UK – British waste management company Biffa has bought a stake in North Yorkshire-based PET plastic recycler, Esterpet Ltd., strengthening its recycling division.
In addition to the acquisition of Esterpet, Biffa also purchased a minority stake in Esterpets sister company, PET preforms manufacturer Esterform, reports North East Post.
Esterpet operates an advanced recycling plant near Leeds where it annually converts 25,000 tonnes of plastic flakes derived from plastic bottles into high-purity plastic pellets.
The pellets produced by the facility are used in manufacturing plastic bottles for beverages, cosmetics and household goods.
By partnering with Esterform and its other partners, Biffa plans to help drive the UK’s circular economy for plastic packaging.
Biffa Polymers managing director Phil Goodier said: “At Biffa, we are dedicated to playing our part in delivering a net-zero, circular economy and it is vital that we continue to develop and invest in recycling infrastructure which can reduce the UK’s dependency on the export of plastics for recycling.
“Biffa Polymers provides solutions for the majority of post-consumer rigid plastic packaging, using the best available recycling technology to produce raw materials that are a substitute for virgin plastic packaging.
“The acquisition of Esterpet is another step forward for the business, further enhancing our capability in recycled PET at a time when demand for our solutions is growing significantly, as consumers and regulators demand more sustainable alternatives.”
Biffa operates closed-loop food-grade plastic recycling plants in Seaham, Redcar and Washington, Tyne and Wear [England].
Lunaz partnership
Meanwhile, Biffa has partnered with electric vehicle firm Lunaz to help electrify some of its large bin lorries as the firm looks to lower its emissions.
Both British firms are working together to help ‘upcycle’ some of Biffa’s bin lorries, replacing their diesel engines with electric powertrains.
A signed agreement will see Lunaz commit to ‘supporting the transition of Biffa’s existing diesel refuse trucks over the next decade’ with the ‘multi-year’ program expected to see ‘growing numbers of vehicles converted and delivered.
Maxine Mayhew, COO Collection & Specialist Services, said of the partnership: “I am thrilled to announce Biffa and Lunaz’ fleet electrification and upcycling partnership.
“As the UK’s leading sustainable waste management company we are committed to enabling the circular economy while reducing emissions and carbon expenditure in every aspect of our business.”
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