Veolia to expand wood recycling, processing capacity by 50,000 tonnes

Veolia is expanding its wood recycling and processing capacity by 50,000 tonnes per year.

Ahead of the COP26 event taking place in Glasgow in November, Veolia has highlighted its commitment to recycling and renewable biomass energy, by adding to the 410,000 tonnes of waste wood it already processes annually.

To support the new processing capacity, the new Runcorn Wood Recycling Facility site will feed wide-ranging wood recycling operations, and help to supply the firm’s renewable energy generation.

The facility is designed to support the treatment of wood waste from Merseyside and enable around 80% to have a second life as flooring, furniture, worktops, and other particle board applications.

High-grade wood is also processed by Veolia for bedding products for the equestrian industry, poultry and dairy farms, and other products as diverse as spillage absorbents, fibreboard, filtration systems, packaging, and paint filler.

Lower-grade material is sent to the firm’s bioenergy sites, which supply renewable electricity and heat that supports industry, healthcare, and around 8,000 residents connected to carbon-zero district heating schemes.

In the UK, Veolia’s renewable biomass energy operations have saved more than 500,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions in the last four years.

“To decarbonise our future and protect our planet we know it is essential to act now,” said Gavin Graveson, executive vice-president of Veolia UK & Ireland.

“We are continually developing our recycling and renewable energy services, and the opening of this new site highlights our commitment to boost sustainability, and cut the financial and environmental costs of wasting these materials.

“By giving this material a new use or transforming it into renewable energy, we can cut our carbon emissions, reduce landfill, and help the UK reach its net-zero carbon target.”