Biffa expands UK recycling capacity with new R-PET plant

LONDON (ICIS)—UK waste management major Biffa has opened its new £27.5m polyethylene terephthalate (PET) recycling facility in County Durham, UK, the company said in a press release on Wednesday.

The new plant, located in Seaham, is capable of converting up to 57,000 tonnes of PET per year, and will employ 100 full time jobs to the region.

The company also announced a new £7m facility in Washington, UK, which will be capable of recycling 20,000 tonnes of plastic pots and trays.

According to the release, “the new facility, which is expected to generate £40m in revenue per year, is of strategic significance for Biffa as the group continues to expand its nationwide recycling capabilities.

“The plant will capitalise on the access to plastic waste that Biffa has through its collections and sorting activities, including the 4.1m tonnes of waste & recycling the Group collects from UK households and businesses every year.”

As announced in the company’s full-year financial results in June 2019, the new plant is expected to add pelletisation capacity and bring Biffa Polymers’ recycling processing capacity to 120,000 tonnes/year across its portfolio of products.

Biffa Chief Executive Michael Topham said: “This facility will help the UK address two of its most pressing issues – plastic waste and the climate emergency,” adding that plastic still has a vital role “lightweight, durable, low energy-intensity material”, can have a sustainable role in modern life if recycled properly.