RECYCLERS UPDATE Wales environment trust The Wales Environment Trust (The Trust), the largest independent distributor of landfill tax credits in Wales, has set up a new EPS reprocessing plant in Aberdare, South Wales. Keith Parry, Chief Executive, explains: “There is a crying need for EPS reprocessing in South Wales because of the concentration of white and brown goods manufacturers in the area. “A large EPS facility recently closed down in S. Wales leaving a large gap in an established service for its former clients. We wanted to see if we could aid re-establishment of that service to industries in the area. “We’ve had discussions with most of the manufacturers in the area who have used EPS boxes or trays, which they would prefer recycled and the response has been very positive. They are very comfortable dealing with the Trust and recognised our previous effectiveness and reliability in pursuing the creation of markets for recycled materials in Wales”. The Trust has been working hard to set up its production line, to establish a long-term end market for its reprocessed EPS bead and to develop innovative processes that will enable it to take both fish boxes and cups in the future.
“Historically this has not been easy material to recycle because it has residues of potting compost. However, the trials have gone very well and we are not far off a permanent solution for recycling this material.” A partnership between four companies made the trials possible as Martin Squire, Technical Manager, Roundstone Nurseries explains: “B & Q is our major customer and they a driving force behind this work as they take their environmental credentials very seriously and are keen to see used EPS being recycled. “Styropack, our EPS tray supplier, has also played a vital role. We send the waste or used EPS trays back to Styropack in an empty truck and they compact them for us. This compacted material is sent to The Trust to trial on the production line. “We are still fine-tuning all the different elements; we hope to have a system that works, in place soon, then we can start sending our waste EPS material to be recycled by The Wales Environment Trust on a regular basis,” concludes Squire. This is a great breakthrough for the horticultural sector and, once underway, will certainly be a feather in the cap of the new EPS facility as it continues to expand and develop.
If you would like to contact The Wales Environment Trust about recycling EPS please call Julian Harman tel: 01443 866300
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Recycling fish boxes at Grimsby Docks Recyclers Update: Wales Environment Trust EPS: Exceptional Packaging Solution
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In one area, technical innovation has already made great progress. Julian Harman, Marketing Development Officer of the Trust explains: “We have been working with Roundstone Nurseries, one of the largest bedding plant producers in the UK, to pilot the recycling of horticultural waste. 
The Trust is convinced that the EPS recycling plant will be a long term player in what can be a volatile sector. Julian Harman says: “The top priority is to provide stability. Most importantly, a long-term end market for the reprocessed EPS bead needs to be established — that will provide a good basis for trading and will ensure that the business thrives.
