The waste management company described the paper and card as being the non-recyclable component of the household waste stream at Southwark’s Integrated Waste Management facility and is expected to include lower quality contaminated material from materials recycling facilities.
The product made from the waste paper is to be called Pro-Fibre and will be used in packaging products, cellulose-based insulation
Confirming the launch of the new product today, Veolia said the work demonstrated its commitment to the circular economy.
In a statement, the company said: “State-of-the-art technology is able to extract previously non-recyclable paper and cardboard from the residual waste fraction currently going to energy recovery. This new solution will turn this fibre stream into a new product: Pro-Fibre.”
Investment
Veolia said it is investing £1 million into the new technology in Sheffield which will be able to treat up to 20,000 tonnes a year of paper and contaminants and produce up to 14,000 tonnes of Pro-Fibre. The process includes identifying and capturing the non-recyclable fibre fragments, pulping, cleaning, screening and a mechanical pressing stage.
Explaining the process, the company said the Pro-Fibre product can be manufactured either wet or dry.
Forbes McDougall, head of circular economy at Veolia said: “This new technique allows fibres that would normally not be recycled now to be turned into a new product with a wide range of uses. Not only will this benefit the circular economy it will also help Veolia increase recycling rates across the UK. We’re open to new applications and welcome ideas from manufacturers who would identify Pro-Fibre as a feedstock alternative.”
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