Closed Loop to expand rHDPE production

The company, which announced details of the expansion to its bottle recycling plant today (November 13), has opted to increase the amount of HDPE milk bottles it recycles on site, to fulfil a higher level of demand from packaging manufacturers for recycled HDPE polymer.

The Closed Loop plant located at the Thames Gateway Park sustainable industry site in Dagenham, reprocesses up to 35,000 tonnes of mixed plastic bottles per year. Plans to expand the site were first revealed in January 2011 (see letsrecycle.com story).

An investment in processing equipment will increase capacity at the plant to allow it to handle around 55,000 tonnes per annum.

Capacity

‘The increased demand for recycled content is an example of the whole industry working together retailers, producers, brands and industry bodies to implement an ambitious plan. This has created a sustainable business model with enormous potential for the future.’

Chris Dow, Closed Loop Recycling

The facility, which has been operating since December 2008, currently has the capacity to produce around 11,000 tonnes of rPET and 6,000 tonnes of rHDPE per annum from the 35,000 tonne mixed bottle feedstock. With an additional 20,000 tonnes of bottles coming into the plant, Closed Loop expects that rHDPE production will double to around 12,000 tonnes per year.

Work has started on the site expansion, and is expected to be completed in early 2014.

Commenting on the expansion, Chris Dow, Closed Loop chief executive, said: Recycled milk bottles are a massive win for the circular economy. The increased demand for recycled content is an example of the whole industry working together retailers, producers, brands and industry bodies to implement an ambitious plan. This has created a sustainable business model with enormous potential for the future.

There has been a huge commitment from the companies in this sector, including our customers, who have invested in technology and plants to complete the HDPE recycling loop. I am confident that our expansion will bring the 2020 target of 50% recycled material in plastic bottles closer.

Meanwhile, the company is also seeking to secure a higher number of HDPE bottles for processing at the plant, and is working to develop a campaign alongside local authorities to increase milk bottle collection rates.

Dr Liz Goodwin, chief executive of WRAP, said: Closed Loop Recyclings expansion in order to meet forecast demand for recycled content in milk bottle packaging is the perfect example of how businesses can work together to achieve the economic and environmental benefits of a circular economy. It is great to see circular economy ideas being converted into positive action.