Useful resource administration firm Veolia has launched its largest UK plastics recycling mission with a £70 million funding which is able to embrace the nation’s first “tray to tray” closed loop PET recycling facility in Battlefield close to Shrewsbury, Shropshire.
Building on the power has begun, stated the group in a 9 July announcement, with plans for the location to be operational by early 2026. The initiative varieties a part of a broader dedication to the round financial system within the UK, stated the group, with whole investments set to achieve round £1 billion by 2030.
The UK doesn’t have a closed-loop facility to recycle PET trays into meals grade supplies because of the problem in attaining the required requirements, and the group stated it “has used its world-leading experience to convey this know-how to the UK’s home recycling business”. The modern Shrewsbury facility will shred, wash and flake PET plastic from trays and bottles to be recycled into meals grade low carbon new packaging, bolstering provide in a lift to the UK grocery business.
“The plant will type round 80,000 tonnes of combined plastics yearly, collected from properties and companies throughout the nation, and can contribute to a major discount in carbon emissions, as utilizing recycled plastic can save as much as 70% of the CO2 that will in any other case be related to the usage of virgin supplies.”
The funding was introduced throughout French President Emmanuel Macron’s state go to to the UK. Stated a press launch: “It’s a part of the French Group’s steady efforts to advance the round financial system within the UK for the good thing about native populations and resilience of the nation’s companies”.
Different investments stated to be approaching stream embrace the extension of a district heating community to five,000 properties in Southwark, delivering warmth from the SELCHP power restoration facility, alongside funding to course of and get well solvents and different hazardous waste, delivering additional carbon financial savings.
Veolia additionally launched a brand new course of for the therapy of aqueous movie forming foam (AFFF) hearth suppressants containing PFAS forward of a UK ban that got here into drive on 4 July 2025.
Estelle Brachlianoff, CEO of Veolia stated: “Right now’s announcement marks a significant milestone for the UK recycling business and a key pillar of Veolia’s GreenUp plan to drive sustainable useful resource administration. By changing into the primary firm within the UK to recycle PET trays by way of a totally closed-loop course of, we’re reinforcing our management as a pioneer of the round financial system. This modern facility not solely advances our dedication to lowering waste and carbon emissions but in addition positions us to satisfy the rising demand for efficient recycling as Easier Recycling laws comes into impact, making certain extra of this materials is responsibly recycled for years to come back.”
Gavin Graveson, Chief Government Officer, Veolia UK added: “At this important time for the plastics recycling business, with quite a few gamers exiting the market because of low finish market demand and macroeconomic considerations, it’s essential that the UK has modern home recycling services. There’s important potential to develop the plastic recycling market, with 2.2 million tons of plastic packaging positioned in the marketplace annually within the UK. Constructing a world-leading, worthwhile round financial system is crucial—not solely to create jobs but in addition to assist the nation’s internet zero ambitions. We might welcome the UK Authorities’s assist in sustaining this momentum with the fitting incentives, together with a well timed and significant escalation of the present Plastic Packaging Tax.”
