A 5 million facility that processes glass bottles for use in water filtration technology has been opened in Midlothian by Scottish environment secretary Richard Lochhead.
The plant in Bonnyrigg, operated by water treatment firm Dryden Aqua, has the capacity to process 40,000 tonnes per year a quarter of Scotlands recycled glass, according to the Scottish Government.
The glass is processed at the plant to produce water filtration systems capable of targeting and removing waterborne parasites and pollutants. The glass cullet is used as a sustainable alternative to sand in systems that filter drinking water, swimming pools or treat industrial waste water.
A spokesman for Dryden Aqua said the glass was coming from recovered sources in Scotland and England, but that over the course of the next 12 months the firm hoped to take all of its glass feedstock from Scotland.
Mr Lochhead said the revolutionary Dryden Aqua technology was a major investment in Scotlands green credentials as part of the countrys move towards becoming a zero waste nation.
He said: This is a great example of upcycling where we create something of higher value than the original substance. This technology can be used in developing countries to ensure cleaner, healthier water for all, showcasing the global reach and importance of Scottish innovation, which is a key element of the Hydro Nation agenda.
‘This is a great example of upcycling where we create something of higher value than the original substance. This technology can be used in developing countries to ensure cleaner, healthier water for all’
Scottish environment secretary, Richard Lochhead
We want to support innovation and it is one of the reasons I recently announced a review into the feasibility of a national deposit and return scheme for glass and other packaging. (see letsrecycle.com story).
Mr Lochhead added that the plant, which he opened last week (November 21), fits into Scotlands vision of moving towards a circular economy, which he said would open the potential for an estimated 5,000 new jobs.
Scottish Enterprise
Zero Waste Scotland has been providing advice and support to the company regarding the waste glass market, while Scottish Enterprise has provided some financial support to the company.
Director of company growth at Scottish Enterprise, Rhona Allison, said it had worked closely with Dryden Aqua for a number of years.
She said: By providing an integrated package of support including research and development assistance and export advice, Scottish Enterprise has helped Dryden Aqua realise its ambitious growth plans. This new processing plant is another great example of the company’s success, ultimately driving home long-term sustainable growth for the Scottish economy.
Dryden Aqua
Edinburgh-based Dryden Aqua was established in 1980 by Dr Howard Dryden and the companys water filtration technology, known as AFM, was developed alongside his sister Marlyn Wakefield.
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Chairman of the company, Dr Dryden, said: AFM was designed as a solution for the aquaculture sector, but after over 10 years of research and development, AFM is now recognised as a high performing and sustainable replacement for sand in filtration systems and means that we can help to deliver safe drinking water and clean up waste and process water here in Scotland and across the globe.
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