MYGroup says compliance scheme Valpak was “instrumental” in helping to gain approval for funding for around 1,000 tonnes of PRNs.
The recycling evidence will be issued on plastic packaging including that from the company’s takeback schemes with Boots and The Body Shop.
Formerly known as Mytum & Selby Waste Recycling Ltd, MYGroup processes a wide range of wastes, from food waste and mixed plastics to metals.
The company says it will invest the funding in expanding its recycling systems and manufacturing products from “hard-to-recycle” plastics.
Mike Derbyshire, MYGroup site manager, said: “Although we also deal with more commonly recycled plastics, we are focusing on using the PRNs to increase capacity for the most challenging mixed plastic streams.
“Our equipment is specially designed, but our skill lies in blending different plastics together and creating products out of material that would traditionally end up in landfill.”
PRNs
Under the PRN system, companies which reprocess waste packaging must pay for accreditation by the Environment Agency if they wish to sell packaging recycling evidence.
We are focusing on using the PRNs to increase capacity for the most challenging mixed plastic streams
- Mike Derbyshire, MYGroup site manager
Businesses can then sell the evidence to packaging producers who have recycling targets to meet.
The compliance sector will welcome the addition of up to 1,000 plastic PRNs as prices have remained fairly high since a small spike in the autumn, when it is thought the Agency rescinded some recycling evidence.
Demand is also likely to stay high throughout 2022.
‘Hard-to-recycle’ plastics
With headquarters in Sherburn in Elmet, near Leeds, MYGroup operates four facilities across Yorkshire and the Humber with a combined waste processing capacity of more than 750,000 tonnes per year.
The company recovers food waste for animal feed or treats it through anaerobic digestion, while “harder-to-recycle plastics” such as multi-layer films and contaminated plastic packaging are manufactured into hoarding board, furniture, school equipment, or Christmas trees for shop display.
The hoarding board is available to construction customers of Reconomy, Valpak’s parent company, for use on site.
MYGroup also operates take-back schemes with pharmacy chain Boots and cosmetics, skin care, and perfume company The Body Shop.
‘Traceability and innovation’
Ben Richardson, director of procurement at Valpak, praised MYGroup’s level of “traceability and innovation”.
He said: “MYGroup’s ethos aligns with our purpose of creating a sustainable waste free world.
“Working together to create a useable product from waste otherwise destined for energy recovery, whilst also generating UK PRNs that will help them to invest and expand, is what true collaboration is about.
“The model works well even without the value of the PRN, but accreditation will help take MYGroup’s unique approach even further, and I am excited to support their future growth.”
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