News in brief

FCC revamps business

The plans initiatives for the UK include reducing structural costs while shifting FCCs focus more towards waste management. The firm also is also proposing to increase its specialisation in niches such as hazardous waste, oil industry waste and chemical waste.

Mike Snell, general manager external affairs at FCC Environment, said: FCC Environment continues to develop in the UK with the business moving away from a landfill disposal model to one that treats residual waste as a resource, using a series of processes to extract material or energy value. This shift has been underway for the last two years and we continue to develop and propose new infrastructure that will enable the delivery of this vision.

It is part of the FCC Groups strategy to expand outside of Spain and indeed, over 50% of Group revenue is now accounted for from international markets. In the UK we continue to invest in the people and facilities required to move waste up the hierarchy and extract maximum value from waste materials.

PR agency launched for UK environment sector

A PR agency for the UK environmental sector has been launched by former head of corporate communications for waste management firm Shanks Group plc, Austen Lees.

Sirius Communications offers PR expertise to businesses in the waste management and environmental sector, but also has clients across a range of sectors.

Commenting on the launch, Mr Lees said: We are really excited to be launching Sirius at this time. Our sector is full of innovation and success but all too often no one gets to hear about it.

He added: We fully integrate ourselves with our clients businesses in effect we provide them with their very own PR department but at a fraction of the cost. We know the sector, its issues and its media and as a result we are able to deliver from day one.

For more information is available on Siriuss website.

Yorkshire glass recycler secures 15m finance agreement

Glass recycler Reuse Glass, parent company of Berryman, has secured a 15 million finance agreement with bank Santander Corporate & Commercial.

As revealed last week on letsrecycle.com, the agreement will enable Reuse Glass to upgrade two of its plants in Knottingley and South Kirkby, which are both in west Yorkshire. Upgrades will include new hi-tech colour separating machinery to improve efficiency and generate an increase in production capacity for glass recycling within the UK.

Berryman, which was acquired by Reuse Glass in 2000, was founded 90 years ago and provides a nationwide glass collection service from bottle banks, kerbside and trade collections and from collection depots across the UK. It has contracts with more than 180 local authorities.

Reuse Glass currently processes around 30% of the UK glass recycling markets requirements, operating from its glass treatment plants in Knottingley, Doncaster, South Kirkby and Harlow.

Mark Watson, relationship director for Santander Corporate & Commercial, said: Reuse Glass is an excellent example of a strong, well-managed local business with the potential to significantly growth. They offer a world class service, and have a real brand heritage across the Yorkshire region. We are delighted that they have chosen us as their new banking partner and I am looking forward to building our relationship in the months and years to come.

GIB invests 18m in Cambridge NHS energy centre

The UK Green Investment Bank (GIB) is to provide 18 million funding towards an energy and heat recovery facility for Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Subject to planning approval, the facility will house a combined heat and power unit, biomass boiler, efficient dual fuel boilers and heat recovery from medical incineration. It will provide heat and power to the Trust, including the Addenbrookes and Rosie Hospitals.

The funding is part of a commitment of 50 million to the Aviva Investors REaLM Energy Centres Fund, which specialises in investing in non-domestic UK energy centres. A further 18 million of private capital will also be provided for the 36 million project.

According to the GIB, the facility will provide savings of over 20 million in energy costs and 25,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide over the course of the project.

Energy services company MITIE, was yesterday (March 25) awarded the contract to develop and then operate the energy facility throughout the 25-year term.

Business secretary Vince Cable said: The UK Green Investment Banks 50 million commitment to the new Aviva Investors REaLM Energy Centres Fund will help to deliver much needed energy and financial savings for NHS hospitals.

The non-domestic energy sector has been identified as a strategic priority for the GIB. The size of the NHS estate means there will be huge opportunities to invest further in building energy centres like the one planned for Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.”

Report finds potential for recycling stuffing material

There is currently limited opportunity for recycling stuffed materials such as synthetic fibres, foams or natural feather but additional trials and research could assess the viability of collection schemes for these materials, according to a report published by Zero Waste Scotland and resource recovery firm Axion Consulting.

However, challenges outlined in the report include Scotlands broad geographical spread, processing issues and securing end markets.

Axions project consultant, Liz Morrish, said that although some opportunities exist for recycling duvets and pillows, the project serves as a stepping stone in raising further awareness of these technologies and reprocessing options.

Iain Gulland, Zero Waste Scotland director, said: This report reveals that there is great potential in extending the life of filling from household items. Its important that we recognise the real value of this material and work towards making the recycling of material stuffing a viable opportunity.”