Nestlé and Impact Recycling Revolutionise Plastic Recycling
In a landmark partnership, Nestlé UK and Ireland have joined forces with Impact Recycling to lead a pioneering plastic recycling plant in Durham.
This collaboration comes with substantial investments and a groundbreaking process known as the Baffled Oscillation Separation System (BOSS), set to redefine plastic recycling as we know it. Let’s explore this groundbreaking initiative in greater detail.
Tackling the Challenge of Hard-to-Recycle Plastics
At the heart of this venture lies the mission to address the persistent challenge of hard-to-recycle flexible plastics, commonly found in food packaging. Impact Recycling’s state-of-the-art facility will specialise in processing these challenging materials into versatile pellets, unlocking the potential to create new flexible products, such as postbags and refuse bags.
Nestlé UK and Ireland have played a pivotal role in making this vision a reality by providing Impact Recycling with a substantial £7 million loan. This financial backing has catalysed the project, complemented by an essential grant from Innovate UK, firmly establishing the plant’s path to operational readiness by late Summer 2024.
Innovation at Its Core: The BOSS System
At the core of this project is the innovative Baffled Oscillation Separation System (BOSS), a remarkable process that ingeniously segregates waste plastics by spinning them in water.
This revolutionary method leverages density as the guiding principle: materials either sink or float, simplifying the sorting process and ensuring that the right materials are destined for recycling.
What sets this facility apart is its impressive capacity to process 25,000 tonnes of hard-to-recycle plastic. It will produce the crucial pellets that can replace virgin plastic films in construction, agriculture, and the creation of essential items, like bin bags.
In a stunning feat, the plant is set to recycle more plastic than Nestlé UK and Ireland introduces to the market, encompassing packaging from iconic brands, like KitKat, Purina, Rowntree, and Nestlé Cereals.
Nestlé’s Vision for a Sustainable Future
The Head of Packaging at Nestlé UK & Ireland expressed their unwavering commitment to this project, highlighting their eagerness to partner with Impact Recycling and support the Durham plant.
Moreover, Nestlé’s mission is clear, which is to ensure its packaging enjoys multiple lives and doesn’t contribute to landfill waste. Their dedication to innovation aligns perfectly with their ambitious goal of making nearly 100% of their packaging recyclable by 2025 in the UK and Ireland.
Nestlé’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond this partnership; they are actively seeking collaborations to bolster collection and recycling infrastructure across the region. Their investment in the Durham plant is a tangible testament to their dedication to sustainable solutions for plastic packaging.
Impact Recycling’s Gratitude and Vision
The CEO of Impact Recycling expressed profound gratitude for Nestlé’s support, emphasising that without the substantial funding provided by the company, this ambitious project would remain a distant dream.
What’s more, Nestlé’s backing underscores their dedication to innovation and sustainable plastic packaging solutions.
Innovate UK’s Resounding Endorsement
Smart Sustainable Plastic Packaging Challenge Director at Innovate UK shared their equal enthusiasm by expressing their delight in supporting this transformative project.
Increasing the UK’s capacity to recycle flexible plastic packaging stands as a central priority for the Smart Sustainable Plastic Packaging Challenge, and the Durham facility represents a significant stride toward meeting Plastic Pact targets.
Conclusion: A Bright and Sustainable Future for Plastic Recycling
The collaboration between Nestlé and Impact Recycling represents a watershed moment in the recycling industry. With innovative technology and substantial investments, they are poised to make an indelible mark on the recycling landscape.
As everyone eagerly anticipates late Summer 2024, when the Durham plant becomes fully operational, the future of plastic recycling looks incredibly promising. Together, Nestlé and Impact Recycling are charting a course toward a more sustainable and eco-friendly future.
Furthermore, their partnership not only gives plastic packaging a second life but also contributes to the broader global effort to address plastic waste and environmental conservation. It’s a testament to what can be achieved when innovation and sustainability converge, offering hope and inspiration for a brighter tomorrow.
News Credits: Nestlé invests £7m in recycling facility
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