The money has meant the firm has been able to diversify by moving into the recycling of waste glass taken from redundant windows, on top of its original service of recycling post-manufacturing glass. It has also increased its staff numbers from three to five following an increase in revenue.
Quality
Before it received the grant at the end of 2006, GB Cullet was selling much of its glass for secondary processing for uses such as aggregates because the quality of material was much lower. The new investment means more higher quality material, which can be sold for reprocessing back into glass.
The company has also entered into a business agreement with Creation Recycling – also supported by RAY – where Creation will break down the glass before sending it for reprocessing.
RAY is a regional programme aiming to expand the market for recycled goods. It is funded by the European Regional Development Fund and Yorkshire Forward – the Regional Development Agency for Yorkshire and Humber.
RAY's glass project manager Ben Stone said: “RAY has been working hard to increase the levels of recycling for flat glass and glazing waste. It is estimated that 30,000 tonnes of glazing waste is generated in Yorkshire and Humber alone with 190,000 tonnes nationwide.
“Although this also includes the wood, plastic and metal frames, there is a significant tonnage of the glass itself which is currently being sent to landfill. The region will see a sizeable decrease in its carbon footprint by improving the recycling rates for both the glass and associated waste.”
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