Germany: BHS-Sonthofen has upgraded its Sonthofen, Bavaria, testing centre. The supplier has installed new recycling systems for customers to test on different waste streams.

Director process development Steffen Hinderer “As a leading process consultant and mechanical process technology provider, it is our responsibility to develop all-in-one solutions with our customers that are perfectly adapted to their needs.” He added “Our test centre, which opened in Summer 2019, has already raised the bar in the areas of mixing, shredding, recycling, and filtering. Thanks to the expansion of the recycling and environment test division, our customers are able to test all their processes in this area even more comprehensibly in our facilities.”

UK: Andusia has exported 1.6Mt of refuse-derived fuel (RDF) and solid-recovered fuel (SRF) since its foundation in early 2012. The company said that the waste has not only been diverted from UK landfill but has generated power for people in northern mainland Europe. Exports rose following the lift of Covid-19 trade restrictions. Andusia added that it has since then secured several new contracts.

China: E-cigarette producer RLX Technology has announced a planned investment of US$3.10m in a used vape pod recycling scheme. The company will supply the plastic waste for use as an alternative fuel (AF) in cement production. It has partnered with the China Siyuan Foundation for Poverty Alleviation to supply the cement produced to infrastructure projects in rural areas.

CEO Kate Wang said “As one of the most essential materials for infrastructure, cement is key to the rural economy. Thus, RLX Technology plans to donate the cement to build roads, bridges and clean lavatories to improve the life of rural citizens.”

RLX Technology will launch vape pod collection in Beijing in September 2021, followed by 10 other cities before February 2022.

Norway: Geminor has signed a contract with Renovasjon i Grenland to handle and treat 7000t/yr of municipal solid waste (MSW) for two years to 2023 with an option to extend to 2026. The MSW will be transported to Geminor's partner in the project, Bjorstaddalen Næring. This company will process the waste at its Skien plant in Telemark. The plant uses robotic sorters that can perform up to 6000 picks/hr. The unit also uses ‘unique’ sensor technology that enable shape, colour and material identification. This system can also be taught to recognise new fractions.

Bjorstaddalen Næring chief executive officer Sindre Hauen said “Better sorting means better use of materials.” He added “In case of new market opportunities - or even regulations - the system can be taught to recognise new fractions. We want to be in front when it comes to robot sorting, and are constantly looking for better solutions in our waste management.”