News in Brief

CBE for BIR council chairman Robert Voss

Mr Voss was recognised for his services to British industry and for voluntary service in the UK, including the mentoring of young entrepreneurs. In 1987 he founded Voss International, a metal trading service which incorporates shipping.

He has always worked in the metal business. After graduating in International Management Science from Manchester University he joined Brookside Metal as a graduate trainee in 1975 and became a director of Metramet in 1980 before starting Voss International Ltd in 1987.

He also holds the positions of president at metal recycling federation EUROMETREC.

Straight reappointed to 100m framework agreement

Recycling container manufacturer Straight has been reappointed by the Eastern Shires Purchasing Organisation (ESPO) and the Central Buying Consortium (CBC) to containers for councils, third sector organisations and public sector bodies under a two year framework agreement.

The estimated value of the deal, which has the option for an additional two year extension and commences on February 1 2014, is expected to be up to 100 million through which Straight expects to generate at least 4m of annual revenues.

ESPO and CBC are local government purchasing and distribution consortium. The Framework Agreement can be used by all public sector organisations in the UK, including councils as well as other public bodies and charities.

Straight secured a position on 14 lots. The products to be supplied include all of the Group’s core product range such as plastic wheeled bins, steel wheeled bins, food waste caddies and kerbside collection boxes.

Jonathan Straight, founder and chief executive of Straight plc, said: We are delighted to have been appointed to both of these high profile framework agreements. We have been a supplier to ESPO since 2006 and retaining such a prominent position under the Framework Agreement further cements our relationship, highlighted by the inclusion of our two new products. Both contracts indicate a positive start to 2014 and we look forward to working with both ESPO and Scotland Excel both now and in the future.

UPM Shotton renews partnership with Denbighshire

Denbighshire county council has renewed its partnership with UPM Shotton by signing a 10-year contract which will see the materials recycling facility (MRF) process commingled material collected by the council.

The contract, which comes into effect on April 1 2014 will run until 31 March 2024. It supports Denbighshires 240 litre recycling bins in which paper, card, plastic, cans and glass is collected. The council has been supplying UPM Shotton since the start-up of its 17 million MRF in 2011 (see letsrecycle.com story).

Commenting on the partnership, David Ingham, general manager for UPM Shotton, said: We are delighted to continue our strong relationship with Denbighshire county council. Through our partnership we have been able to support the authorities targets to increase their recycling rates. The investment made at the UPM Shotton site has provided high quality processing facilities to authorities across the UK who understand our high quality standards and processing rates.

Glasgow firm launches kerbside collection sack range

Glasgow-based sack manufacturer Sackmaker has launched a new range of kerbside collection sacks designed to protect recyclables from the elements and animals.

The patent pending design called Securesack, incorporates a fully closing cover into the sack which keeps recyclates securely inside. The sack stands upright and features a fast open and tip design to assist recycling crews. The manufacturers said it also provides protection from wind, rain and snow and can withstand attacks from seagulls and foxes. Sackmaker offers a Securesack version of all its reusable kerbside sacks, garden waste bags and gull proof sacks.

The ISO 9001 / 14001 accredited company are ESPO and Scotland Excel approved contractors and supply over 200 UK councils with kerbside sacks.

Eastern Waste Disposal goes pink for charity

Waste and recycling firm Eastern Waste Disposal has launched a 12 month campaign in support of Cancer Research UK.

Starting from January 2014, the firm will make a 50p donation to the charity for each delivery made by its pink skip lorry and a further 50p for each delivery and collection made by its pink tipper lorry.

The firm has previously supported the charity by sponsoring Edward, a guide dog, who after two years training has been placed with an owner where he will be able to provide help and support to in the future.

Customers can keep up to date with EWDs progress over the next year via its website which will be updated on a monthly basis.