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With news on: DS Smith acquisition; Novelis opens German plant; ReGrow digestate launched; recycling service for Warwickshire SMEs, and; certification for Biogen’s AD plant in Gwynedd

Novelis cuts ribbon on huge German recycling plant

Aluminium reprocessing firm Novelis has opened what it has described as the world’s largest aluminium recycling facility, in Nachterstedt, Germany.

Novelis' aluminium recycling plant in Nachterstedt
Novelis’ aluminium recycling plant in Nachterstedt

The facility has the capacity to process more than 400,000 tonnes of aluminium scrap per year. Finished product from the facility will primarily be used for manufacturing process in the automotive and can markets.

Commenting on the opening of the plant, Phil Martens, president and chief executive of Novelis, said: “The Nachterstedt Recycling Centre is a significant step toward our goal to be the world’s low-carbon aluminium sheet producer, shifting our business model from a traditional linear approach to an increasingly closed-loop model.

“This new facility further strengthens Novelis’ leadership in Europe and together with our major recycling operations in Asia, North America and South America, solidifies Novelis’ position as the global aluminium recycling leader.”

DS Smith buys Middleton Recycling

Paper recycling and manufacturing group DS Smith has announced the acquisition of the recycling division of Midlands-based Middleton Paper for an undisclosed sum.

The recycling division currently generates around 9,000 tonnes per year of fibre, dealing with a wide range of paper and cardboard grades. It was a part of Middleton Paper, which remains an independent merchant based in Walsall.

DS Smith claims that the move will help to increase its presence in the West Midlands area, describing the new acquisition as a ‘strategic fit’.

Peter McGuinness, chief executive of DS Smith’s recycling division, said: “The Birmingham region is a key industrial and commercial area and the purchase of Middleton Recycling will allow us to target material and grow our presence here. It is a strategic fit for growing our business and extends our coverage in the area.”

ReFood launches ReGrow digestate product

Food waste processing firm ReFood has launched ReGrow, the biofertiliser product manufactured at its three anaerobic digestion plants operating across the country.

ReFood reprocesses food waste from businesses around the UK
ReFood reprocesses food waste from businesses around the UK

ReFood has worked with agronomists Anna Becva from Earthcare Technical and Matthew Taylor of ADAS to develop the product, which has achieved PAS 110 accreditation, meaning that it is suitable for use on agricultural land.

According to the firm, the product contains high levels of key growth nutrients including nitrogen, potassium and phosphorous and can double yields if applied as part as a comprehensive crop strategy.

Philip Simpson, commercial director at ReFood, said: “We’re delighted to have launched ReGrow, a highly beneficial fertiliser certified under the Biofertiliser scheme for everyone from large-scale farmers and commercial gardeners, through to consumers to utilise for either food crops or flower beds. The trials that we’ve conducted over the last two years have demonstrated that the product can produce.”

Warwickshire rolls out recycling service for SMEs

A new waste and recycling drop-off service aimed at small and medium-sized businesses has been launched by the Warwickshire Waste Partnership.

Under the new scheme, companies in the region can apply for a six-month commercial recycling permit, purchase pre-paid sacks or choose to pay-as-they-throw depending on their specific needs.

The £20 recycling permits will enable commercial enterprises – primarily micro businesses and sole traders – to take their recyclable materials into one of eight participating recycling centres at any time.

Centres participating in the scheme from this month include Cherry Orchard in Kenilworth, Burton Farm in Stratford, Shipston in Shipston on Stour, Princes Drive in Leamington Spa and Hunters Lane in Rugby.

And, from November 5 2014, three more centres will also offer the service; Stockton, Wellesbourne and Lower House Farm in Atherstone.

Pre-paid 80-litre sacks will be sold in batches of 20 for £60, while pay-as-you throw prices depend on the type of material and volumes – ranging from £4 for up to 100 Kg of soil and hardcore, and £24 for the same quantity of plasterboard or gypsum.

Waste electrical and electronic goods, gas cylinders and car tyres are also accepted on a pay-as-you throw basis – priced per item.

Cllr Jeff Clarke, chair of Warwickshire Waste Partnership, said: “There is huge latent demand for this type of flexible and cost-effective solution from responsible enterprises of all shapes and sizes – in particularly SMEs and fledgling micro businesses.”

Certification for GwyriAD food waste plant

Biogen’s GwyriAD anaerobic digestion plant near Caernarfon, Gwynedd has become the first in Wales to achieve certification under Renewable Energy Assurance Ltd’s Biofertiliser Certification Scheme.

Biogen's GwyriAD plant
Biogen’s GwyriAD plant

The scheme demonstrates compliance with the PAS 110 specification and the AD quality protocol and is designed to help AD operators to get a better deal in the market for their digestate products.

Overall, the GwyriAD plant is the 18th in the UK to achieve BCS certification.

Ciaran Burns, certification manager at REAL, said: “This project is an exemplar for the industry. Working together, the Welsh Government, WRAP Cymru and Biogen have delivered a plant which ideally meets the needs of the local authority whilst delivering maximum economic and environmental benefit from the food waste inputs. This project sets the standard for others in Wales to follow.”

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