LAWR

16 Local Authority Waste & Recycling August 2015 hanging market requirements are forcing technology providers to come up with new and inventive ways to extract greater value from the materials streams they process. What qualifies as truly innovative these days in terms of waste handling, reprocessing and recovery techniques is quite subjective, but there have been a few notable contenders that have stood out terms of offering something different. On the mixed materials reprocessing front, Enval's demonstrator facility for flexible laminated packaging in Alconbury, Huntingdonshire, has attracted a high level of interest. The company's technology has been hailed as a real breakthrough, offering a continuous process for the complete recycling of laminate waste, such as drink and pet food pouches – materials that traditionally have been challenging to recover. The process, which utilises microwave-induced pyrolysis, recovers 100% of the aluminium present in the laminate in solid form, clean and ready for re-entry into the supply Each year RWM offers visitors the chance to catch up on the latest technical innovations from the world of waste. But what emerging solutions really offer a glimpse into the future? Maxine Perella picks out her highlights from the past 12 months Tomorrow's World: tapping into the technology trailblazers C RWM WITH CIWM 2015 PREVIEW chain. Oils and gases are also produced from the recovered plastics, suitable for fuel for heat/electricity production or for chemical feedstock in other applications. Enval's technology is now being used in Defra-funded trials to assess the feasibility of recovering this type of packaging in existing household recycling schemes. Partnership working Led by Anthesis LRS, the trials involve a consortium of companies with cross- sector collaboration from Nestlé UK & Ireland, and Coca-Cola Enterprises. Bracknell Forest Council, Calderdale Council and the London Borough of Hounslow are among those councils taking part. It is hoped going forward this pilot will help present a solid business case for Enval's technology to be bolted on to existing materials facilities across the UK. Another reprocessing feat is Veolia's new technology that transforms non- recyclable paper and cardboard from household waste into a pulp (Pro- Fibre), which is suitable for a range of products such as insulation and construction materials. The company is now able to extract this fibre stream from the residual waste fraction at its integrated waste management facility in Southwark, London – a stream which previously would have been sent for energy recovery. Veolia is investing £1 million into the venture, which will be able to treat up to 20,000 tonnes a year and produce up to 14,000 tonnes of Pro- Fibre. The process includes identifying and capturing the non-recyclable fibre fragments, pulping, cleaning, screening and a mechanical pressing stage. The Pro-Fibre product can be manufactured either wet or dry and can be used as a raw material in manufacturing industries. Scotland shines on North of the border, Scotland is pioneering a couple of 'UK firsts' – already up and running is Fife Council's dry anaerobic digestion (AD) plant. Co-located with its existing waste management facility at Dunfermline, " Enval's technology is now being used in Defra-funded trials "

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