Aberdeen's Wood to play key role in 'landmark' plastic recycling facility that will slash CO2 emissions

Wood, the Aberdeen-headquartered energy and engineering services group, is to work on a “landmark” plastic recycling facility.

The firm has entered into a partnership with ReNew ELP to develop the world’s first commercial-scale plastic recycling plant using an innovative advanced recycling process.

The plant, in the north east of England, will use new technology to recycle end-of-life plastic waste into hydrocarbon feedstocks, for use in the manufacture of new plastic products and other materials. The process will decouple plastic manufacture from fossil resources and reduce CO2 emissions

Upon commissioning of the first phase, the plant will be capable of processing up to 20,000 tonnes of waste plastic each year, rising to 80,000 tonnes on site completion, with an estimated annual saving of 120,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions, when compared with incineration.

Wood will lead on the delivery of engineering, procurement, and construction solutions for the new facility, with works starting imminently. Image: ReNew ELP

Wood will lead on the delivery of engineering, procurement, and construction services for the new facility, with works starting “imminently”.

Craig Shanaghey, president of Wood’s operations business across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, said: “We are proud to have developed a strong relationship with ReNew ELP in recent months and look forward to continuing our partnership to bring this innovative technology to life.

“On completion, this plant will make it possible to not only reduce the plastic pollution in our natural environment, but will help to reduce both CO2 emissions and the requirement for single-use plastic.

“The circular economy represents a critical and growing industry in our collective quest for a more sustainable future and so I am delighted that ReNew ELP has selected Wood to join them on this journey.”

Richard Daley, managing director of ReNew ELP, said the partnership with Wood marked “one of the most significant stages in this vitally important project”.

He added: “We will soon see construction start on the plant which will be the first of its kind in the world and, coupled with the Teesside plans announced recently by the Chancellor, makes this a very exciting time for ReNew ELP and its partners. The development of this first site marks a landmark event for the recycling industry and for the environment.”

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this article. We’re more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by coronavirus impacts our advertisers. If you haven’t already, please consider supporting our trusted, fact-checked journalism by taking out a digital subscription: www.scotsman.com/subscriptions