expo returns next year as part of the ESS Expo to Birmingham’s NEC from 17-18 September 2025. This is our pick of the best exhibitors from this year’s show, listed here in alphabetical order: Solenvis Limited. Further details can be found on this page.
www.ess-expo.co.uk/wwem
Experts in energy metering: Solenvis Limited
Solenvis has been at the forefront of engineering services and energy management for the last three decades: supplying and installing solutions for monitoring, controlling and saving energy and utilities. Working across the process, water and building services markets, the Berkshirebased company offers expert, tiered solutions from single, handheld to multi-utility projects.
With high-profile clients including: CBRE, Savills, Eon, Veolia, as well as various banks and Universities, Solenvis offers a comprehensive support to flow measurement and control.
Sustainability innovation is at the forefront of change and with this in mind, Solenvis exhibited at this year’s ESS Expo at the NEC, Birmingham from the 9th-10th October, showcasing its intelligent range of complete flow solutions across the following areas:
t Water meters
t Wastewater meters
t Non-invasive meters
t Heat meters
t Gas meters
t Portable meters
t Electricity meters
t Oil meters
t Steam meters
t Level meters
t Monitoring & control solutions
Solenvis offer turnkey solutions from pre-sales consultation, commissioning, supply, installation, training, monitoring and after-sales maintenance. With a history of expertise, the team can easily assess current systems, seamlessly offering alternative bespoke systems to optimise efficiency, and mitigate against downtime.
The wide choice of water and water flow meters for example are precision-designed for hot and cold-water systems including ultrasonic, mechanical, portable and electromagnetic:
t Ultrasonic Flow Meters – non-invasive meters for measuring water flow, through ultrasound techniques. No need for expensive downtime, just clamp the meter on the pipe to measure flow. The Solenvis SL3 Ultrasonic Flowmeter is perfect for the heating sector and comes equipped with a universal interface compatible with Itron calculators and comes in three sizes from DN25 to DN500.
t The Mechanical Multijet and Woltex Water Meters utilise the multi-jet approach
for precision flow measurement on pipework: 0.5”-2” (15mm-50mm), and 2”-10” (50mm-250mm) utilising the impeller for optimised reliability. The stainless steel/glass encapsulation prevents against fogging and the meter comes with optional electrical output.
t Portable Water Meters – precise measurement from outside pipes, with seamless installation and no disruption for rapid results. The Solenvis SL1 Portable Clamp-on Ultrasonic Flow Meter is a next-level universal transit time flow meter. Expertly designed using MultiPulseTM technology and low-voltage broadband pulse transmission, this meter is non-invasive for pinpoint accuracy of clean, non-aerated fluids like water, water/ glycol and oils in full pipes.
t Electromagnetic Flow Meters – designed for the measurement of the velocity of conductive liquids through a pipe, such as wastewater, sewage and acids/caustic/slurries. The Solenvis SL30 Electromagnetic Water Meter is equipped for cutting-edge remote applications, focused on ensuring optimal daytime flow measurement and accurate network leak detection.
To find out more about the entire range, see the website at: www.solenvis.com or contact us on 01189 342607.
PEMO PUMPS since 1947 – popular at Hillhead 2024!
PEMO PUMPS was a hit at the biennial, iconic Hillhead 2024, held from 25-27 June at Hillhead Quarry, near Buxton in Derbyshire. Known as the ‘giant’ among expos, Hillhead attracts the world’s biggest names from across quarrying, construction and recycling.
PEMO PUMPS is a brand of Perissinotto SpA and was established in 1947 by Antonio Perissinotto. The first pumps were primarily used in marble and granite cutting processes across the construction sector before diversifying into the steel industry, then chemical and wastewater treatment. Over the last twelve months, the company has expanded its warehouse by 2,000m2 to aid further pump production for growing global demand.
Hillhead was the perfect place to showcase the leading range of mining slurry pumps from PEMO PUMPS, in collaboration with machinery manufacturers: CDE Group. PEMO Slurry Pumps are precision designed for mining and aggregate excavation and come with a diverse range of models and configurations. These include horizontal, vertical and submersible designs and are ideal for abrasive and/or acid corrosive fluid applications.
Available in rubber-lined, Hardalloy PEMO (750800HB), stainless steel and Hastelloy, many models can operate pressures up to 20bar (290psi) and applications include slurry transfer in ponds, hydrocyclone feed and yellowcake slurry transfer.
Visitors flocked to the PEMO PUMPS stand, to learn more about slurry and sludge transfer applications. The horizontal models of the AO/AB and AO/AB/DC series are flagship PEMO models – primarily utilised for conveying concentrated slurries from thickeners to ponds or to filter press systems, in the case of high-pressure losses due to long pumping distances. Models in this series can operate up to 1,500m3/h (6,613gpm, with a maximum head on some models reaching 150m/H20 (492ft).
PEMO PUMPS are the ‘industry’s pumps of choice’ across mining, aggregate washing, quarry, and mineral extraction processes. The pumps are intricately designed and manufactured to firstly, robustly withstand abrasive slurries and secondly, to operate with. Common deployment includes: feeding the classifier, transporting slurry to the flotation system, tailing thickener and filtration/dewatering system. Renowned across
many sectors, PEMO PUMOS are admired for abrasionresistant characteristics, corrosion-resistance against aggressive fluids, super non-clogging casing and impeller design, leakage and contamination-proof to industrial-strength single, double or cartridge mechanical seals, flowrate up to 2,000m3/h and TDH up to 160m.c.l.
PEMO PUMPS offer over 3,000 pump models with fully customised hydraulics and materials to a loyal customer base across more than 100 countries. The purpose-built warehouse has over 10,000 components, which streamlines customer requests quickly and without delay.
For the UK market, PEMO pumps have partnered with Crest Pumps as their distributor. Crest Pumps have specialised in process pumps since 1973 and has a team of sales engineers located across the UK dedicated in providing you with the best pump solutions tailored to your specific needs.
Interested? Click on the PEMO PUMPS website below: www.pemopumps.com
Recycling Expo 2024: Driving innovation for a sustainable future
Recycling Expo 2024, held at ExCeL London from 15-16 October, reaffirmed its status as the premier event for advancing the circular economy. This pivotal gathering united thousands of industry professionals, innovators, and sustainability leaders from across the country, fostering investment in the future of recycling, remanufacturing, and environmental innovation.
The expo showcased over 100 exhibitors, presenting cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions to address the mounting challenges in waste management, recycling, and resource recovery. Keynote presentations by industry leaders and expert-led seminars sparked engaging discussions on crucial topics, including challenges for the next government, waste management innovations, and circular economy regulations.
Event Highlights:
t Keynote Sessions – Industry leaders from Biffa, Veolia, Clearpoint Recycling, and West London Waste Authority shared innovative strategies and actionable
solutions to revolutionise waste management and advance sustainability.
t Product Demonstrations
– Visitors experienced hands-on demonstrations of cutting-edge technologies, from AI-driven sorting systems to innovative glass recycling methods.
t Innovator Spotlight
– A platform for emerging companies and start-ups to showcase pioneering solutions, including advanced recycling methods and next-generation materials, driving industry progress.
"The Recycling Expo 2024 was a resounding success, providing invaluable networking opportunities and connecting professionals across the waste and recycling sectors to share knowledge and forge partnerships," said Eddy Lawrance, Director of Recycling Expo. "Plans are already underway for Recycling Expo 2025, promising even greater opportunities for innovation,
collaboration and progress in our journey toward sustainability. Taking place on 7-8 October at ExCeL London, it's never too early to mark your calendars to ensure you don't miss this landmark event in the industry."
This is our pick of the best exhibitors from this year’s show, listed here in alphabetical order: Clearpoint Recycling. Further details can be found on this page and the next.
For more information or to register your interest in next year’s event, visit: https://recyclingexpo.co.uk/whats-onrecycling-expo
Waste brokerage done right
After 12 years serving the waste industry as one of its leading waste brokers Clearpoint Recycling knows a thing or two about maximising commercial value from a wide variety of waste streams. With the promise of transparency at every point, the Clearpoint way is the only way for waste producers to know material is being recycled safely and compliantly to ensure all stakeholders meet their legal and environmental obligations.
Clearpoint Recycling was founded in 2012 by William Lee, at that point an 8 year veteran of waste brokerage with a simple mission of doing it right. With the regulatory frameworks tightening and export challenges closing in with the Chinese National Sword and Brexit it was clear to Will that the ‘wild west’ approach of many of his contemporaries was short sighted and short lived. From day one investment in process and systems were central to the operations of Clearpoint Recycling, an approach which remains to this day. With much of the load management, compliance, import/export and finance functions fully automated by one of the most advanced systems in the space. Clearpoint Recycling is capable of operating efficiently at scale with massive capacity headroom.
Waste
Brokerage Done Right.
When it comes to market reach, Clearpoint’s position in the industry is unrivalled and set to significantly increase with the opening of its European Sales Office in Quarter 1 2025. This continues a strategy of sourcing locally, selling globally and supporting centrally, the foundations of the business. Given the nature of waste management and material processing understanding the output of any business is critical and is something that cannot be achieved remotely. This is why Clearpoint Recycling invests in a dedicated UK based team of product procurement specialists. These boots on the ground provide almost total local market coverage with Clearpoint Recycling with unrivalled access to a massive volume of material in need of a home.
continued efforts of the sales and procurement teams in not just working with upstream suppliers for the offtake of waste but also working with processors to find markets for processed material right down to end of waste status and the production of new products.
Their innovative approach includes leveraging technology to streamline processes, ensuring minimal errors and maximum efficiency. Clearpoint's dedication to continuous improvement and investment in cutting-edge solutions sets them apart in the industry.
The benefits this delivers to all stakeholders are significant, especially when much of the material brokerage market is managed by small owner-operators with limited market reach, limited resources and limited capital. What should be a more cost effective solution for offtake often costs suppliers and customers more due to inefficient systems, errors and minimal customer service resources.
Will’s commitment to providing a better solution to each of these issues sits at the heart of Clearpoint Recycling and why they are confident that this is
This is where the European Sales Office fits in under the banner ‘sell globally’. Once the work has been done by the local procurement team to gain a high level of understanding of the material and the business producing. The Clearpoint Recycling Sales Team can effectively market that material globally offering unrivalled market reach into the worldwide recycling infrastructure. Leveraging a continued investment in technology, in this case the online material marketplace, dubbed ‘the Rightmove of waste sales’ to put opportunities in front of verified and active buyers.
But this isn’t a fire and forget brokerage, the nature of waste management means that risk management is as important as commercial value. In fact the two go hand in hand. Once commercial terms are reached the customer service and compliance team is on hand to manage every step of the material’s journey. Creating the most cost effective route to market the team will often employ tools like Pre-Informed Consent as a way of ensuring material reaches the end user with all the legal safeguards needed to satisfy the regulator and contract stakeholders such as local authorities and government.
Clearpoint Recycling believes the future of recycling lies in the principles of global circularity. This belief is supported with the
Given the scale of the challenge and the nature of markets this can only be achieved with a global approach, one that few brokers can offer. Scale, speed, efficiency are all watch words within the waste industry and this is no different in the waste brokerage sector. Brokerage that isn’t done quickly, transparently and for the benefit of all parties is not waste brokerage done right!
For more information about Clearpoint Recycling and how you can benefit from their waste sales, procurement and logistics expertise, visit the website at: www.clearpointrecycling.co.uk or use WhatsApp +44 (0)7457 406637.
The Recycling Marketplace is a free to access resource with over 500 live listings for sales of scrap materials and recycled products. The link for the marketplace is: https://clearpointrecycling. co.uk/recycling-marketplace
We are ISO 14001 certified: Striving for sustainable laser cutting
Throughout our history, we have strived for innovation, greater economic advancements and sustainable solutions at The Laser Cutting Co, evolving our processes to place green practices at the forefront of what we do. We are proud to have recently become ISO 14001 certified at both The Laser Cutting Co and our sister company, Charles Day Steels, which have met specified environmental management policies.
What is ISO 14001?
ISO 14001
accreditation is the international standard for environmental management systems (EMS), ensuring best practices for businesses that actively reduce their carbon footprint. By implementing this framework at the core of our operations, we have actively made strides to follow the key ISO 14001 standards, including:
t Monitor sustainable performance
t Regular audits and reports
t Consistent staff training
Why is ISO 14001 important?
t Understand environmental policies
t Recognise environmental impacts and opportunities
t Management of environmental footprint
The standards of ISO 14001 go beyond environmental concerns. They set the new narrative for how manufacturing industries handle their carbon footprint and production waste. The initiatives are dedicated to combating climate change and visibly improving decisions across the entire business journey. By becoming ISO 14001 certified, production is more streamlined while establishing stronger relationships with customers and benefiting the local community.
Our commitment towards sustainability At The Laser Cutting Co, we have consistently made commitments to attain our ISO 14001 certification, demonstrated by investing in 1,346 solar panels across our two sites as part of our
The Social Hub celebrates B Corp certification
Global hybrid hospitality group
The Social Hub has called for meaningful social and environmental change in the international hospitality and real estate industries after becoming a Certified B Corporation for the first time.
The move sees the 1,000+ employee organisation join a growing global group of thousands of companies reinventing business by legally committing to pursue a sustainable purpose as well as profit through B Corp certification. The Social Hub currently operates hubs combining hotel and student accommodation, food and beverage, events and coworking spaces in 18 locations across the UK & continental Europe.
The Amsterdam-headquartered hospitality and real estate group, which counts 10,000 rooms and welcomes millions of hotel guests, students, coworkers, and members of local communities to its hubs every year, has made the pioneering move to cement its social and environmental credentials as well as blaze a trail in industries where making an impact on sustainability and community is fast becoming an essential aspect of business.
The ‘milestone’ announcement kicks off a calendar of events across its hubs to celebrate and build on B Corp certification and help drive change in the industry, beginning with a ‘Green Community Table’ event at The Social Hub in Delft, The Netherlands on October 29. Key figures from across the hospitality, real estate, and business sectors will be there to discuss the future of the respective industries, with panellists including of B Corps including Tim de Broekert of Tony’s Chocolonely and Baba Toure of creative agency Home.
Contact www.thesocialhub.co
clean energy initiative. Alongside this, we have funded a brand new fleet of electric forklifts which produce zero emissions and create lower maintenance, powered through our renewable energy sources.
Our expert team takes great pride in our laser cutting services, including waterjet, flame, plasma cutting and more. We place environmental awareness and pioneer for future advancements in the laser cutting industry, without compromising quality. By practising and investing in renewable solutions, we have increased efficiency, met legislation compliance, and pledged to instil confidence in all our valued customers.
T 0114 242 0101 sales@lasercutting.co.uk www.lasercutting.co.uk
Meet LEAF, Greenly’s new media house
LEAF is a new French and Englishlanguage media platform fully dedicated to climate issues and corporate social responsibility (CSR). Named in homage to Greenly’s – a global leader in carbon accounting –logo, the ‘leaf’ embodies the ecological transition, aiming to inform and raise awareness among change-makers, from CSR professionals to the general public, through a rigorous approach to journalism.
Bringing together the world’s largest CSR-focused community with over 500,000 members and counting, and a social media presence with over 100,000 followers across networks, Greenly, the global leader in carbon accounting solutions is pleased to announce a new milestone, the launch of its new media, LEAF.
Aiming to become an essential resource for those seeking to understand, reflect and act on modern-day environmental challenges, LEAF will offer enriching
and diverse content, ranging from in-depth articles and interviews to investigative reports and podcasts featuring prominent guests. Building on Greenly’s rigorous track record of research and analysis, evidenced by over 1,200 blog articles which draw over 4 million annual visits, LEAF will provide content across multiple domains, providing nuanced coverage pertaining to various markets and driving effective action among decisionmakers.
As detailed below, LEAF has welcomed distinguished experts, reinforcing its commitment to rigorous, issue-based coverage. It shall continue to welcome voices from diverse backgrounds – including political figures, cultural forces and activist voices – to foster a holistic approach to going about the ecological transition.
Read LEAF here: https://greenly.earth/ en-gb/leaf-media
The editorial team can be contacted at: media@greenly.earth
From straw to gold: Generating energy from waste materials with Bioextrusion by LEHMANN
Extrusion without limits
Lehmann-UMT GmbH, a medium-sized German mechanical engineering company, has developed the key technology for defibreing various organic materials with its bioextruder. The extruder is used worldwide in the field of substrate processing for biogas plants. It enables gas yields to be increased and makes lignin-containing substrates, such as straw, usable in biogas plants. The system can also be used to produce fibres from wood, coconut and other materials, which are used in soil production as an environmentally friendly alternative to peat.
More yield from biomass
High pressure to success – Bioextrusion by LEHMANN Bioextrusion is based on the hydrothermal
decomposition of organic biomass using a steam explosion process. Two counter-rotating screws, which are specially adapted to the material, use high pressure to break down the raw materials down to the cellular level. This process increases the surface area a thousandfold.
The LEHMAN-UMT extruder offers biogas plant operators a highly efficient solution for substrate processing that significantly increases the gas yield (by up to 20%). With this innovative technology, agricultural waste and residual materials such as straw and miscanthus can be processed: Straw and miscanthus can be utilised profitably and sustainably - both for energy production in biogas plants and for the production of bioethanol. By increasing the surface area of the source materials, floating layers in the fermenter are reduced. As a result. less stirring energy is required, which significantly reduces energy costs.
Boosting commercial success
AIKO, a leading solar manufacturer and BloombergNEF Tier 1 company, and Greenman Energy, a key player in sustainable energy solutions, are pleased to announce the expansion of their partnership. Building on previous successful collaborations, Greenman Energy has made a strategic decision to acquire an additional 3MW of AIKO's high-efficiency N-Type ABC modules. This move underscores AIKO's technological leadership and Greenman Energy's commitment to advancing renewable energy solutions for commercial applications.
The Biesdorf Centre project in Berlin, a major shopping destination, represents one of their significant projects together, where 1.5MW of AIKO's N-Type ABC modules were deployed. The project demonstrated
how AIKO's technology allows for maximum energy generation in limited rooftop space, providing greater energy capacity compared to traditional technologies.
In the same rooftop space, Greenman Energy was able to install 1.5MW of AIKO's N-Type ABC modules (465W), compared to only 1.4MW with TOPCon modules (440W). This highlights the superior energy density of AIKO's technology, allowing for higher capacity in space-constrained commercial and industrial (C&I) applications.
With an expected 30-year life-cycle energy production of 19,658MWh, AIKO's modules offer superior performance and reliability, making them the optimal choice for C&I applications. In comparison, AIKO's N-Type ABC modules reduce Balance of System (BOS) costs by 4.9% and offer a more competitive Levelised Cost of Electricity (LCOE) of 0.027 €/ kWh, compared to 0.028 €/kWh for TOPCon modules.
https://aikosolar.com https://greenman.energy
Potting
soil industry saves CO2 - On course for growth with fibres from the extruder
Peat extraction is a silent climate killer, as it releases large quantities of stored CO2. This is a wake-up call for potting soil suppliers: peat substitutes are becoming indispensable in order to act in a sustainable and future-oriented manner.
The LEHMANN-UMT extruder enables the flexible defibration of various source materials such as wood chips, coconut or forest residues. The resulting fibrous materials are characterised by optimum stability and water storage capacity, which qualifies them as a peat substitute in soil production. The largest potting soil supplier in Portugal relies on bioextruders from LEHMANN-UMT – and has been doing so for over 10 years. The soil plant invested in a 90kW extruder back in 2014, and to meet the growing demand, the plant concept was expanded in 2024 to include a new 180 kW extruder from LEHMANN. This increased the production capacities.
The extruder's green coating is intentional: whether for biogas production or the manufacture of peat substitutes – our system makes resource conservation and environmental protection a reality.
Contact: Lisa-Marie Jacobs M 037439 744844 www.LEHMANN-UMT.de
Consumer Energy Solutions invests £500k
Aleading consumer energy efficiency company has opened a brand new state-of-the-art, immersive training facility in Treorchy at a cost of £0.5 million, paving the way for thousands of recruits to learn the skills needed to enter, and progress within, the energy trade.
Swansea-based Consumer Energy Solutions (CES) supports customers in reducing their carbon footprint and reducing their energy bills and has already successfully improved the energy efficiency of over 8,000 homes across the UK.
The new insulation department training facility in the heart of the Welsh Valleys has been purpose-built to allow for comprehensive training in various insulation techniques and complements CES’s heating systems training facility in Cardiff which it acquired last year.
The Treorchy training facility, on the Abergorki Industrial Estate, encompasses a 5,000ft2 main area, 7,500ft2 first floor storage plus three classrooms. The facility is also used to train CES installers on the rules, regulations, and techniques involved in installing ventilation equipment, which is necessary before any insulation work begins.
Ben Strinati, Insulation Director at Consumer Energy Solutions, said, “The way the business was growing, and the need to recruit more and more insulation teams, combined with a lack of suitable training infrastructure present in the industry, we took the initiative to construct our own custom-built facility and invested £500,000 in the Treorchy site. We take great pride in our advanced training facilities which have been purposefully designed to educate both new recruits and experienced team members in the CES way. Being able to train individuals in all the necessary trades, means we can execute an installation from start to finish, making it a quick and smooth experience for our customers.”
www.consumerenergysolutions.co.uk
Introducing BALEiD by PAAL
We all agree the ‘cradle to grave’ material traceability is the goal that we should all be aspiring to, but bale identification has not been reliable and has depended on inefficient manual processes.
Let us introduce you to the new, patented BALEiD by PAAL system, which is set to revolutionise traceability within the industry.
Let us allow you to shake off the limitations of manual process and bring you an efficient closed loop patented system. It is now possible to generate, print and attach a label to each bale automatically and securely.
Our initial challenge was to devise the process that would automatically and securely attach the label to the bale. The patented PAAL applicator has achieved this and is linked to a label printer. With this set up it is possible to automatically generate, print and attach each label to a bale that shows whatever relevant information that is contained within the baler control system.
We appreciate a huge amount of work and effort goes into producing a bale and now for the first time BALEiD by PAAL enables the complete picture to be captured in a convenient label. Not only will
this system capture the fundamentals such as date, time, location and material type, it can also track each bale individually for shipments.
Let us open up a world of opportunities for your waste management system, by attaching a label (containing a unique RFID chip) to each bale you would be able to automatically record, monitor and control your bale output with valuable information, for example:
t Date and location where the bale is produced
t Precise weight of bale
t Purity of material
t Storage location and shipment onto truck
By implementing the BALEiD by PAAL you can
eliminate the rejection of material (by the end processor) which is hugely costly and disruptive, any such risks are addressed prior to despatch.
The scanning of the RFID tags on the bales, the end processor receives, updates the RFID database. This results in the provision of evidence for the recycler that the material has been processed in a certain way, giving the necessary ‘cradle to grave’ traceability.
Our priorities are changing, driving today’s standards and business practices. Closed loop recycling is at the heart of today’s circular economy demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainability. Adhering to environmental regulations is crucial, closed loop recycling helps businesses stay compliant with waste management and sustainability regulations.
Let us take you to the next stage of waste management efficiency, let us maximise your potential with BALEiD by PAAL.
www.kadantpaal.com
DO YOU KNOW YOUR EXPLOSION RISK?
No matter what you're processing – chemicals, food, pharmaceuticals, biomass, wood products – if it produces dusts or powders, there's a high probability you have an explosion risk. All it takes to interrupt plant productivity is a combustible material, oxygen and an ignition source.
For more than six decades, IEP Technologies has provided the right explosion protection solution for every type of process application. From cyclones and dust collectors to milling equipment and dryers. We can design a protection system and surround you with 24/7 service and support. Protecting plant starts with knowing your explosion risk.
Explosion suppressor: eSUPPRESSOR™
The IEP Technologies eSUPPRESSOR™ is a high-rate discharge suppressor used for explosion suppression and isolation systems. Its electro-mechanical operation is unique to the industry, as no pyrotechnic devices are required for activation.
The eSUPPRESSOR™ has standard features that include pressure monitoring, lock out tag out capability and LED indication of device status. A key benefit is that all the safety functions are fully monitored, which is not possible for any device employing pyrotechnic actuators. The eSUPPRESSOR™ design & manufacture has SIL2 third party certification.
Spark Detection: Atexon®
The ‘Next Generation’ Atexon® Spark Detection and Extinguishing systems by IEP Technologies have recently received third party approval by Factory Mutual (FM), meeting the latest detailed requirement of FM3265:2020. For UK users the equipment is also certified to UKCA, UKEX and VDS certification is in the pipeline. The innovative Atexon® SD300-EX series spark detector is a world first being able to detect visible light (VIS), near infrared light (NIR) and infrared light (IR), with a 180° field of view. The benefit being it has the ability to see different ignition sources though material layers, even with dense material flow, with reduced hardware.
Passive Protection Devices:
Typically, the most cost-effective explosion protection method in terms of hardware, install and maintenance is IEP Technologies’ passive protection devices. These include vents, flameless vents and isolation devices. Explosion relief panels are calculated to vent a deflagration, and in doing so prevent the rapid developing pressure. This reduces the chance of vessel rupture, and structural damage. Similarly flameless vents work by the same principle, allowing the heat and pressure dissipation but differ from a traditional vent by mitigating the flame from passing into the atmosphere outside the flame arrestor. This type of venting method has all the benefits of traditional venting but has the added benefit of reducing the chance of possible injuries to personnel. Vent sizing is based on several different factors, call us today to discuss your options.
