United Glass is investing 1.2million of Packaging Recovery Note (PRN) money into Scottish recycling as part of a major glass recycling drive. The PRN money will lead to a major upgrade of glass recycling and processing facilities at the United Glass plant at Kelliebank, Alloa, in Clackmannanshire.
The Alloa plant was opened in 1980 and receives over 50,000 tonnes of glass a year, but United Glass believes that there is scope for increased throughput at the plant. And in a bid to meet packaging targets, United Glass is now looking to increase the use of recycled glass in the production of new bottles and to do this the plant is to become fully automated.
To increase throughput the plant is to become fully automated and to improve quality specification while processing a higher number of bottles, United Glass now plans to install rushing and screening equipment. This will produce a more consistent particle size for both the operation of the automated equipment for the removal of contaminants and for the most efficient melting of the processed material in the glass furnace. A fully automatic system will also be installed for the detection and removal of ceramics such as crockery.
Spokesman for United Glass, John Cobring said: “Since our company acquired sole ownership of the British Glass Recycling Company at the beginning of this year, we have been able to turn our attention to moving glass recycling forward in Scotland. BGRC will continue to operate as a separate company, but with a clear brief to expand the tonnage of material available to UG, building on the relationships already established with local authorities and contractors. UG for its part believes that the application of these substantial funds to enhance the processing of recycled glass at Alloa, is a demonstration of its commitment to recycling in Scotland.”
Investment will also see more concrete hard standing and a perimeter wall constructed to increase the storage of both raw and processed glass. This will also screen the site. And there will be a complete refurbishment of Kelliebank House to provide a visitor and education centre and offices for both UG and the British Glass Recycling Company.
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