Haden Freeman Constructs UK’s First Plastic Recycling Plant
The Haden Freeman Group (HFL) has been appointed to construct the UK’s first ever recycling plant to turn plastic bottles into food packaging. The project will be run by Haden Freeman Group company, Birwelco, a specialist in recycling technology.
The plant, located in Dagenham, will be operated by Closed Loop London and will turn water, soft drinks and cosmetics bottles into new food packaging. Opening in December 2007, it will transform the recycling of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and ensure that 35,000 tonnes of packaging which might otherwise be sent to landfill, is converted into packaging material.
The project has gained widespread support from the Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone and Marks & Spencer, which has committed to sending plastic waste from its London stores to the plant to be recycled. The major retailer is also encouraging its suppliers to source recycled PET from the plant to make M&S packaging.
Nigel Hirst, managing director of the Haden Freeman Group, said: “The pioneering technology used in this process represents a milestone for recycling in the UK and we’re proud to be involved in such a scheme. As the first plant of its kind, we are committed to delivering a successful project which can be replicated nationwide.
“The project is also a strong example of the wide range of engineering expertise available across the HFL Group and demonstrates our ability to devise innovative solutions and work with high profile partners.”
The £12 million project will be funded by private partners including Foresight Venture Partners and Allied Irish Bank. It will also receive public sector funding from the London Development Agency and WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme).
Haden Freeman Ltd is the UK’s leading independent engineering and consultancy company, offering a complete range of engineering and management services to chemical, pharmaceutical, food processing, oil and gas, utility, insurance, transport and general manufacturing industries. Birwelco has a hundred year history in flares, fired heaters and process engineering and is one of the UK’s oldest established contractors.
