UK first developed by PVC Recycling

A Manchester-based recycling company has spearheaded the development of machinery designed to process post-consumer PVCu waste, which has resulted in 1,000 tonnes of PVC waste having been diverted from landfill and 12 jobs safeguarded.

PVC Recycling developed technology to transform the shred of recycled PVCu materials into a product fit for UK manufacture therefore diverting materials from landfill by turning them back into product which can be used to make fencing, gate posts and windows.

The company invested £934,000 in state-of-the-art technology that would create pellet PVC from true post consumer recyclate and Envirolink Northwest provided grant aid to support the installation of a new colour separation technology, a first in the UK.

PVC Recycling also received marketing support from Envirolink Northwest to help raise the profile of the technology. This included a radio campaign to help increase the amount of feedstock entering the plant, and invitations to a series of events where PVC Recycling could showcase their work.

Ian Murray, joint managing director of PVC Recycling, said: "In many ways we took a big risk by developing this very new technology and entering a fairly unknown market. Working with Envirolink Northwest helped us to feel that we weren't in it alone and gave us the confidence to keep on working, even during times when we were doubting ourselves.

"Thankfully, by combining our knowledge and expertise, we have been able to develop our product and are at the forefront of handling post-consumer waste, which can only benefit the environment both now and in the future.

"The support that Envirolink Northwest has provided over the years has been invaluable to our business and we would urge any North West-based recycler to make use of the programme and its services."