Future Waste March 2024

Issue 10 • MARCH 2024

WITHAM

GREASING THE COGS OF INNOVATION

AI USE IN WASTE RE-UNIVERSE TELLS ALL ON THEIR WORK AT BLENHEIM

EXECUTIVE HIRE SHOW THE 2024 VALENTINE’S SPECIAL

A SOLID WASTE STORY THE LOWDOWN ON THE FUTURE OF SOLID WASTE

WELCOME

FUTURE WASTE MARCH 2024 Innovation

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t’s spring time already, dear readers. And I don’t know about you, but it’s a breath of fresh air for us here at Future Waste; those winter nights were starting to drag. Who doesn’t love a bit of change, eh? And speaking of positive change, this month’s issue is all about the innovative tech that is going to shake things up and alter our futures… our mind sets… our destiny!

Bit much? All right. I’ll calm down.

As per usual, this issue is jam packed with exciting insights and announcements, and even more excitingly, so many industry experts weighing in with their wealth of knowledge and expertise.

This month’s Conscious Company is Witham Group, who have been supplying the UK with oils, lubricants and greases for over 100 years. Their incredible blending method, Blendtek Solutions, is completely carbon neutral and is redefining an industry that has been pretty much unchanged since its formation. We also have a fantastic case study from Enduramaxx, who took inspiration from their visit to Day Aggregates’ new recycling facility in Wellingborough which will launch in spring 2024.

CONTRIBUTORS NIGEL BOTTOM WITHAM GROUP LTD RACHEL WARREN RE-UNIVERSE BOB O CONNELL MIBIN LTD HELEN SELKIN ENDURAMAXX LIMITED

Our feature articles look at two fantastic pieces of technology. The first is all about how AI aids the waste industry, and details exactly how re-universe have transformed recycling at Blenheim Palace.

Solid waste also gets an amazing update courtesy of MIBIN, whose MD, Bob O Connell, takes us on the ever changing journey of waste and how we can revolutionise its future.

Our travels took us to Coventry this time, where Future Waste was proud to partner with our sister magazine, Plant Planet, and exhibit at the amazing Executive Hire Show! It was a spectacular two day event with so much to see and do. Check out inside for the full story!

Happy reading!

The Future Waste Team

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CONTENTS

CONTENTS In this March issue...

31 09 Latest News A round-up of the latest news from the recycling and waste sectors over the past few months.

31 re-universe Enables Effective Reuse Systems Through Digital Technology

re-universe is an Oxfordshire green-tech company based in Bicester, with an ambitious mission to reduce waste.

36 Event Review: Executive Hire Show Executive Hire Show is not only the UK’s biggest industry exhibition but is also the only annual event aimed at both hirers and suppliers.

41 Conscious Companies: Witham Group Ltd Editor Rebecca Phillips travels all the way to Lincoln for the very first on-site visit for Conscious Companies.

49 Shaping a Greener Future:

A Visit to Day Aggregates’ IBA Recycling Facility in Wellingborough

Enduramaxx details all about their visit to the brand new recycling facility.

56 The High Price Of Cheap: A Solid Waste Story In a world of increasing consumption, the need to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle has never been more important.

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41 MARCH 24

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MPR - Multi Purpose Rasper

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Tyre Recycling Aluminium Recycling Cable Recycling Electronics Recycling MSW Recycling Fridge Recycling ASR Recycling Various Scrap Car Battery Recycling Conveyor Belt Recycling Solar Panel Recycling

eldan-recycling.com • info@eldan-recycling.com

UNBEATABLE EXPERIENCE SINCE 1956

NEWS

ELDAN RECYCLING A/S AND PICVISA ANNOUNCE LANDMARK PARTNERSHIP TO REVOLUTIONISE RECYCLING SOLUTIONS

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ldan Recycling, a leader in the provision of high-quality recycling solutions since 1956, and Picvisa Machine Vision Systems, a front-runner in optical separation technology, have announced a historic partnership. This alliance is set to reshape the landscape of the recycling industry, combining Eldan’s vast experience with Picvisa’s innovative machine vision technologies.

Eldan Recycling has been a dominant force in the recycling industry, offering a wide array of recycling solutions for various materials such as non-ferrous, refrigerators, industrial waste and municipal solid waste.

With a robust portfolio that includes the installation of over 1200 complete systems and 8100 individual machines worldwide, Eldan has cemented its position as a global powerhouse in recycling equipment

offering solutions mainly in the tyre, cable, electronic waste and NF areas.

particularly in WEEE, NF, and mixed metal scrap systems.

Picvisa, a part of Calaf Grup, brings to the table 20 years of excellence in the design, manufacture, and supply of optical separation equipment for material sorting and waste recovery mainly in the Glass, Plastic packaging and Textile sectors. Their recent certification as a Bcorp emphasizes their commitment to sustainability and innovation in all aspects of their operations.

This move not only solidifies Eldan’s position as a comprehensive provider in the recycling industry but also enhances Picvisa’s global reach and influence in markets where Eldan is well established. The introduction of MPS and SPS demonstrates the companies’ joint commitment to innovation, offering solutions that are both sustainable and technologically advanced.

The partnership is a strategic response to the evolving needs of the recycling market.

It represents a significant leap forward, allowing Eldan to integrate Picvisa’s unique optical sorting technology into its processes. This collaboration will result in the development of new lines of sorting equipment - the MPS and SPS, tailored for efficient sorting in various applications,

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION To learn more about Eldan Recycling, please visit: www.eldan-recycling.com

• Eldan’s Industry Expertise Meets Picvisa’s Innovative Technology: A synergistic partnership combining decades of recycling solutions with cutting-edge optical sorting technology.

• Introduction of Innovative Sorting Equipment: Launching new MPS (Multi-Purpose Sorter) and SPS (Small Purpose Sorter) lines to enhance efficiency in WEEE, NF, and mixed metal scrap systems.

• Expanding Market Reach and Capabilities: This partnership allows for expansion into new recycling market segments, elevating both Eldan’s and Picvisa’s global presence.

• Commitment to Sustainability and Innovation: Both companies underline their dedication to sustainable practices and continuous technological advancement.

Eldan has cemented its position as a global powerhouse in recycling equipment MARCH 24

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NEWS

AGGREGATE INDUSTRIES LAUNCHES NEW CARBON NEUTRAL ASPHALT SOLUTION

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eading construction materials supplier, Aggregate Industries, has launched Foamix Eco, a groundbreaking, onsite asphalt material that can achieve carbon neutral status.

The revolutionary carbon neutral solution is yet another contribution towards Aggregate Industries’ ambitious commitment to reduce its overall carbon emissions by 2050 and also supports the National Highways target of delivering net zero construction by 2040.

The new Eco product builds on the success of Aggregate Industries’ current Foamix solution which already delivers a low embodied carbon footprint. Our existing Foamix asphalt undertook extensive R&D development, which required close collaborative working between our biogenic bitumen supplier, Nynas and carbon negative aggregate supplier, OCO Technology.

This innovative working partnership allowed for the development of Foamix Eco. The cost-effective, high-quality solution incorporates a high percentage of recycled materials, which is not only less reliant on virgin material, helping us achieve a circular economy, but also requires less energy in the production due to its cold-lay manufacturing process.

The achievement aligns with the commitment to increase the use of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement by 60 per cent in asphalt products as part of Aggregate Industries’ overall drive to achieve net zero before 2050.

Foamix Eco can be manufactured and laid onsite where construction is taking place using Aggregate Industries’ Sitebatch Technologies® or OCL Regeneration mobile mixing plants, meaning the team can re-process locally sourced planings from the existing road asset – either onsite or at a nearby location – ensuring

it can be placed, compacted, and put into immediate use. This significantly minimises HGV movements across the local road network, construction times, user disruption and delivers a significantly lower scheme carbon footprint. What’s more, Foamix Eco can be laid in one single lift up to 150mm thick using conventional surfacing equipment and laying techniques and does not require any additional specialist labour.

Plus, when using onsite recycling and working closely with our supply chain, we can achieve carbon neutrality across stages A1 - A5 in the building life cycle.

A huge step forward for the industry incorporating both the product and construction stages.

Thomas Edgcumbe, Managing Director for Surfacing Solutions at Aggregate Industries, said: “After rigorous research and development, coupled with live manufacturing and installation trials in partnership with Lancashire County Council, the new carbon neutral Foamix Eco is the most sustainable and lowest carbon asphalt construction material to date, and we are delighted to be launching it to market.

“This new addition to our asphalt offering demonstrates our steadfast commitment to leading the construction industry towards a more sustainable and ecoconscious future.”

Foamix Eco has already been used as part of a trial on the M65 slip road in Lancashire in partnership with Lancashire County Council. The outcome was a high-quality solution which recycled the existing carriageway. Foamix Eco projects will continue to be reviewed on an individual basis to ensure a carbon neutral product can be achieved.

This evolution in cold lay asphalt is set to revolutionise the way construction projects are carried out, enabling a more sustainable approach while maintaining high-quality standards and costeffectiveness. By adopting carbon neutral Foamix Eco, construction companies and local authorities can actively contribute to a greener future while meeting their infrastructure needs.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION For more information on Foamix Eco, visit: www.aggregate.com/Foamix For more information on Aggregate Industries, visit: www.aggregate.com 10

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NEWS

WORK STARTS ON NEW MULTIMILLION POUND WASTE TRANSFER STATION

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groundbreaking event at a new state-of-the-art Waste Transfer Station (WTS) took place Monday 26 February.

The new facility, located behind the Ware Recycling Centre, is set to be completed by January 2026.

The multi-million-pound investment highlights the Council’s commitment to effectively manage waste arising from an increasing population. The WTS will receive kerbside waste and recycling materials from the surrounding areas, some of which currently has to be transported across the county to a facility near Watford. Delivery of the new WTS will result in reduced lorry miles on our roads and increased resilience in waste operations, while the bulky waste shredding facility inside the building will ensure early delivery of the council’s ambition to send zero waste to landfill by 2030.

The new WTS will be powered by electricity generated by landfill gas from the former neighbouring landfill site and will feature solar panels fitted to the roof of the main building. It will be equipped with modern noise and odour controls, ensuring minimal impact on the surrounding areas.

Leader of the Council, Richard Roberts, who attended the event, said: “It was brilliant to be at the Waste Transfer Station groundbreaking yesterday, this is critical infrastructure project for the county which reflects our vision for a cleaner, greener, healthier Hertfordshire.

“The new station will allow bulky wastes such as furniture, that is not suitable for reuse or recycling, to be shredded, reducing the number of lorry miles and in turn carbon emissions. The design of the new building allows us to meet the needs of modern-day waste management in a more sustainable way.”

For further information on recycling and waste in Hertfordshire visit: https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/ services/recycling-waste-andenvironment/recycling-and-waste/ recycling-and-waste.aspx MARCH 24

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NEWS

CELEBRATION PACKAGING INTRODUCES NEW RANGE OF TAMPER-EVIDENT FOOD PACKAGING MADE FROM rPET

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elebration Packaging has introduced a new range of tamper-evident food packaging made from a minimum of 30 per cent recycled PET. The new range, introduced under Celebration Packaging’s SolutionWare brand, includes sandwich packs, rectangular salad containers with hinged lids, and deli containers with separate lids.

“Our new ranges of high-clarity tamperevident food containers feature a patented safety lock lid, giving tamper proof protection to prepared foods,” says Celebration Packaging Managing Director Nick Burton. “These new ranges are manufactured with a minimum of 30% post-consumer rPET recycled plastic, and are therefore not liable for the plastic packaging tax. Once used, the packaging can be rinsed and recycled through kerbside collection.”

Celebration Packaging’s new rectangular tamper-evident rPET salad containers with hinged lids – clearly showing the patented safety lock lid closure.

Both the rectangular tamper-evident rPET salad containers with hinged lids, and the square tamper-evident rPET deli containers, with separate lids, are available in 8oz, 12oz, 16oz, 24oz and 32oz sizes. An rPET tamper-evident triangular sandwich pack with hinged lid is also available.

Celebrating 40 years of innovative off-the-shelf packaging solutions Celebration Packaging has been supplying innovative off-the-shelf catering disposables since 1983. Today, the SolutionWare brand encompasses a wide range of essential foodservice packaging solutions, from hot and cold drink cups and salad and deli containers, to platters, trays and bar accessories, and microwavable and tamper-evident containers.

The SolutionWare brand sits alongside the PrintPac brand which offers a wide range of custom print and bespoke packaging options from drinks coasters to placemats and cutlery sleeves, and the EnviroWare® brand which was established over 17 years ago to deliver exciting and innovative sustainable food and drink packaging.

Ensuring product integrity while enhancing reputations “Tamper-evident food packaging helps to ensure product integrity by providing a visible indication as to whether the container has been opened or compromised. It also helps to prevent contamination and preserve the quality and freshness of the product,” concludes Nick Burton.

Celebration Packaging’s new square tamper-evident rPET deli containers are available with separate lids.

“These new high-clarity rPET packaging solutions ensure excellent product presentation, and whether it is for fresh salads, deli products or sandwiches, the use of tamper-evident packaging in any foodservice business delivers added confidence for consumers. Ensuring tamper-proof protection for food while also specifying packaging which is made from a percentage of recycled material and can be recycled, can also enhance an operator’s reputation.”

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

Celebration Packaging’s tamper-evident rPET hinged-lid sandwich packs.

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For further information, please contact: Jonny Sharp Suzanne Howe Communications www.suzannehowe.com MARCH 24

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NEWS

VEOLIA SECURES DEAL TO MANAGE BIRMINGHAM RECYCLING AND WASTE UNTIL 2034

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eolia has won the contract to run Birmingham’s household recycling and refuse treatment solutions for the next 10 years. The deal means the company will operate the energy recovery facility, the city’s household recycling centres (HRCs) and three waste transfer stations.

The contract, which started on January 17 and runs until 2034, will see Veolia look to achieve a 70 per cent recycling rate at the city HRCs by the end of the contract.

Veolia is committed to upgrading the existing HRCs at King’s Norton and Castle Bromwich, while the site at Perry Barr is due to open on January 31 following a major refurbishment.

It will also mean the existing Tyseley ERF will have its lifespan increased by another 10 years, giving Birmingham City Council, which is the largest unitary authority in Europe, more time to find long-term solutions to its waste strategy. The ERF provides energy for the National Grid to power up to 63,000 homes a year.

Veolia, the UK’s leading sustainable resource company, has previously won contracts to manage the processing of the city’s Dry Mixed Recycling and its Green Recycling.

Gavin Graveson, Senior Executive Vice-President at Veolia, said: “We are delighted to continue working with Birmingham City Council and to carry on providing a first-class service to the

residents to find solutions to the materials they discard every day, whether that is recycling them into new products or generating secure electricity supplies for the National Grid.

“We look forward to sharing our extensive experience for a sustainable future as we support the city to achieve net zero by 2030. We have some key projects planned for the new contract which will enable Birmingham residents to join Veolia and Birmingham City Council on the journey towards Ecological Transformation.”

Councillor Majid Mahmood, Cabinet Member for Environment at Birmingham City Council, said: “As a council and city we are determined to achieve our net zero goal for the benefit of all residents.

Improved recycling and low carbon energy are key parts of our strategy so I am pleased we have agreed a contract that puts this front and centre. Increasing recycling rates to 70 per cent at the HRCs is a big target but we need to be ambitious and I’m confident the people of this city will work with us to achieve this when we provide the means and support.”

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION To learn more about Veolia, please visit: www.veolia.co.uk 14

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CORY REYNOLDS ACCEPTS PLACE ON pEPR SCHEME STEERING GROUP

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eolia’s Corporate Affairs Director, Cory Reynolds has been appointed to the waste management seat on the pEPR Scheme Administrator Interim Steering Group. Cory will support the Head of the UK Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR) for Packaging Scheme Administrator, Dr Margaret Bates in preparing the scheme for its implementation in 2025.

deposit return scheme, simpler recycling and plastic packaging tax legislation, pEPR aims to increase recycling rates and preserve more precious resources.

Designed to move the cost of packaging treatment away from local authorities and taxpayers and on to the packaging producers, the pEPR Scheme Steering Group will be responsible for shaping a scheme that is workable, cost effective and encourages the right behaviours.

Coupled with the other pillars of the Resources and Waste Strategy; the

“We don’t have much time before it comes into force but working with stakeholders across the whole value chain will help us get it right for brands, consumers and most importantly, our environment.

Commenting on her appointment, Cory Reynolds said: “Legislation must be fit for purpose and we need to push for better, more recyclable design, ensure producers are well informed on the life cycle of their packaging and help consumers make the right choices.

“I’m delighted to bring Veolia’s vast expertise to the Steering Group and will work to support Dr Bates and the rest

of the members in advising on the best practice for a UK pEPR scheme.”

Cory Reynolds is a well-known industry leader with a wealth of experience across both the public and private sectors.

Currently leading the Corporate Affairs department of the UK’s leading resource management company, Veolia. Cory will bring her expertise across policy, sustainability and environmental services to the Steering Group.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION To learn more about Veolia, please visit: www.veolia.co.uk

I’m delighted to bring Veolia’s vast expertise to the Steering Group and will work to support Dr Bates and the rest of the members in advising on the best practice for a UK pEPR scheme.

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NEWS

NEC GROUP STRENGTHENS CARBON SAVINGS WITH FIRST WASTE DROP AT BIFFA COVENTRY

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he UK’s leading live events business, NEC Group, is set to strengthen its carbon savings by 274 tonnes in 2024 having completed its first waste delivery to Biffa’s newest waste transfer station in Coventry.

With the opening of the new waste management centre in Coventry just over three miles from the NEC Group headquarters, the UK’s leading live events business is set to accelerate its carbon savings in 2024.

With the Coventry site now acting as the primary transfer station for all NEC Group waste collections including the NEC and Resorts World Arena venues, the Group will save 26,255 waste-related miles travelled in 2024*, the equivalent of 274 tonnes of carbon.

using fewer vehicles, to travel even fewer miles to deliver higher compaction rates.

These carbon emission savings equate to 53 UK homes’ annual electricity usage, or the charging of 33m mobile phones.

By scheduling collections supported by the wider fleet and using a higher specification packer technology to drive time and volume efficiencies, the partnership supports the NEC Group’s ambitions to make its waste management practices more environmentally friendly and achieve net zero by 2040.

Working in partnership with leading international facilities service specialist OCS, the savings will be achieved by

Steve Cartmell, Group FM Contract Support Manager at the NEC Group said: “It’s fantastic that we are further

The NEC Group will save 26,255 waste-related miles travelled in 2024*, the equivalent of 274 tonnes of carbon. *Based on 702 loads dropped in 2023.

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NEWS strengthening our partnership with OCS and Biffa by utilising the newest Biffa waste management site in Coventry.

Right on the doorstep of the NEC Group, we are very proud that that our waste practices are not only thoughtful and sustainable, but also reducing vehicle miles more than ever before.”

“I’m really proud of what we’ve achieved together so far and look forward to continuing our journey to net zero.”

Kerry-Louise Halford, Senior Regional Account Manager at Biffa said: “Our partnership with the NEC Group is a wonderful example of our work with businesses and organisations, large and small, to help them waste less and recycle more.

“The fleet strategy, which makes the use of vehicles and the time of drivers more efficient, has been key to this reduction.

Its effectiveness is an excellent template for others to follow as they seek to reduce their own emissions.”

“Sustainable waste management strategies are vital to help drive down climate change-related carbon emissions, while participating in the circular economy ensures the preservation of valuable natural resources.

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Darren Hawkins, Head of Soft Services at OCS added: “We’re delighted to have played our part in such a significant saving in waste operation emissions in partnership with the NEC Group and Biffa.

Through strategic partnerships and a dedicated workforce, the NEC Group, Biffa, and OCS have effectively demonstrated that sustainable practices are attainable, scalable, and better for business.

Sustainable waste management strategies are vital to help drive down climate changerelated carbon emissions.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION For more information, please visit: www.necgroup.co.uk/sustainability/

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NEWS

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RECOUP PUBLICATIONS AIM TO IMPROVE INDUSTRY KNOWLEDGE OF PACKAGING SORTING AND RECYCLING PROCESSES

lastics resource efficiency and recycling charity, RECOUP, have released their latest set of case studies ‘MRF Processes – Understanding Material Sorting’ and ‘Packaging Design Principles – Small Changes for a Big Impact.’

‘MRF Processes – Understanding Material Sorting’ intends to educate readers about how packaging placed in kerbside collections gets detected and sorted by material recovery facilities (MRF), from the entrance hall, right through to the final baled materials. The case study looks at common issues such as the recycling of small items, which can get lost early in the process and end up with the glass recycling fraction, as well as a detailed breakdown of how near infrared spectroscopy (NIR) is used to determine which polymers packaging is made from to capture the packs for recycling.

‘Packaging Design Principles – Small Changes for a Big Impact’ is aimed at individuals new to the packaging industry and covers many design principles to improve the recyclability of plastics packaging at the design stage. It covers the important components of packaging for recyclability including the use of additives and barriers, adhesives, labels, and colourants, to help packaging designers make informed decisions.

Richard Cham, Senior Packaging and Recyclability Projects Officer at RECOUP said, ‘We often get asked about the processes that happen at the sorting stage; the MRF case study will assist stakeholders to understand the reality of how packaging is sorted and the implications design can have on the detection of different polymers.’

Paul East, Head of Packaging Recycling and Design at RECOUP said, ‘The sorting process at the MRF is a crucial link in the recycling chain. The Case Study illustrates how following design guidelines such as RECOUP’s Recyclability by Design, increases the likelihood a pack will get sorted correctly.’

The case studies are accessible on the RECOUP website now for members and will become publicly available in 3 months.

RECOUP also offers their members access to their laboratory testing facilities, including materials recovery facility sorting trials, free of charge to help packaging designers and brands to make informed decisions on pack design for recyclability. If you would like to find out more about RECOUP membership, then contact membership@recoup.org For those seeking more in-depth information about the plastics resource and recycling value chain, registrations for RECOUP’s, not-to-be- missed annual conference, to be held on Thursday 26 September, are now open.

The plastics resource and recycling value chain event of the year sees hundreds of delegates in attendance and draws together stakeholders, NGOs, Local and National Government bodies and organisations from across the plastics and wider sustainability value chain, to network and share best practice.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION To book your place at The RECOUP Conference 2024, please visit the RECOUP website: www.recoup.org 18

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NEWS

SUBMIT YOUR INNOVATIONS FOR THE RECOUP AWARDS 2024 & SNAP UP AN EARLY-BIRD TICKET FOR THE RECOUP CONFERENCE!

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ECOUP is proud to announce that entries are now open for the RECOUP Awards 2024. Recognising outstanding achievements in plastics resource efficiency and recycling, contributing towards a more circular plastics value chain, the awards aim to recognise and celebrate the innovative and inspiring projects and initiatives that have helped to drive the industry forward and lead to a more sustainable future.

The awards are FREE to enter with entries welcome from all relevant organisations and individuals who want to be recognised for their work and initiatives under the following award categories: • Best Plastic Product Development for Recyclability or Re-Use • Best Innovation in Equipment or Technology • Recycled Plastic Product of the Year

To apply for the awards, please visit the RECOUP website www.recoup.org/recoup-awards-2024/ and complete the entry form by the 28 June 2024 deadline. If you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact RECOUP at enquiry@recoup.org. The winners will be announced at the RECOUP Awards Ceremony and Networking Dinner on Wednesday 25 September, at the Holiday Inn Peterborough – West. Spaces for the dinner are limited with tickets already on sale through the RECOUP website www.recoup.org/recoup-awards-2024/ MARCH 24

The RECOUP Awards Ceremony and Networking Dinner is followed by The RECOUP Conference on Thursday 26 September with sponsors including Berry Global and WRAP. Registrations are now open for the day-long event, once again being held at Kingsgate Conference Centre, Peterborough.

Attracting hundreds of delegates each year The RECOUP Conference draws together stakeholders, NGOs, Local and National Government bodies and organisations from across the plastics and wider sustainability value chain, to network, share best practice, and get the latest updates from the plastics value chain.

Attendance remains FREE to members, with early-bird discounts available to non-members for a limited time only.

To book your ticket for The RECOUP Conference please visit the RECOUP website, www.recoup.org/news-events/the-recoup-conference-2024/ Sponsorship packages are still available for both the awards and conference, offering organisations an invaluable opportunity to showcase their products and services in front of the most influential people in the plastics resource and recycling value chain.

For more information about sponsorship packages, contact RECOUP Events and Membership Manager, Rebecca Davis, rebecca.davis@recoup.org

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NEWS

BOLLEGRAAF AND GREYPARROT FORGE STRATEGIC AI PARTNERSHIP TO TRANSFORM GLOBAL WASTE MANAGEMENT INDUSTRY WORLD’S LARGEST BUILDER OF RECYCLING FACILITIES TEAMS UP WITH AI WASTE ANALYTICS LEADER TO MAKE THOUSANDS OF RECYCLING PLANTS MORE EFFICIENT IN RESPONSE TO THE GROWING WASTE CRISIS

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ollegraaf, the world’s largest builder of recycling plants, has entered into a strategic partnership with Greyparrot, a pioneer in AI waste analytics, to transform global waste management.

As part of the agreement, Bollegraaf will transfer its AI vision business to Greyparrot and also make a cash investment, for a total value of $12.8M, in Greyparrot, obtaining a noncontrolling stake in the company. It will also serve as a worldwide distributor and strategic partner for Greyparrot’s Analyzer, which currently provides 100% visibility into waste streams at recycling plants across 14 countries using AI camera systems.

The deal includes Greyparrot acquiring Bollegraaf’s vision-based computing intellectual property (IP) and esteemed AI development team. Greyparrot will also open its first office in mainland Europe in the Netherlands.

With this groundbreaking partnership, both companies aim to retrofit thousands of existing Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs) and Plastics Recovery Facilities

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(PRFs) with advanced AI capabilities to significantly boost recycling rates and quantify material emissions. The collaboration will bring forth revolutionary smart recycling plants that are fully automated and agile, unlocking new value in waste streams while diverting millions of tonnes of waste away from landfills, oceans, and incinerators. In a development set to transform waste management, this marks a momentous acceleration in the global shift from a linear to a circular economy. Together, Greyparrot and Bollegraaf commit to developing further products that combine the strengths of both companies to make the vision of fully automated and intelligent sorting facilities a reality.

With over a 50% share in the global recycling plant market, providing turnkey recycling solutions, Bollegraaf is wellpositioned to provide the physical infrastructure, while Greyparrot’s proven ability to embed AI waste analytics into software and hardware systems adds the essential digital layer. In 2023 alone, Greyparrot’s Analyzer helped facilities analyse more than 25 billion waste objects, characterising them into

70+ categories in real-time to reveal seven layers of data, including material type, financial value, brand, and GHG emissions.

By 2050, the world is expected to generate 3.4 billion tonnes of waste annually. With only around 5,500 facilities handling municipal solid waste currently operating worldwide, there is a critical need to build more next-generation plants and retrofit older ones with new technologies – such as AI – to speed up processing times and improve recycling rates to meet the growing tsunami of waste.

Today, only 1% of waste is monitored in facilities, and even in advanced economies, 40% of waste sorting is done by hand. AI, and the data it unlocks in real-time, will help digitise and automate systems to capture a massive amount of lost financial value. For plastic waste in the U.S. alone, lack of visibility and automation contributes to $80B-$120B being lost a year to landfills and incineration. Greyparrot’s Analyzer gives 100% visibility into waste composition to unlock a new, more intelligent level of insight about waste that Greyparrot calls waste intelligence.

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NEWS Bollegraaf CEO, Edmund Tenfelde

With automated, real-time waste monitoring and digitised systems powered by AI, the industry can tackle the issue of ‘invisible waste’ and transform a traditionally labour-intensive process.

With increased data transparency, waste managers can confidently demonstrate regulatory and contractual compliance. This vital waste data on the post-consumption world will foster unprecedented collaboration across the waste value chain and those influencing it, uniting producers, waste managers and regulators to recover and reuse waste materials more sustainably.

Bollegraaf:

Greyparrot:

“With 63 years of industry experience, Bollegraaf continues to be a global leader in fully-automated innovative turnkey recycling systems. The future is clear: to further increase recycling rates we need more insight and collaboration across the value chain. We have been looking to implement AI that can power fact-based and automated decisionmaking to provide our clients with a much more accurate overview of their waste composition and ultimately maximise their ROI,” said Edmund Tenfelde, CEO of Bollegraaf Recycling Solutions.

“In a world drowning in waste, a large percentage of which is recoverable, the urgency for action has never been greater. It’s time for a revolutionary leap in how we value, capture, and manage our waste. We’re excited to partner with Bollegraaf, and add to our team of experts in artificial intelligence and deep learning, to address this challenge and pave the way for the waste industry’s largest rollout of AI to date,” said Mikela Druckman, CEO of Greyparrot. “Getting AI waste analytics in the hands of more plant managers, more quickly, will provide the industry the data-driven insights needed to build and operate smart MRFs that unlock new value from recovered materials and decrease the environmental impact of waste. Collaboration with plant builders and other key players is critical to making this happen, and it’s a major reason why Greyparrot is hardware agnostic, making it possible to integrate our platform with all types of systems.

Progress in addressing the waste crisis can only happen if we work together and commit to systemic change driven by waste intelligence.”

“We are thrilled to make this strategic investment and partner with Greyparrot to bring waste intelligence to both upcoming recycling infrastructure deployments and existing facilities worldwide. We believe that Bollegraaf’s comprehensive knowledge of automation of recycling MRF operations, premium equipment quality, and unique engineering expertise empowered with Greyparrot AI systems represent the one-of-a-kind synergy that is destined for success.”

Greyparrot co-founders; Mikela, Nikola, Ambarish

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION To learn more please visit: www.bollegraaf.com www.greyparrot.ai MARCH 24

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WE ARE AMP: A MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO

ince AMP was founded nearly a decade ago, we’ve grown from a small team attempting to prove the application of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and robotics in recycling, to a company with a fleet of hundreds of automated sorting systems operating across the United States, Canada, Japan, and Europe.

biggest challenges, and we’re ready to introduce a new brand identity that reflects our delivery of AI-powered sortation at scale. Going forward, we’re simply AMP.

We’ve expanded our product portfolio to include solutions for material characterization, film removal and recovery, and compact spaces in materials recovery facilities, all enabled by AI. Most recently, we’ve launched a fully-automated, facility-scale sortation solution for waste management customers integrating our AI-powered sortation technology into custom or turnkey facilities that deliver maximum resource recovery with minimal labour and cost.

Our facility-scale sortation solution, which we call AMP ONE™, capitalizes on the experience we’ve gained developing best-in-class recycling technology and brings it together in a way that’ll allow us, and the industry, to realize the tremendous opportunity in sortation at scale. We serve an industry that does a hard job – one that’s seldom celebrated and never done. Our technology enables the waste industry to harness the power of AI to do this hard job better, faster, and more efficiently. This means we’re focused on results: reducing labour costs, increasing resource recovery, increasing landfill diversion, and ensuring more reliable operations.

In short, our business has evolved, as has our focus as a company. We’re selling more than robots – we’re providing solutions that address the waste industry’s

The fundamental thesis behind AMP – that the world is looking for more sustainable resources that artificial intelligence can unlock – is unchanged,

but we’re adjusting our focus to maximize economic value for our customers and company. We’ll continue to deliver for all of our customers; this evolution reflects our view of how best to serve waste and recycling leaders and advance our mission.

We’re incredibly excited about what we’ve shown is achievable when the capabilities of AI are built in at the facility level. Whether it’s in safety, data, reliability, consistency, handling of exceptionally dirty material streams, cost, or environmental impact, we’ve been able to bring a new level of performance into the realm of the possible – and we’re ready to rapidly expand the scale and scope of the recycling industry.

I invite you to explore our new website to learn more about AMP ONE. We’re immensely proud of the work we do at AMP and remain grateful to our employees and partners who have accompanied us on our journey so far to transform the waste and recycling industry.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION To learn more about AMP Robotics, please visit: www.ampsortation.com 22

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TRANSFORMING TEXTILES: TOMRA’S NEW WHITE PAPER PRESENTS CIRCULAR VALUE CHAIN SOLUTIONS

OMRA, a pioneering force in automated textile sorting, has published a new white paper titled ‘Transforming Textiles: 4 Key Beliefs to Enable Textiles Circularity’. The paper addresses the current state of the textiles industry, strategies and technologies needed for the transition to a circular value chain.

While the worldwide textile market plays a crucial role in the global economy, the industry’s growth in production and consumption over the past two decades has placed immense pressure on our natural resources and adversely impacted the health of our planet. Today, only 1% of annual textile waste is recycled into new products without being downgraded.

TOMRA’s new white paper addresses this issue, examining the linear nature of the textile industry and highlighting the transformative potential within its current processes. By exploring innovative strategies and technologies, TOMRA’s white paper charts a course toward a circular textiles value chain, revolutionising waste into valuable resources.

“At TOMRA, we recognise the urgency to reshape the textiles value chain from linear to circular. Our webcast and this white paper serve as essential guides for the industry to leverage immense opportunities for transformation,” stated Vibeke Krohn, Head of TOMRA Textiles.

“We are committed to driving innovation and collaborating with industry leaders to shape a more circular and responsible future for the textile industry.”

TOMRA has identified four key beliefs to underpin this new, circular textiles value chain. These key beliefs are: 1. Supportive policy, legislation and incentives to guide and motivate the shift towards circularity in textiles.

2. Cross-industry collaboration and business model innovation to support profitable and long-term value creation across the textile value chain.

3. Investments to scale infrastructure for automated sorting and mature recycling technologies to enable fibreto-fibre textiles across material types and compositions.

4. A robust digital core to capture data and insights across the textile value chain to allow for transparency and traceability, and to keep consumers, industry players, and regulators informed.

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“Transforming Textiles highlights the critical role of collaboration among industry players, policymakers and consumers to scale up infrastructure for traceable textile collection, sorting, reuse and fibre-to-fibre recycling. Together, we can transform the textile landscape into one that prioritises sustainability and circularity,” added Louisa Hoyes, Director of Strategic Partnerships at TOMRA Textiles.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION To learn more about enabling circularity for textiles, download the white paper here: https://circular-economy.tomra. com/resources/textile-whitepaperguide www.tomra.com Future Waste

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GROWING RECYCLING BUSINESS ACQUIRES PRIME GLASGOW SITES TO EXPAND UK PRESENCE

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eaders in innovative recycling and a global exporter, S. Norton Group has finalised the acquisition of two significant sites in Glasgow as part of its ambitious growth plans.

S. Norton Group’s expansion into Glasgow aligns with its strategic aims to have a presence from end to end in the UK. This investment into a new location enhances the company’s national footprint, bringing the total number of sites to six and significantly increasing the Group’s collective capacity to collect, process and export waste metals from several major urban areas of the UK. The primary site on the banks of the River Clyde spans 17 acres and is fully equipped with waste metals processing and export capabilities, representing a crucial addition to the S. Norton Group’s operations.

In addition to the main site, the acquisition includes the Glasgow East site, operating as a feeder facility to the primary location. Glasgow East covers 1.9 acres and specialises in receiving ferrous and non-ferrous metals from both trade and the general public, reflecting S. Norton Group’s commitment to efficient and accessible recycling services.

The Glasgow sites were previously owned by a metals recycling company. S. Norton Group has ensured a seamless transition, maintaining full operational continuity during the change of ownership. With 100% retention of the current 43-strong workforce, the company has reinforced its commitment to employee retention, now totalling 432 employees across all sites.

Tony Hayer, managing director of S. Norton Group, said: “S. Norton has been in business for over 60 years and is at the forefront of the metals recycling industry.

The acquisition of the Glasgow sites is part of our plan to grow the S. Norton Group and marks a significant step towards achieving our vision of working together towards a world where nothing goes to waste.

“As a responsible recycler, we have been working hard to ensure a smooth transition to S. Norton systems and to begin to develop the operations at both sites. I am delighted to welcome our new employees, suppliers and customers in Scotland. We’re open for business in Glasgow and we’re looking forward to working with you all”.

The acquisition of the Glasgow sites underpins S. Norton Group’s commitment to sustainability and resource efficiency as it remains dedicated to advancing responsible recycling practices, expanding its impact in critical regions and enhancing its reputation as a leading circular economy business.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION To learn more about S. Norton Group, please visit: www.s-norton.com

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TANA SHARK EATING UP THE COMPETITION

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he TANA 440ET electric shredder, the latest addition to the TANA Shark series, innovatively combines clean operations and mobility by harnessing electricity as its primary power source. This advancement not only offers economic benefits such as reduced energy costs and extended service intervals but also significantly diminishes emissions, aligning with circular economy objectives and enhancing competitiveness in public procurement.

Powered entirely by electricity, the TANA 440ET facilitates the environmentally friendly processing of various waste fractions into raw materials for the circular economy. This capability underscores TANA’s commitment to sustainability and customer success. Eetu Tuovinen, TANA’s Product Manager, highlights how electrification minimizes local emissions, supporting circular economy initiatives and ensuring cleaner material preprocessing.

Built on proven technology tested extensively in real-world conditions, MARCH 24

the TANA 440ET inherits the durability, versatility, and mobility that have become synonymous with the TANA Shark series. Customer feedback drove the development of this electrically powered mobile shredder, marking a significant milestone in waste processing technology.

With longer service intervals and reduced maintenance, it aligns perfectly with the operational needs of high-volume production facilities, where industrialgrade electrical connections are available.

In the broader context, the electrification of equipment like the TANA 440ET reflects industry trends toward cleaner operations and sustainability. As companies aim for environmental stewardship and carbon neutrality, the transition to electrically powered equipment becomes imperative.

Tightening regulations and increasing scrutiny on emissions further underscore the importance of such advancements in waste processing technology.

Electrification not only slashes operating costs but also enhances supply chain security and cost predictability, contributing to the growth of the circular economy. Tuovinen emphasizes the affordability of electric shredders, with operating costs estimated to be half that of diesel counterparts.

Tuovinen foresees a future where electrically powered equipment becomes standard, driven by regulatory pressures and the imperative for environmental responsibility. Ultimately, the TANA 440ET not only represents a technological leap but also a step forward in building a sustainable future.

Despite being powered primarily by electricity, the TANA 440ET retains mobility through an auxiliary diesel engine, enabling seamless movement between workstations. This feature addresses the diverse waste processing needs of customers and facilitates easy maintenance.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION For further information please visit: www.tana.fI Future Waste

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GROUNDWORK PARTNERS WITH ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES & SOLUTIONS EXPO TO SUPPORT MORE YOUNG PEOPLE INTO GREEN CAREERS

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roundwork, a national charity that mobilises practical action on poverty and the environment across the UK, has recently announced its new partnership with Environmental Services & Solutions Expo (ESS), the leading event for the environmental services industry.

Together, they will focus on addressing the growing skills shortage in green jobs and encouraging more young people to pursue careers that protect the planet.

Through events and outreach initiatives this year, ESS and Groundwork will shine a spotlight on the critical need for skills development in areas like waste and recycling, water, renewable energy, environmental consulting, and more.

Groundwork will have an active presence

at ESS Expo 2024 on 11-12 September this year at the NEC Birmingham, including speaking sessions on nurturing green talent and overcoming employment barriers.

As part of this year’s event, Groundwork experts will headline its ESS 2040: Green Skills webinar this April focused on sustainability education and readying the next generation of green workers.

The charity will also host an informational stand at ESS Expo, dedicated to training programmes, apprenticeships, and entrylevel openings.

Graham Duxbury, Groundwork’s UK Chief Executive, said: “It’s great to see this new partnership with ESS Expo to help encourage and support young people to see the benefits of pursuing a career in the green skills sector. It’s vital that green infrastructure and low carbon jobs are

both an accessible and exciting prospect in order for us to future-proof the workforce of tomorrow and build a more sustainable future for all.”

Ali McQueen, Head of Marketing at ESS Expo, said: “We’re delighted to announce this timely collaboration with Groundwork. With its dedication to creating greener communities and our network across the environmental industry, we feel strongly that together we can make tangible progress on the urgent issue of the green skills gap, as well as help tackle other important challenges in our combined sectors.”

More details about the ESS-Groundwork partnership will be released in the coming months. Environmental organisations, universities, employers, recruiters, and all those committed to a sustainable future are encouraged to get involved.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ESS Expo will be returning to the NEC Birmingham from 11-12 September 2024. To sign up to the mailing list for information about registering, visit the website: www.ess-expo.co.uk/registerinterest-2024 Find out more about Groundwork: www.groundwork.org.uk 26

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NEWS

O

JOIN KELLY TANKS AT THE UK CONCRETE SHOW

nce again, Kelly Tanks are proudly sponsoring this years UK Concrete Show and are looking forward to exhibiting the UK’s largest, most diverse range of Concrete Washouts at the NEC this March.

Synonymous with quality and innovation, Kelly Tanks provides compliant and conscientious solutions for treating waste water and concrete wash water on sites across the UK, Europe, New Zealand and North America. Kelly Tanks pride themselves on providing quick replies, concise information, simple transactions and deliveries without hassle, whilst responding to customer demand with innovative new products year on year.

Kelly Tanks’ diverse range accommodates sites various requirements to include options for power or no power, closed loop or continuous discharge, single or double systems, automatic or manual pH control, liquid or CO2 dosing for pH control, to name a few!

Washout Trays Ideal for Concrete Pumps, robust trays for capturing waste.

Fork Pockets with retaining pins to allow trays to be tipped.

Sack Frames (Singles or Doubles) No power, no problem, Sack Frames allow for truck and equipment wash off into Absorption Sacks: water percolates through into base, solids are retained within the sack.

CWS Closed loop water recycling system, the flagship product of choice for Concrete Washout. Use water from the CWS to wash off chutes into the Absorption Sack, wherein solids are retained before water is recycled indefinitely for re-use. pH can be neutralised by manually adding Kelly Tanks pH Neutraliser.

CWS Ultra Works in the same way as the CWS but has a higher volume pump for optimum wash off pressure and automatic pH control by either liquid or CO2

Skip Washout Frame Best used in conjunction with any of the above systems, the Washout Skip Frame provides safe storage and washoff for Concrete Column Skips. Its unique mechanism accommodates various size skips without manual intervention.

To experience their hospitality for yourself and see the products in person, join Kelly Tanks at the UK Concrete Show, NEC Birmingham, March 20th – 21st on Stand 130.

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION To learn more about Kelly Tanks, please visit: www.kellytanks.co.uk

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NEWS

SYBRON BECOMES CARBON NEUTRAL ON ITS JOURNEY TO NET ZERO

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ybron, a leading UK supplier of cleaning, hygiene and catering products to some of the largest names in hospitality, has been awarded with carbon neutral NCZ silver certification. This verifies that the company has had an ISO compliant scope 1, 2 and 3 carbon emissions report and has fully balanced all emissions through an ICROA-approved, VCS-certified carbon offset project.

“Sybron has followed industry best practice and balanced its currently unavoidable emissions with a fully verifiable and registered carbon offset from an organisational perspective,” says Neutral Carbon Zone CEO, Alan Stenson.

“Officially achieving carbon neutrality as a business is a significant achievement and shows that Sybron is a proactive and sustainably focused business. Coupling this with carbon reduction demonstrates that it is progressing on its ultimate journey to net zero, whilst balancing any unavoidable emissions along the way.”

demonstrated through the launch of our own ranges, SyBio and SySoft this year and we have several other projects in the pipeline – from installing solar panels on our warehouse to electric vans and charging points – all of which will enhance our and our customers’ sustainability criteria.”

Innovation and sustainability

Following Sybron’s success with biotechnology products, it launched SyBio in 2022. A range of environmentally friendly products which deliver improved performance, safer applications and reduced costs, SyBio replaces harmful, non-renewable chemicals with adaptive biotechnology that clean, disinfect, augment, remediate and protect a range of environments.

“Our core values as a business are innovation and sustainability, so achieving carbon neutral status is a first and major step towards our ultimate goal to achieve net zero,” says Sybron Sales and Marketing Director, George Mason. “Innovation and sustainability go hand-in-hand as

“Our core values as a business are innovation and sustainability, so achieving carbon neutral status is a first and major step towards our ultimate goal to achieve net zero.”

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NEWS Meanwhile, in June 2023, Sybron launched its own-brand SySoft luxury bamboo toilet tissue which is made from 100% bamboo and with plastic-free packaging. Partnering with eco-friendly, bamboo specialist, UniGreen, Sybron created this sustainable product with exceptional environmental properties, in response to growing customer demand.

A long term approach to sustainability “Sybron recognises sustainability as a long-term approach to supporting our ecological, social, and economic environments. All businesses should be expected to recognise the growing importance of corporate responsibility and Sybron is no exception. We want to be pioneers and set an example. As a business we believe in the reduce, reuse, recycle philosophy and focus our strategy on four key areas of the organisation – accreditations, warehouse and logistics, people and products.”

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NCZ-certified silver carbon neutral is the latest important accreditation for Sybron, which is a CHSA accredited distributor and a member of the Foodservice Packaging Association. This new accreditation ensures that all key paper lines conform to the FSC® Forests For All Forever accreditation.

All waste plastic and cardboard from Sybron’s warehouse is fully recycled through specialist compactor machines and it purchases key lines in full-truck quantities, saving unnecessary impacts to the environment. Sybron also works with clients who would like a reduced delivery schedule, and operates a fixed delivery schedule, reducing its CO2 impact.

“With products, we have significantly reduced packaging, through innovative manufacturing processes and focused on product longevity through concentrated formulations and innovation. The launch of the SyBio range and SySoft luxury bamboo toilet tissue demonstrates

our commitment to innovation and sustainability, with the ambition to work towards a greener future.

“We are looking closely at our supply chain and ensuring that we partner with business that share our beliefs and will work with us to develop an even more sustainable offering while reducing our environmental impact,” concludes George Mason. “We are proud to have become a carbon neutral business, which is the next critical step in our stated goal to become net zero.”

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION To learn more about Sybron, please visit: www.sybron.co.uk

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Think reuse Think re-universe hello@re-universe.com www.re-universe.com

re-universe is making a difference at Blenheim Palace.

This permanent scheme is eliminating 500,000 single use cups, reducing carbon by 30T and saving money vs. single use

Benefits to your business

REDUCE CARBON

CUT COSTS

ENGAGE USERS

ANY PACKAGING

DATA DRIVEN

Our digital returns platform enables reuse systems in open and closed loop environments, through a well designed, agile and secure solution.

FEATURE • AI USE IN WASTE

RE-UNIVERSE ENABLES EFFECTIVE REUSE SYSTEMS THROUGH DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY In the heart of Oxfordshire, a growing reuse revolution is underway re-universe is an Oxfordshire greentech company based in Bicester, with an ambitious mission to reduce waste.

Their secure digital returns platform makes it easy for people to return items (for reuse or recycling) through a frictionless user journey, providing clients with supply chain transparency, rich and accurate data alongside all important economic viability. re-universe can operate with any item (from single use through to reuse, cups to containers, tyres and textiles) so long as each item is uniquely coded, and re-universe uses global coding standards from GS1 GRAIs/GTINs, complemented by a combination of QR codes, RFID, and NFC, which ensures minimal fraud and maximum trust and engagement.

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FEATURE • AI USE IN WASTE Since 2020 re-universe has underpinned some of the UK’s most exciting recycling and reuse initiatives. Their projects have included digital deposit return schemes on recycling, having run 2 world first Digital DRS pilots within communities which saw impressive engagement and a 94% return rate, and collaborating with global brands such as evian waters and The Championships at Wimbledon on recycling initiatives.

Fast forward to 2024 and re-universe have extended their focus to reuse systems, collaborating with leading industry partners to deliver excellence and help enable circularity at scale.

Reuse at Scale Many organisations have taken the first step towards embracing reuse by launching small-scale pilots, often alongside their single-use containers. This tends to only appeal to the already converted and doesn’t achieve the true potential that a reusable scheme can offer. Then, when it comes to scaling-up these initiatives, they often hit roadblocks. Transitioning from pilot phases to fullscale implementation can be challenging, especially when dealing with complexities like measuring success, managing multiple vendors and brands in various environments.

This is where re-universe makes a positive difference, enabling organisations to commit to reuse by making it easier for organisations to navigate these challenges.

With a digital returns data-driven platform designed to handle diverse, multiple layer complexities, such as several vendors and various brands in open and closed looped environments, all can operate under one economically viable system.

Consider the scenario of a bustling travel hub with numerous vendors operating under one roof. Here, the re-universe digital platform offers unparalleled flexibility, allowing vendors to seamlessly collaborate on a reuse initiative, while maintaining individual identities and data supply. Through sophisticated RFID technology, the platform can identify the origin of each container, ensuring accurate returns and reuse data alongside efficient asset management and return logistics.

Enjoy Scan Return

How re-universe’s digital reuse scheme at UNESCO World Heritage site, Blenheim Palace, provides a blueprint for the future of best practice.

While a single-use cup might appear insignificant in addressing sustainability issues, the reality is stark. In the UK alone, more than 3 billion disposable cups are discarded each year, with less than 4% of them being recycled. This low recycling rate can be attributed to challenges in collection, processing, and contamination.

Our returna ble cups form part of our goal to become ne t zero by 20 27

Blenheim has taken the bold step of entirely eradicating single use cups through a permanent returnable cup scheme in collaboration with re-universe, eliminating 500,000 single use cups and 30 tonnes of carbon every year, which is comparable to the annual emissions of 19 petrol-driven cars.

What sets this scheme apart from others, is the integration of digital technology, enabling a deposit return scheme to incentivise high return rates, coupled with an intelligent and agile backbone strengthened by AI to deliver asset tracking through the estate, analyse usage patterns throughout the year and identify any bad behaviour, optimising and adapting the scheme in real time.

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FEATURE • AI USE IN WASTE

Blenheim is leading the way with a digital reuse scheme that engages visitors, delivers cup-tocup traceability and accurate real-time data MARCH 24

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FEATURE • AI USE IN WASTE

The returnable cups scheme invites visitors to ‘go green’ with takeaway hot drinks served in returnable cups, which come with a £2 deposit. Visitors drinking inside will have the alternative of a ceramic cup.

Once visitors are finished with their drink, they simply return the reusable cup to one of the numerous on-site return points, over the counter or using one of the innovative ‘tap and go’ returns machines soon to be installed on site. The return is validated through RFID technology and the deposit is refunded; there is also the option to transfer their deposit to Blenheim Palace’s charity of the year. The cups are then washed and are ready for a new visitor to use.

Each returnable cup by Circular&Co. is uniquely identified

by GS1 powered QR codes and RFID. This provides a way to securely validate each return and prevent fraud, and also offers greater insight by tracking each cup throughout its lifecycle.

“Blenheim is leading the way with a digital reuse scheme that engages visitors, delivers cup-to-cup traceability and accurate real-time data. This project shines a light on how

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collaborative effort creates meaningful results, with ourselves, Circular&Co, Avery Dennison, Cup Loop, GS1 UK, Mitsui and Zebra Technologies alongside an LCA from RECOUP, all working together to create a world-class returns system at a World Heritage Site,” says Rachel Warren CEO re-universe.

All eyes are on Blenheim, with the visitor attraction hosting many world leading organisations all keen to see this groundbreaking scheme in action.

From airports, major retailers, visitor attractions and sporting events, Blenheim Palace has been a hive of activity, with industry leaders and changemakers interested in being the next pioneer to roll out the returnable cup scheme and help join the movement to eliminate single use.

To learn more about re-universe, please visit:

www.re-universe.com

Image includes members from Blenheim Palace, re-universe, Circular&Co, GS1, Avery Dennison, Zebra and RECOUP

MARCH 24

How do you test your

geomembranes?

Our Geo Pro2 arc testing kit can identify leaks too small to see with the naked eye

Images courtesy CQA International Ltd

• Suitable for all non-conductive geomembrane materials up to 25mm thickness • Cover large areas rapidly • Conforms to ASTM D6365 and ASTM D7953

Give our sales team a call for more information tel: 01303 278888 email: sales@buckleys.co.uk

www.buckleysinternational.com

MANUFACTURERS OF SPECIALIST TEST EQUIPMENT

SHOW REVIEW • EXECUTIVE HIRE SHOW

Bringing together tool, equipment, and plant hirers all under one roof, the Executive Hire Show is not only the UK’s biggest industry exhibition but is also the only annual event aimed at both hirers and suppliers.

Future Waste was delighted to be supporting its sister magazine, Plant Planet, as they exhibited at the 2024 Executive Hire show on 14th and 15th of February this year. This year the Valentine’s special hosted at the Coventry Building Society Arena brought in a head count of a whopping 2,056 attendees, the biggest in the show’s 17 year run. With 150 exhibitors, 31 of those brand new, it marked a phenomenal milestone for the show.

Sustainable Solutions This year, there seemed to be a particular focus on sustainable solutions, with exhibitors focusing on their use of electric and battery alternatives for maintaining a fleet. In an industry that is renowned for a negative impact on the environment, it is incredible to see so many companies in the sector factoring accountability and doing the very best they can to ensure longevity of both products and resources. Big names like JCB showcased their fantastic range of electric alternatives whilst Lifos proudly displayed their advanced battery technology with their innovative energy storage systems.

Whatever the need, EHS had it all.

Commercial Fuel Solutions Ltd had teamed up with E-Power to debut not simply their new partnership, but also their fantastic product, the 45 kVA Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine Power Generator.

“I guess it’s a bit of a cliche, but they say, give the people what they want,” said Robin Futcher, MD of Commercial Fuel Solutions when speaking with our editor, Rebecca Phillips. “Right now, what the industry wants when it comes to hydrogen applications is a lower capex and accessible hydrogen. This unit delivers on both those points.”

The first of its kind in the UK, E-Power’s generator helps to provide companies with a sustainable solution that is not only cost effective but still maintains the power of a standard generator.

“We’re in this progressive stage now, and we feel we have been designing fuel systems for a long time. We work with formula one, agriculture, construction, and heavy transport is our main market.

About five or six years ago, hydrogen was the obvious choice, where electrification just isn’t practical. Think about construction for a moment. Even if you do get the planning consent, the first thing you do with your site is send in your heavy machinery to flatten the ground, dig the trenches and so on. Even if you could electrify that equipment, which may be possible in future, you’re definitely still going to need hydrogen to mobilise. And this is why we identified hydrogen as an essential fuel source for the future of the carbonizing our key markets. We feel we have a sense of responsibility as a manufacturer of these type of products to help educate people on what that decarbonization journey looks like.”

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SHOW REVIEW • EXECUTIVE HIRE SHOW

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SHOW REVIEW • EXECUTIVE HIRE SHOW

This year’s Executive Hire Show was fantastic, with an unprecedented amount of deals done. The atmosphere was electric, and it was evident that our focus on innovation and sustainability resonated with both exhibitors and visitors.

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SHOW REVIEW • EXECUTIVE HIRE SHOW Parties and Prizes After a wonderful first day, the exhibitors came together to celebrate at the Passionate Hirer awards.

Happy and smiling, the air was electric with the buzz of a fantastic first show day as the mingling manifested into celebration.

Chris Moore, Publishing and Event Director of the Executive Hire Show, took to the stage to welcome everyone and announce the two categories of the awards. Moore Equipment Hire won the Single Depot Hire Award to honour their years of hard work and dedication to their service, and Phoenix Hire and Sales won the Multi Depot Hire Award for excellence across multiple locations as well as their outstanding achievements this year.

Connections and Conclusions Future Waste had an absolutely fantastic time at the Executive Hire Show 2024. Not only because it was a fantastic display for the hire sector, but also the fantastic people and companies we connected with along the way.

We were fortunate enough to make a number of new connections, including a great chat with Kerry Sweeney of Cabintec, who told us all about the incredible worksite cabins they supply to sites. We also got to know the amazing companies that we shared the floor with, in our small section of the show. TDL were an absolute hoot to hang out with, not only providing us with two days’ worth of banter, but also talking us through how exceptional their equipment is and the part it has to play in the world of waste.

Speaking of neighbours, we were also just down the row from our good friends at Close Brothers, who made for excellent dinner buddies at the awards presentation. Their asset finance should be a consideration for any of those in heavy plant of any kind, and they were on top form when educating the crowds on their services.

It was also fantastic to check in with Tyre Boss after their warehouse fire and see how they were getting on.

In true Tyre Boss fashion, they are still going strong, and were all smiles as they chatted to the masses.

In the official press release rounding up the highlights of the show, Chris Moore, Publishing and Event Director of the Executive Hire Show said: “I’ would like to extend a special thank you to our sponsors, The Hire Exchange and the Hire Association Europe (HAE), for their invaluable support. Their contributions played a crucial role in the success of this year’s networking event, helping to bring the hire community together.

We’re grateful for their partnership and look forward to continuing to work together to advance the hire industry. This year’s Executive Hire Show was fantastic, with an unprecedented amount of deals done. The atmosphere was electric, and it was evident that our focus on innovation and sustainability resonated with both exhibitors and visitors. We’re already looking forward to the next show and continuing to support the hire industry’s growth.”

We cannot wait to return again next year and see what EHS has in store for us on the 12th ad 13th of February at the CBS Arena.

Here’s to 2025!

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The Premier Fire Protection Solution Early detection, zero false alarms Targeted suppression Fully maintained

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FEATURE • WITHAM GROUP LTD | GREASING THE COGS OF INNOVATION

WITHAM GROUP LTD GREASING THE COGS OF INNOVATION

My first on-site visit for Conscious Companies took me all the way to the very heart of Lincoln (which trust me, from Chichester is a HEFTY drive). For over 100 years, Witham Group Ltd has operated out of this historic city, bringing quality oils and paints to Britain for three generations of the founding family. Whatever the industry, whatever the demand, Witham Group has always been there to meet it.

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I arrived on site to a veritable hive of activity, the excitement palpable as I was taken through to the boardroom. Sat in my comfy chair with my fizzy water (don’t judge me, I like it, okay?), I got chatting to Ali Bottom, Group Marketing Director, who explained that they were smack bang in the middle of renewing their royal warrant, which is absolutely as exclusive as it sounds, particularly with our new King really honing in on who should and shouldn’t have one.

Since 1991, Witham Group has supplied oil and paint to the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, and that esteemed position seems set to continue.

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FEATURE • WITHAM GROUP LTD | GREASING THE COGS OF INNOVATION With this in mind, it highlights just how imperative it is that conscious companies (see what I did there?) such as Witham Group are celebrated. One might assume, wholly incorrectly, that a company steeped in such history with such a rich heritage might be focused on tradition rather than innovation.

How wrong that is.

Nigel Bottom, Managing Director, took me not only on a tour of their incredible facility, but also on a journey to the very heart of their operation. Their ethos, their brand, the very fabric of the molecular structure that makes up their oils and lubricants, Nigel and Ali detailed it all.

Join us, dear readers. Join us!

So, 103 years of oil and paint.

A: That’s what we do!

N: Certainly is. I’m the third generation of my family to be involved in the company, the business also has a fourth generation of the Smith family still working in it too.

That’s incredible. You must be so proud to be continuing and expanding the family business?

N: Absolutely, I’m extremely proud. We are the largest oil manufacturer in the UK that no one has

BEFORE

ever heard of but our ethos of quality products and offering the best customer service we can has held us in very good stead.

Forgive me for saying this, but when people think of oil, I don’t think many would assume its manufacturing to be a particularly green process.

N: Honestly it wasn’t for a long time. The amount of energy used during the process can definitely not be considered sustainable.

A: It’s something we really believe in here though.

It makes up our core values.

N: We looked internally to see how we could then make our offering environmentally sustainable.

So, we started with the quick wins. We looked at our recycling process, paper and plastic, the basics.

The we started using grey water for washing the vehicles and the factory itself. Out of all the stuff, that was pretty easy. Then we looked at our raw material suppliers’ environmental credentials and the way that they were manufacturing the product that we would buy. We like to ask questions, find more sustainable solutions. So, if we’re buying a mineral base for a hydraulic application, could we replace that with a canola or rape seed oil application?

If we change it, will the oil give the same specification and quality? If that’s a simple yes, then excellent! But what’s the cost implication?

after

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FEATURE • WITHAM GROUP LTD | GREASING THE COGS OF INNOVATION

BEFORE

after

An ongoing conversation, then?

N: Exactly. And that’s meant that we can offer much more environmentally friendly alternatives to our general products.

Meaning it’s a conscious decision of the operator to use it?

N: Yes, but unfortunately, up until probably the last year or two, it’s been significantly more expensive, so uptake wasn’t necessarily high initially.

Do you think that’s changing now, given the moral standpoint a lot of people have?

A: I think there’s an accountability there nowadays for quite a lot of companies, so definitely some pressure to make the switch.

N: Honestly, I don’t think the company size makes any difference if I’m brutally honest. Whether it’s small or big, some can react better. The smaller operator with a more unique service might only be able to supply locally but will supply with a better environmental ethos. The bigger companies have departments that look after that and do that as well, but also have huge quotas to make. So it all really depends. We just want to be able to provide people with the choice.

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Do you feel like you guys are ahead of the curve as a supplier in that regard?

N: I’d say so. It’s all part of our three-tier plan.

Three-tier plan? I love a good plan.

A: So do we!

N: The green initiative falls into three sections.

Raw Materials, Educating Customers, and our Blending Operation.

Ah, so we’ve spoken a little about the raw materials.

N: Yes, but there’s a bit more to it. If there’s an option for us to purchase product that is environmentally sustainable, we do that, and that includes our packaging. Our 25L drums, for example.

Can we buy a proper pack that’s got a certain amount of recycled media within it? There are many that are now 30-35% recycled media. But does it perform how we need it to? Can it be stacked?

Will it break if it rolled over in the back of the trunk?

It’s got to be able to be refilled, whatever the weather outside, whatever the scenario is.

So that was a switch we could make on our smaller packaging. But then we looked at the oil barrels themselves. They’re metal barrels that are dropped off and then when they’re finished, they’re disposed of.

We thought, what if we did away with that completely.

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FEATURE • WITHAM GROUP LTD | GREASING THE COGS OF INNOVATION Now, depending on geographical area of course, we supply free oil tanks that can be filled in bulk. Then they are directly refilled.

So there’s no need for packaging at all?

N: Not in bulk.

A: And the tanks are colour-coded so it’s clear to manufacturers what they are, and they in turn have zero packaging.

Sounds fantastic!

A: Thank you, we’re really proud of it and its helping pave the way, workshops and businesses are handling and using oils and lubricants.

What about the next stage of your plan?

The educational side of things?

N: So, we work with colleges and universities doing educational tours. We’ve actually got a tour tonight from a from a local group that are coming round, probably a dozen or so. But we also work with dealerships, where we bring them in and will train and educate their service managers and engineers on what types of lubricant need to be used where and when. We also work in conjunction, and we are on their advisory committee of the National Fluid Power Centre, who do training for businesses in the sector. It’s vital to know what product is needed to prevent waste, time, money… there are so many factors to it.

Do you think people tend to skimp on quality for price?

N: Yes, and it makes no sense if you think about it.

The equipment you are using the oil on can reach

up to hundreds of thousands of pounds. Businesses need to rely on the fact it will run and function properly, which means the internal mechanics need to be in tip top shape. Therefore, if you know you’re not only getting a high-quality oil to help do that, but also the best one for the task, you’ll rest easy. And that’s what we want to help people to understand. We want to pass on our knowledge to our customers. We always have.

So then, the all-important question…

What’s the final part of the plan?

N: The biggest third of the plan, from an environmental point of view, was always going to be our blending operation. So, the traditional blending operation and the way the industry manufactures lubricants has probably not changed in 103 years.

Not at all?

N: Well, certain things have changed. It’s not a person with a wooden stick anymore, it’s a mechanized paddle, but the actual process to manufacture lubricant is pretty much the same. In a nutshell, you heat the base oil and raw materials to about 60 degrees and place in a blending vessel.

No matter the size of the blending vessel, and we’re talking thousands of tonnes, in essence, the contents get heated and then agitated to “blend” the ingredients into the required lubricant’s viscosity and specifications.

The heat source used is traditionally either, gas, electricity or water jacket (and the water in the jacket still needs heating!). Obviously, the heating of a massive vat of lubricant uses a ridiculous amount of fossil fuel electricity and gas!

Witham’s unique new blending process was the focus for a visit from HRH The Duke of Gloucester where Nigel Bottom was proud to show him round.

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FEATURE • WITHAM GROUP LTD | GREASING THE COGS OF INNOVATION

A: That’s when we started looking at our environmental credentials further and our own power generation. The necessity to improve both the time, cost, and environmental impact of the lubricant manufacturing industry, has driven us to develop a new and extremely innovative process…

N: We’ve got obviously 90,000 square foot here of factory with a huge roof, all facing into the sunshine, so we put some solar panels on there, which was both environmentally and financially beneficial. And it got us thinking: if there is an alternative method for electricity, is there perhaps one for the blending process? Now, we manufacture paint, something that I’m not sure any other oil company does. And it was us considering how to improve the blending process for paint that provided the idea of using sonics for lubricant blending.

Using sound?

N: Exactly! The process is called Blendtek Solutions.

After two to four years development work, we took a sonic tube with 32000 transducers in there and instead of using a mechanical paddle and heat, we developed a method and prototype to use ultrasound to mix the lubricant. You place ten different liquids in a tube and you send ultrasound through there, the cavitation of the ultrasound basically pulls the products in and mixes them at molecular level.

It was a big eureka moment, because all of a sudden we didn’t need to heat the product, we didn’t need to use a mechanical paddle to mix it and we could use it plugged into a socket on a wall.

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So, before, it took about 1962kw of power to blend 10000 litres of oil. Now, it takes 8kw!

I’m sorry, 8kw of power?

N: And no heat needed at all. Our gas usage has reduced by 93%. *It should be noted at this point I was genuinely too stunned to speak* A: We didn’t do it from a cost saving point of view.

We did it from an environmental and sustainability venture. Now, realistically, it has put a huge saving into the blending part of our business, which means we’ve been able to pass on every penny to the customer.

N: It’s totally transformed the way we work. I think a lot of companies try to offset their carbon footprint by “offsetting” or investing in “sinks” such as planting lots of trees in order to balance out their usage. Instead, we’re not using fossil fuels at all.

Using this process, we remove the need for base oils and additives to be heated at all. This also means our product packs can be filled immediately without the need for cooling and we can also blend much smaller bespoke batches. We are now blending completely carbon neutral.

That is actually ASTOUNDING! A: We’re so excited about it, this new way of blending lubricants has so many other opportunities in the oil industry.

N: It’s definitely something to be proud of and something we hope our customers feel good about too.

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FEATURE • WITHAM GROUP LTD | GREASING THE COGS OF INNOVATION After picking my jaw up off the floor, Nigel took me on a tour of their HQ and warehouse.

What started as a family business has somehow managed to remain just that, with the added twist of a modern, innovative business.

Everywhere we went, we were met with engaging smiles from the staff, the atmosphere calm despite how busy it was.

I got to see everything from the mixing process to the barrels loaded onto the trucks ready for distribution. It was a warm, open invitation to how this fantastic business operates, with so much to see and learn along the way.

I even got a freebie of multipurpose aerosol lubricant (which, side note, has led to the quietest hinges on my stupid pantry door)!

My advice? If you want to know more about this fantastic company, go along to their training sessions or visit their website. You won’t be disappointed.

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CASE STUDY • ENDURAMAXX

SHAPING A GREENER FUTURE

A Visit to Day Aggregates’ IBA Recycling Facility in Wellingborough Embarking on a journey into the heart of waste transformation, a recent visit to Day Aggregates’ cutting-edge IBA recycling facility in Wellingborough left us awe-inspired and enlightened. Ever wondered what becomes of your bin waste once it leaves your house? Brace yourself; it’s a captivating journey beyond mere waste collection.

Unveiling the IBA Alchemy: Transforming Waste into Value At Day Aggregates, the team doesn’t just recycle; it performs alchemy on Incinerator Bottom Ash (IBA), turning the waste into secondary aggregate. With metals, including aluminum, steel, copper, silver, gold, and brass being recovered as part of the process, as well as unburnt plastic and wood.

Once these items are salvaged, the IBA is seamlessly blended with a type one aggregate to create EcoBend®.

This recycled aggregate blend serves as a load bearing sub-base and back fill for roads, paths, driveways, car parks and structural bases etc, reinforcing the commitment to sustainable construction. In fact, all new roads constructed must incorporate up to 30% of recycled aggregate base, underscoring the facility’s dedication to eco-friendly practices.

The IBA intake shed holding up to 20,000T of IBA. • 16 lorries per day • 6 days per week • 28T per lorry

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CASE STUDY • ENDURAMAXX Nigel Palmer with Enduramaxx rainwater harvesting and borehole storage tanks.

Preserving Every Drop Water plays a starring role in IBA recycling, meticulously managed by Nigel Palmer and his team of water technicians from W R Systems. As we delved into the depths of the water management system, it became clear that every drop is not only valued but ingeniously recycled to minimize environmental impact.

The colossal shed that stores IBA material also captures the rain which is collected and channeled along internal guttering and stored in a series of three interconnected 30,000L Enduramaxx tanks.

Navigating the site, it is easy to miss the subtle sloping yard, guiding water toward a wedge pit. From this unassuming pit, water flows over a weir, embarking on a journey through a series of settlement pits. These pits are essential in separating out

surface debris so the run-off is ready for reuse. The recycled water is piped into a network of six more interconnected 30,000L Enduramaxx tanks.

The Enduramaxx tanks feed all harvested water into the highpressure ring main system. The network of pipes ensures a seamless flow of water throughout the facility, catering to the diverse needs of the IBA recycling process.

Each of the 30,000L tanks incorporates a 5-degree cone.

This slight inclination facilitates the capture and drainage of any lingering sediment. As water moves through the system, sediment naturally settles at the bottom and can be drained, preventing build up that could compromise effciency. Each tank is cradled by a painted steel frame to protect its cone bottom and to allow access to drain any sediment.

Wedge and settlement pits with 30,000L Enduramaxx water storage tanks 50

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MARCH 24

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CASE STUDY • ENDURAMAXX Bore Holes and Beyond To supplement the rainwater and surface water harvest, Day Aggregates has also drilled a bore hole. However, mindful of responsible water usage, the extraction from the bore hole is capped at 20,000L per day. This carefully calibrated approach ensures a delicate balance between meeting operational needs and preserving water resources. The Enduramaxx 20,000L bore hole tank has a 30-degree cone, anticipating the likelihood of more sediment, given the heavy clay substrate from which the bore hole is drilled.

The strategy to combine all harvested and recycled rainwater, surface water and bore hole water, showcases the facility’s dedication to diverse and sustainable water management practices.

In the event of low levels in rain, surface, or bore hole water, it can be replenished with treated mains water. Additionally, to uphold health and safety standards, mains water is used for the overhead atomisers to reduce the potential risk of inhaling tiny water droplets.

In the pursuit of efficiency and environmental stewardship, each water source is equipped with a separate flow meter. These not only provide essential performance data but serve as a feedback mechanism, enabling constant refinement of the water management system. The emphasis on data- driven insights reinforces the commitment to continuous improvement and sustainability.

Rainwater guttering pipework

Weighbridge wheel wash

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CASE STUDY • ENDURAMAXX Maintaining Air Quality As the IBA undergoes its transformative journey – from being tipped, crushed, processed, sorted, and turned into recycled aggregate – the facility employs a sophisticated water management system to control dust and any potential airborne emissions.

Fiitting pipework fixtures for the overhead conveyor

To counteract the airborne particles and ensure a clean and safe working environment, a network of rain guns, overhead sprinklers, and targeted sprays, fed from the main ring system, orchestrates a synchronized dance across the facility. The abundance of water crisscrossing the site, isn’t just a spectacle; it’s a strategic defense against potential air emissions.

Conveyor belts, pivotal in the movement of materials, don’t escape meticulous care. Even here, sprays come into play, creating a fine mist that settles any dust particles and maintains air quality standards. Even the weighbridge has a wheel bath that recycles water after wheel washdown.

This complex labyrinth of spraying systems operates automatically, yet each individual spray can be manually overridden when necessary.

As we wrapped up our exploration of Day Aggregates’ IBA recycling facility, it was evident that the plant doesn’t only recycle waste; it recycles water with equal dedication. Cutting-edge technology ensures that every drop of water counts.

The versatility of the water supply sources not only adds resilience to the system but aligns with Day Aggregates’ commitment to responsible resource management.

Control panel with manual override remote control MARCH 24

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CASE STUDY • ENDURAMAXX

Colin Grewcock’s Vision: State-of-the-Art Environmental Excellence Colin Grewcock, Site Manager, Day Aggregates passionately described the Wellingborough facility as a state-of-theart environmental site. The facility boasts innovative electromagnetic technology, robust dust suppression mechanisms, and water recycling systems to meet Environment Agency requirements.

Pride radiates from every corner of this operation; substantial investments have been made in creating an aesthetically pleasing environment, evident from the wood panel fencing bordering the rail tracks, to strategically planted trees softening the site boundary – irrigated of course!

Colin went on to explain Day Aggregates’ commitment to the local area, with plans to employ up to 20 people from the local area. Being a considerate neighbour to other businesses situated on the Finedon Industrial estate is also important.

Pioneering Sustainable Solutions: Day Aggregates’ IBA Recycling Facility Set for Spring 2024 Launch The IBA recycling facility is poised to become operational in Spring 2024 and signifies a significant step in the Day Group’s dedication to sustainable waste management. The facility is geared towards transforming energy-from-waste by-products into valuable resources, processing 200,000 tonnes of IBA annually. This initiative will also divert over 900,000 tonnes of non-recycled waste from landfills.

The journey through Day Aggregates’ IBA recycling facility in Wellingborough is not just a glimpse into waste management; it’s a testament to innovation, sustainability, and a commitment to shaping a greener future. As the facility nears completion, the anticipation for the positive impact it will have on waste management and community development is palpable. Day Aggregates is not just processing waste; they’re crafting a sustainable legacy for generations to come.

For more information please visit:

Colin Grewcock, Site Manager, Day Aggregates and Nigel Palmer, W R Systems Ltd.

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www.enduramaxx.co.uk

www.dayaggregates.co.uk

MARCH 24

FEATURE • THE FUTURE OF SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT

THE HIGH PRICE OF CHEAP A Solid Waste Story Bob O Connell, Managing Director, MIBIN Ltd

In a world of increasing consumption, the need to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle has never been more important.

As the Managing Director of MIBIN Ltd, I want to share my insights about solid waste, how it is managed now and in the future, and how our unique compartmentalised wheelie bin can be part of the solution to improve waste and recycling in households. I do not claim to be an expert, merely a long-time observer on this journey who has noticed some things that I feel may be of interest to the reader.

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FEATURE • THE FUTURE OF SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT

Solid waste generation is inexorably linked to population growth, urbanization and consumption habits.

The landfill tax introduced in 1996 has been a significant success in diverting waste from landfill, and some of the credit must be given to increased recycling which by 2022 had risen to 51% in the UK. That figure is however misleading, as some councils perform as high as 73%, making the figure of 51% a disservice to their efforts while exaggerating the performance of those who don’t even come close to recycling half that.

Improved kerbside collections and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) were important factors, but waste generation is still significant at 500 million tonnes per year. Increased collection is further undermined by badly cleaned or contaminated recyclables caused by poor recycling habits which increases costs by requiring more processing and additional sorting. Contaminated recyclables which are rejected for recycling streams can end up in landfills, negatively impact recycling rates and lead to a waste of time and effort.

Household food waste for 2023 is estimated by Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP) to be worth £14 billion, representing lost financial resources and a further significant environmental impact. To put this figure in context, it represents an average cost of £490 per UK household. This is a staggering amount that could be better spent on services and resources provided by councils, many who are struggling with the financial impact of covid and current local and global issues.

Raising awareness and public access to information on how good recycling habits can benefit them and improve the environment is crucial. The public needs to know more about the economic and environmental benefits of good behaviour, and given greater encouragement to be more sustainable in their consumption habits.

Greenwashing is a barrier to a healthy recycling environment because it confuses and creates disillusionment in the public. More clarity is needed in addressing this opportunistic and damaging approach taken by some in the name of profit which has no benefit for either the consumer or the environment. An example is plastic packaging that is fully recyclable replaced with non-recyclable alternatives that include plastic with a larger carbon footprint.

This is apparent in shredded recycled plastics where no information is given on the quality of the recycled content, and the only incentive is that by using 30% recycled plastic in a packaging component it avoids the plastic tax introduced in 2022. Using shredded recycled plastic in products is not always a bad thing as long as there is clarity on the quality of the recyclate that is used. Recycled plastics must comply with strict regulations for use in food, toy, and cosmetic applications.

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FEATURE • THE FUTURE OF SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT It is however clear that we need to eliminate all unnecessary packaging and strive for packaging solutions that can be returned to the circular economy, and preferably be reused/ refilled before recovering the materials.

There is a big difference in the quality of shredded recycled plastic from virgin material and that from components manufactured with recycled content. While it is certainly true that for some products this is not a problem, there are other products where this can affect their useful working life.

Wheelie bins are an example of the latter, where the life span of the original wheelie bins was much longer than some of the current offerings made with recycled plastic.

I have personally seen a shipment of new wheelie bins where 10% were damaged and not fit for purpose due to substandard materials. These bins were all delivered with the EN840 stamp of compliance.

Advanced Recycling Processes such as pyrolysis, solvolysis and enzymolysis are just a few of over 100 technologies utilised to break down polymers, and I am hopeful that will help us recycle 90% of plastics not currently recycled, including harder to recycle plastics.

There is a need to steer plastics and other valuable recyclable content away from waste to energy. The experience of Sweden, an environmentally aware country, can serve as a cautionary tale. There they invested heavily in waste to energy and found that, when combined with a conscientious population, they soon ran out of enough domestically generated waste/fuel to power their energy plants. Sweden now relies on imported waste from their neighbours. This is clearly not sustainable in the long term and the focus should remain on positive renewable energy sources such as Wind, Solar and Wave generation.

Issues with current systems don’t stop there. 0.6% of the UK’s work force is involved in waste management but accounts for 2.8% of accidents. This adds up to 29,440 days lost to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) at a cost of £70 million a year.

A 2021 study by the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors (CIEHF) found that MSDs are a major health issue for waste collection workers in the UK. Over 60% of them suffer from them at some point in their careers, and it can lead to pain, disability and in some cases early retirement.

The study identified smaller bins and bad handling practices as two of the main factors that contribute to MSDs. The study estimated that 10% of the UK workforce involved in waste collection suffer from MSDs annually. The study found that 33% of MSDs are related to smaller bins, with 66% related to bad handling.

0.6% of the UK’s work force is involved in waste management but accounts for 2.8% of accidents at a cost of £70 million a year.

Replacing a 240L wheelie bin with smaller bins and caddies have several issues. Smaller bins are less stable and open caddies are problematic as they can fill with rain, which seems to contravene the Manual Handling regulations regarding the lifting of unspecified weights.

While there is no one simple solution to the problem of solid waste I believe there are a number of things that can be done, but they require acknowledging that without the support of households, and prioritising the health and safety of the waste workforce, many of the necessary steps will be undermined.

Recognising that one size doesn’t fit all when it comes to waste management is necessary, because we do not all consume in equal amounts. Nor is every household the same, and the UK has 28 million households, 64% of which are made up of one or two people. 6.3 million households reside in terraced dwellings.

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FEATURE • THE FUTURE OF SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT

You can’t talk about solid waste without mentioning “Bin Blight”. It is a major problem that has not been properly addressed.

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FEATURE • THE FUTURE OF SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT

Distribution of household sizes in the UK 2021 We at MIBIN recognise the complexity of the challenge, and without traceability and accountability it will be difficult, but great UK innovations like Polytag give us hope for the future.

The humble barcode celebrates its 50th birthday this June. Its timeless form has helped global commerce function seamlessly since its inception – with remarkably little innovation in its history.

That said, technology is about progress – and the global, non-profit organisation GS1 has declared that we’re headed towards “Project Sunrise” – the date at which 2D (2 dimensional) barcodes replace the familiar stripey barcode at the tills and usher in the era of the GS1 Digital Link.

Recycling tech start up Polytag has Project Sunrise-ready, GS1 technology that offers brands and retailers a future-proofed way to get more out of the real estate currently taken up by the stripey barcode. A Polytag® label allows you to link to a product-specific page on the web where you can engage with your customers, build brand loyalty, provide relevant product or brand information and access improved supply chain traceability information.

The Polytag® solution can also be used to reward customers for recycling, as was proven by Polytag and Ocado’s joint project in the summer of 2023. In this project, 20,000 20-pence rewards were given to customers who recycled their milk bottles, proving so by scanning the GS1 Digital Link QR code before disposing of them in their registered bin.

With improved supply chain visibility, more accessible information sharing with customers, rewards for recycling, and the ability to be scanned at tills, the QR codes enter a new era of convenience.

You can’t talk about solid waste without mentioning “Bin Blight”. It is a major problem that has not been properly addressed and there have been thousands of angry complaints from homeowners.

“Unsightly bins left lying around the neighbourhood can spoil the look of an area. Carefully planned bin storage is, therefore, important. Each dwelling should have enough storage space for all the different types of bin used in the local authority area (for example landfill, recycling, food waste).”

A report by NHBC, the UK’s leading independent new home warranty and insurance provider, recommended the following 8 points to consider when designing waste collection facilities: • Reducing visual impact

• Allowing adequate space for the number and size of bins and other containers • Ensuring convenience for use including by residents with reduced mobility

• Ensuring that solutions are durable, low maintenance and cleanable • Managing odour and noise issues

• Addressing other health and safety issues (including fire and vermin) • Working out arrangements for collection days

• Minimizing impact on use of pavements and streets by pedestrians and vehicles. This is just one of many reports on the issue and by omission expresses dissatisfaction with current tools and methods, recommending no existing bins or containers.

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FEATURE • THE FUTURE OF SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT Lack of space in towns and cities is impacting recycling negatively, especially in inner city terraces where space is at a premium. While lack of space tends not to receive as much publicity it is still one of the major challenges for councils.

MIBIN was designed to solve the problem of bin blight, tackle overcapacity, increase recycling and reduce the risks of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) to bin operators.

MIBIN is a compartmentalised wheelie bin comprising 2 x 120L compartments that are designed to be operated independently and is compatible with current bin truck comb lifters.

MIBIN will replace two wheelie bins.

MIBIN’s design has been well received by various authorities responsible for waste and recycling and has been selected as a finalist in the CIWM Sustainability and Resource Awards, EPRO Best Plastic Design Award and the MRW National Recycling Awards.

We designed MIBIN to industry standards and to be EN840 compliant. It is designed to be ergonomically balanced and easy to use, and the concept is protected in the UK by a European patent.

We have a technical partnership with the RGE Group in Peterborough since 2017.

They have confirmed the viability of MIBIN’s unique design for manufacture. The RGE Group are a world-class manufacturer of plastic injection moulded components, injection mould tooling and plastic design.

With over 70 years’ experience, the RGE Group is the home of injection moulding expertise.

RGE group are a family owned company with global experience that expresses the very best of British engineering and expertise and we share their commitment to delivering a quality product to the market.

I will leave with the last words from an article written in 1999 by Heather Chappells and Elizabeth Shove titled “Bins and the history of waste relations.”

“Despite their innocent appearance, dustbins occupy a critical position in any narrative of waste management. Being situated at the interface of private lives and household practices, on the one hand, and public health and environmental management on the other, dustbin technologies provide a revealing indicator of waste-relationships within society.”

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