The PAS 110 specification, which was originally published in February 2010, aims to provide assurances to companies using digestate as a biofertiliser or soil improver that the product is of a consistent quality and fit for the purpose.
The specification sets out strict parameters on input materials and the management system for the AD process to ensure high quality compost is produced to meet market needs, while also protecting the environment.
An updated version of the specification was published in July 2014, which included changes to limits on physical contaminants, such as plastics and to reflect changes in digestate stability criteria (see letsrecycle.com story).
Shanks’ digestate product is generally used in the agricultural sector to replace less environmentally-friendly fertilisers. According to the company, by achieving PAS 110 certification it will assure farmers and other customers that Shanks’ digestate is environmentally-friendly, beneficial to crop growth and of a consistently high quality.
Digestate
Peter Eglinton, managing director of Shanks’ Municipal Division, said: “I am delighted that our Westcott Park AD facility has achieved this quality standard for our digestate product. By achieving PAS 110, we can assure our customers that our nutrient-rich digestate is recognised as best-in-class. By deploying the digestate back to land we are making more from waste and enhancing our position in the market as a leading waste-to-product company.”
The company has added that the achievement of PAS 110 certification is a further ‘milestone’ in the commissioning process of the Westcott Park facility – which treats food waste from commercial and household sources.
At the end of 2014, Shanks increased food waste input into the facility by 150% to over 900 tonnes per week by making modifications and improvements to the pre-pasteurisation buffer tank mixing system. These changes ensured that the facility can support optimum methane generation.
Additionally, in April 2015, the site was issued with a Certificate of Compliance by Organic Farmers & Growers Ltd.
The Westcott Park facility has the capacity to process 48,000 tonnes of food waste each year and exports 3MW of green electricity back to the National Grid, enough to power 6,000 homes. Shanks began construction of the plant in 2012, and it commenced operations in 2014.
Register for free to comment