£12.5M investment in Kent plastics recycling plant

Recycling company Viridor has confirmed construction of a new £12.5 million plastics recycling facility (PRF) in Rochester.

With Standler UK responsible for delivering the project, the plant will be capable of processing 75,000 tons of mixed plastics each year into clean plastic grades ready to be used in the production of new plastic products and packaging.

The plant will also be able to separate up to 10,000 tonnes of glass from combined input streams every year.

Expected to be operational in early autumn it will bring an important number of job opportunities.

Herman van der Meij, director of resource management, said, “Making the most of the resources we have within the UK is becoming increasingly important”

“It creates employment opportunities and helps the country achieve its ambitions of becoming a leader in sustainability.”

He added “This latest investment is a signal of our real commitment towards helping develop a circular economy in the UK.”

Trevor Smart, UK Sales Manager, Stadler UK said “We are delighted to be working with Viridor on this prestigious development.” 

Adding “The combination of our expertise in the design and delivery of plastics recycling facilities and excellent working relationship with Viridor will see this multi-million pound, state of the art facility open for processing later this year.”

Speaking on behalf of Recoup, a leading authority on plastics waste and resource management, Stuart Foster said “We are delighted to see another PRF about to come on stream”

Adding “It is imperative that the UK is able to recycle more of its plastic resource”

“This will help achieve the increasing packaging recycling targets, reduce the CO2 load and, importantly, reduce the amount of plastic which ends up in landfill.”