Closed Loop to expand UK recycling facility
Closed Loop Recycling has announced plans to expand the HDPE recycling capability of its Dagenham-based plant to 55,000t a year, in a bid to meet increased demand for recycled HDPE milk bottles from the dairy industry.
The expansion is expected to double the supply of recycled HDPE in the UK market and divert 30,000t of carbon emissions in the process.
Closed Loop Recycling CEO Chris Dow said that increased demand for recycled content is an example of the whole economy working together.
“Recycled milk bottles are a massive win for the circular economy,” he said.”I am confident that our expansion will bring the 2020 target of 50% recycled material in plastic bottles closer.”
The company also noted that many companies have invested in technology and plants to complete the HDPE recycling loop.
Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP) chief executive Liz Goodwin said: “Closed Loop Recycling’s expansion in order to meet forecast demand for recycled content in milk bottle packaging is the perfect example of how businesses can work together to achieve the economic and environmental benefits of a circular economy.”
The company has leased an additional three acres adjacent to its existing Dagenham site for the expansion, as a result of a joint agreement with the London Thames Gateway Development. Closed Loop is also carrying out an awareness campaign with local authorities to increase the collection rate for milk bottles.