Urbaser subsidiary signs food waste contract
Wastewise, a subsidiary of the Urbaser Group, has announced it has signed a contract with Wigan council for the transportation and processing of mixed food and garden waste.
Under the contract Wastewise will be responsible for gathering and handling around 28,000 tonnes of organic waste annually.
Bob Wilkes, managing director of Wastewise, said: “Since the completion of our Crewe facility, focusing on this tender has been a key objective for us, so we are delighted to have been awarded the contract. It is a natural fit for the site, especially considering its existing role in handling much of the organic waste from the neighbouring Greater Manchester Combined Authority.
“We very much look forward to working with the team at Wigan Council, providing them with a waste management solution that is both environmentally sustainable and offers excellent value for money.”
Veolia launches ‘feasibility study’ for carbon capture pilot
Veolia has launched a “feasibility study” for an upcoming pilot project that incorporates carbon capture techniques within energy recovery facilities in the UK.
The company say the objective of this pilot is to produce “environmentally friendly fuels” by capturing, extracting, and purifying CO2, ultimately generating synthetic green end products like eKerosene, eMethanol, and specialised chemical products to enhance the sustainability of the broader transport industry.
Donald Macphail, chief operating officer for treatment, at Veolia said: “This latest innovation marks a major step forward in our ability to utilise non recyclable waste and captured CO2 to create the next generation of fuels. This development, combined with greater recycling and the removal of plastics from waste streams, will further reduce carbon emissions from ERF. It will also make a major contribution to meeting net-zero targets that protect the environment for the future, and supports our commitment to achieve ecological transformation”
Reconomy launches waste guide for Welsh businesses
Reconomy has launched a new guide entitled: ‘Separated waste collections for workplaces’, to support Welsh businesses in their preparation for the incoming workplace waste management reforms.
Nathan Gray, head of sustainability at Reconomy, stated: “Reconomy’s comprehensive guide offers clarity and practical advice for businesses to prepare for the implementation of these new recycling regulations for non-domestic premises.
“The reforms are an exciting step forward and we look forward to helping businesses make a success of the policy in what could be an exciting acceleration towards a more circular economy and zero waste nation.”
Aldi trialling double sized toilet rolls
Aldi has announced it is in the process of currently testing double sized toilet rolls as part of its initiative to decrease plastic waste and minimise the transportation requirements for delivery to stores.
The retailer has increased the number of sheets per roll on specific own-brand lines, resulting in reduced packaging size.
If implemented across all Aldi stores, the company estimates that this measure could potentially eliminate over 60 tonnes of plastic packaging annually as customers would buy the product less frequently.
The trial is underway in the West Midlands, East Midlands, and Yorkshire, offering double toilet rolls in various pack sizes, including four, six, eight, and twelve packs.
Luke Emery, Aldi’s plastics and packaging director said: “At Aldi, we’re working hard to reduce our environmental footprint wherever we can, and we’re always looking for new ways to make a difference.
“Reducing the plastic waste and carbon emissions related to such a widely-used product will have a huge positive impact, and it’s just one example of some exciting changes we have in the pipeline.”
MBA Polymers receives RecyClass certification
MBA Polymers UK, a plastics recycler, has received a certification from RecyClass of Carbon Trust Lower CO2 label.
RecyClass is a Europe-wide initiative dedicated to promoting sustainable practices within the plastic packaging industry.
The company say that the recycled polymers offered by MBA Polymers UK contribute to carbon savings ranging from 75% to 86%, earning them the distinction of being the “frst recycled plastics company” to bear the Carbon Trust Lower CO2 label.
Paul Mayhew, general manager at MBA Polymers UK, said: “Achieving RecyClass certification for the sustainability and traceability of our products is a great way to start 2024.
“Like many recyclers, MBA Polymers UK sees sustainability and the circular economy as central to our mission to tackle the global challenge of plastic waste. The RecyClass certification – which has followed a rigorous third-party auditing process – highlights how our teams are delivering on this, from the moment that post-consumer plastics arrive at our sites to the recycled polymers that we then supply into the market.
“We work hard to build trust with our customers, showing them that our values are aligned, and we are as dedicated to solving their challenges as they are. Holding a highly regarded certification, such as RecyClass, just cements the message: we are serious about sustainability.”
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