SARIA takes majority stake in food waste recycler PDM

German food waste reprocessing company SARIA Bio-Industries has acquired a majority stake in PDM Group, in a move the Doncaster-based company claimed would allow it to fast-track plans for a UK network of anaerobic digestion facilities.

SARIA has owned a 10% stake in commercial food waste recycler PDM since July 2010 (see letsrecycle.com story) and last week the two companies jointly unveiled the first UK anaerobic digestion facility to be build under their ReFood partnership (see letsrecycle.com story).

PDM said it was very positive that the investment announced today (September 14) would allow it to expand its portfolio of anaerobic digestion, biomass-to-energy and rendering facilities, as well as looking at new business development opportunities.

In particular, it said the investment of an undisclosed sum by SARIA would mean it could fast-track its plans to create a national network of ReFood plants providing local, secure and sustainable solutions to food waste. SARIA already operates a network of ReFood AD facility on mainland Europe.

The 12 million ReFood AD facility opened last week in Doncaster has the capacity to treat up to 45,000 tonnes-a-year of food waste generated by local retailers, restaurants, food manufacturers and businesses. It will generate 2.8 MW/h of electricity and 40,000 tonnes of nutrient-rich fertiliser.

Shared expertise

Commenting on todays announcement, PDMs chief executive Andrew Smith said: Were delighted to have strengthened our relationship with SARIA. Our two businesses complement each other, and the shared expertise means we have the potential to develop an industry-leading offer to food chain waste management.

As a result, PDM will continue to set the benchmark in how to maximise food chain by-products as a resource and help the UK eradicate food waste from landfill by leading the sector in providing the infrastructure, capacity and demand for recycling across the food chain.

Franz-Bernhard Thier, member of the board of SARIA and director of PDM, added: As a result of this cooperation we are able to share knowledge and technology to produce new products from animal by-products and commercial food waste in an effective and efficient manner.