Work begins on £70m plastic recycling facility

Construction has begun on a £70m plastics sorting and recycling facility in Shrewsbury.

Veolia said the site would process 80,000 tonnes of mixed plastics every year, sourced from businesses and homes across the country.

It will be based at the former Stadco plant in Battlefield, close to Veolia's existing household recycling facility, and is expected to be operational by 2026.

The firm said it would be first of its kind in the UK and employ more than 130 permanent staff, as well as supporting construction jobs in redeveloping the site.

The plant is expected to provide "tray to tray" closed-loop recycling for PET1 (polyethylene terephthalate) plastics.

PET1 includes water bottles and much of the food packaging we use.

The closed-loop approach allows an object to be recycled into the same thing over and over again and is often regarded as the most efficient form of recycling.

The facility will shred, wash and flake PET plastic, which will be recycled into food grade low carbon new packaging.

"This innovative facility not only advances our commitment to reducing waste and carbon emissions but also positions us to meet the growing demand for effective recycling as Simpler Recycling legislation comes into effect, ensuring more of this material is responsibly recycled for years to come," said Estelle Brachlianoff, the company's chief executive officer.

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