Welcome to our News from the NERF May edition. We've been blown away over the last few months with the amazing stories we have received about all the innovation and investment that is happening in our region. We are are featuring some of these in this newsletter and will bring more in coming months. Thank you to all those who attended our April Virtual NERF meeting where we looked at the Resources and Waste Strategy and explored the excellent work of The Company Shop. If you missed it you can watch the recording of the meeting by following this link.
Our next Virtual NERF meeting will take place on Wednesday 30th June 2021 from 10am till 11.30am. We hope you’ll join us, just click this link to register your free place. Please feel free to pass on to anyone you feel would be interested.
We are doing our best to stay connected with our sector, if you have any ideas you think we could be doing, please let us know. Any assistance we can give running webinars on your behalf, either in house or to a wider audience we'd be happy to help. As ever, we are keeping up to date with Covid rules and regulations and as soon as we can meet up in person we will organise a NERF meeting, we are really looking forward to sharing a cuppa with you all.
Our bi-monthly newsletters are proving popular, please send us any articles you think would be of interest and we will include them.
Thanks as always to our Friends of NERF who make everything we do possible.
Take care and best wishes
Jo
NERF Secretariat
A Note From Our Chairman -
Dear Friend of NERF
Society inches its way cautiously back to a new normality while the quiet revolution continues and gathers pace. It might be crypto currencies, cyber-attacks, electric cars, high street transformation, planning reform, mergers and acquisitions or simply home working, seismic change is well and truly under way. There’s no going back.
There will be some wobbles along the recovery road but momentum is gathering steam. People are making huge new lifestyle changes that will have long lasting consequential effects.
All this change will have a massive impact upon future resource management, individual behaviour, waste generation and value recovery and recycling. Major overseas material outlet challenges and supply chain issues strengthen the case for ever greater self-dependency with a flexible circular economy.
British society has a heavy price to pay in the future for protecting jobs and businesses today. This begs the question why export value when we should embark upon unprecedented inward investment because the country will need it to help mitigate Covid costs. The government cannot solve all our challenges we all have a role to play.
Brexit was inevitably going to bring change but Covid has accelerated the need to modernise and be creative. Just as individuals are re- evaluating life goals and priorities, businesses will have to adapt to the changing world while striving for relevance and excellence with a more caring hand.
The demand for the increasing pace of change is unprecedented and cannot be halted. People more than ever need to use positions of influence to shape, provide transparency and drive change.
Only last week the G7 nations agreed to cease funding of new coal fired powered stations from the end of the year. Great news and about time. Saudi Arabia are planning to plant 10 billion trees and want their neighbours to commit to a further 30 billion trees to fight climate change. Could we be seeing a turning point - these are some serious significant welcomed environmental interventions? Hopefully many more will follow quickly.
Certainly exciting and challenging times lay ahead. So let’s be brave, be bold and put the money on the table to drive momentum and create a new improved norm.
Best wishes
N+P Proudly Announce Start of Commissioning Subcoal Production TSP Ltd.
Today the N+P Group B.V. (“N+P”) announces that the company has acquired the freehold of the property at Huntsmans Drive in Teesside (UK). Thanks to this acquisition, N+P can proudly confirm the start of commissioning of its UK based Subcoal® production line, with the aim to ramp up to full production in the middle of May of this year.
Shortly after the property deal was finalized, first trucks of non-recyclable waste were delivered to site, allowing the production plant to finally start operations after more than 12 months of negotiations. Once the plant is fully commissioned, it will process over 300.000 tonnes of non-recyclable waste per year, with more than 35 FTE’s working on site. The Teesside facility is considered one of the largest, most modern alternative fuel production sites in the world.
Karel Jennissen, N+P’s founder and CEO comments: “I’m proud and excited that we have finally started our newest production site and I am glad to welcome it into our family. As soon as you walk into the shed and you see the site, it is an impressive piece of engineering. We consider it the most modern alternative fuel production site in the world, capable of producing our high-quality pelletized fuels that will decarbonize the industry. The start of TSP marks a new era in our companies 30-year history and we look forward to serve our customers with the fuels they have been asking for.”
With an annual output capacity of close to 250.000 tonnes per year, the facility can serve several domestic clients with high quality alternative fuels, as well as the European market by exporting using various modalities. The annual output capacity of N+P’s Teesside facility can save an equivalent of approx. 260.000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions per annum, by substitution of fossil fuels in various industries. Apart from the cement industry, N+P have pioneered the development of the utilization of its alternative fuels in industries like lime kilns (both horizontal and vertical) and coal fired power plants. Furthermore, N+P is able to produce alternative reducing agents for the steel industry, which are used as an alternative carbon source to produce steel. In many of these applications, N+P can offer a like for like substitute to coal by supplying pulverized products.
N+P looks at waste from a new perspective. We see it as a valuable source to decarbonize major industries. Turning waste into value! N+P helps to unlock the value of waste to reduce the global carbon footprint. This offers our clients both economic and ecological benefits. As a Dutch based company, N+P is a pioneer in the development of concepts to utilize non-recyclable waste streams as alternative fuels or alternative raw materials. N+P’s developments are heavily focused around bridging waste to value, reducing the necessity to landfill materials but upgrading them into high quality alternatives for fossil based commodities. N+P have multiple offices and production locations in Europe, with a turnover of approx. 145 million per annum. More information can be found on its website at www.npgroup.com
Circular Economy: Identifying Value In Waste and Recycling
Society as a whole is adopting more sustainable work practices and looking to the Circular Economy as a practical solution. Whether as an individual or as a business reacting to consumer demand, there are tangible benefits to the Circular Economy on every scale.
In the waste and recycling stream we see this through reduced dependence on landfill solutions, increased recycling and the incorporation of take-back schemes into the consumer product lifecycle.
Whether through regulatory pressure or commercial incentive, tracking these flows is becoming increasingly important in order to satisfy the desire for commodity traceability.
It is this need for independent checks, balance & traceability that drives Alfred H Knight in their service, to determine the metrics of materials at each stage. By providing these checks, our stakeholders are conscious of the value of their waste and recycling and can accurately understand the relationship between process inputs and outputs, including:
Understanding inputs at an Energy from Waste plant through composition analysis
Extracting value from Industrial Bottom Ash with metal content analysis
Checking consumer products are suitable for reuse
Determining the quality of commodities in the reverse logistics pipeline
It’s difficult linking individual steps in a value chain, determining the source of a product and identifying leaks in order to fill gaps. AHK is positioned to assist through a range of services ensuring stakeholders understand their waste and recycling, its source and the value it holds in order to ensure the benefits of circular economy are truly tangible whether that be economically or socially.
To make an enquiry regarding our services, or to speak to a Circular Economy expert, contact us here.
Patrick Le Mare
Circular Economy – Industry Lead
The Medium Combustion Plant Directive - EM - Solutions
The Medium Combustion Plant Directive (MCPD) has expanded the requirements for Environmental Permits to include smaller sizes of plant which weren’t previously covered by environmental legislation. Now including new and existing plant over 1MWth input the updated permitting requirements are still being overlooked by many businesses across the UK, potentially putting them at risk of prosecution by the regulators. See more about what this directive involves here.
Great News For North East's Leading Independent Waste Management Company J&B Recycling
The North East’s leading independent waste management company, J&B Recycling, has been awarded another successful tender to process the kerbside recyclables for Hartlepool Borough Council.
Running for two years with the possibility for an extension, the contract will see the company processing around 8000 tonnes a year of fully commingled recyclables.
Mark Penny, Commercial Manager at J&B Recycling, said: “Although we have worked with Hartlepool Council on a number of projects, this is the first time we have been able to process their Kerbside collections, which a huge plus for us and continues our growth within the North East region and recycling sector.
“We are looking forward to working with Hartlepool Borough Council to increase their recycling rates and encourage waste awareness amongst residents.”
The contract, which commenced on 1st April 2021, has a value of £1.4m over two years. Hopes are that materials that can be included in recycling collections by Hartlepool residents can be expanded. J&B Recycling are also committed to working alongside the local authority to reduce contamination by raising awareness of recycling procedures.
Kieran Bostock, Assistant Director – Place Management with Hartlepool Borough Council, said: “We are delighted to have been able to award this contract to such a successful local company as J & B Recycling.
“As an authority committed to a sustainable future, we look forward to working closely with them with the aim of maximising the recycling options open to residents of the Borough.”
As a Hartlepool based firm with 74% of its workforce living in the area, this contract adds to J&B Recycling’s portfolio of local authorities and continues to support the local business with the possibility of creating new jobs, apprenticeships and the overall expansion of the company.
The last five years has seen J&B Recycling undertake an ongoing programme of major upgrades following a £7.5m investment from the Business Growth Fund (BGF) in 2014. These investments have taken the company from a basic low-tech operation to an industry leading, high tech, high profit operation which has resulted in a 200% uplift in tonnages processed per hour through the plant, benefiting contracts hugely.
J&B Recycling is currently looking at its fourth consecutive year of growth, achieving a market leading run rate of 20% EBITDA.
Mercuria and N+P Announce Partnership
Today, Mercuria Energy Trading (“Mercuria”) and N+P Group B.V. (“N+P”) announced a strategic partnership that will inject significant growth capital in N+P and allow for the development of new alternative fuels production facilities. As a part of the deal, Mercuria is acquiring a strategic equity stake in N+P. The Jennissen Family will continue to hold the majority of the shares in N+P, while allowing for Mercuria’s stake to be increased in the near-term.
The deal is aligned with N+P and Mercuria’s larger corporate strategy of focusing on the global energy transition, which includes investing in high quality alternative fuels produced from non-recyclable waste streams.
“As we continue to invest in the global energy transition, we see our partnership with N+P as a way to provide cost competitive decarbonization solutions to specific industrial sectors,” said Jean-François Steels, Vice President of Energy Transition at Mercuria. “For nearly three decades, N+P has demonstrated its ability to innovate and develop new alternative fuels. Its deep understanding of the waste and recycling industries have been key in N+P’s success so far, and this partnership will help expand and grow its operations.”
Founded in 1993, N+P has focused on decarbonizing the production processes of large energy-consuming industries globally. N+P uses non-recyclable waste fractions that would otherwise be landfilled or incinerated as feedstock to produce alternative fuels. By switching to fuels produced by N+P, these industries can not only reduce their costs prices, but also benefit from significant CO2 savings and contribute to landfill diversion. It also provides various industries with new incentives on how to best reduce their carbon footprint.
“We have been working very hard in the last few months, to get the agreements with Mercuria in place,” commented Stijn Jennissen, Chief Commercial Office at N+P. “We are happy and proud that we have managed to find a partner like Mercuria, who shares our ambitious goal to grow and contribute to the develop of our markets. We are looking forward to jointly realizing these ambitious targets in the coming years.”
Over the next five years, N+P intends to significantly increase the number of production plants, including global expansion catalysed via synergies with Mercuria’s global trading platform. N+P expects to announce the development of the first new plants in the coming months. In parallel to a rapid expansion of alternative fuel production facilities, N+P is also aiming to grow the legacy business of bridging waste to value: waste to energy feedstock trading and development and supply of alternative raw materials, in which the Jennissen family has almost 30 years of experience.
“Together with N+P’s decades of experience in waste trading and optimisation, and our market access and risk management expertise, we believe this partnership will positively contribute to the global energy transition,” David Haughie, Managing Director of Principal Investments at Mercuria. “We look forward to working with the N+P team to further deliver capital support and optimisation as we collaborate to grow and expand the business.”
White & Case LLP, Brachers LLP and Deloitte acted as advisors to N+P, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer has acted as advisor to Mercuria. All advisors involved in the deal have delivered fantastic work to make the transaction possible in a short timeframe. “Our role advising N+P Group on this important transaction is a great example of how White & Case supports fast growth companies as they progress their ambitious growth targets.” Ian Bagshaw, Global Co-Head of Private Equity of White & Case.
About Mercuria
Founded in 2004, Mercuria is one of the largest independent energy and commodity groups in the world, bringing efficiency to the commodity value chain with cutting-edge technology and unmatched expertise and solutions. Mercuria’s business includes trading flows, strategic assets and structuring activities that generate more than USD 110 billion in turnover. It operates from offices around the world, with a strong presence in the Americas, Asia and Europe. Information on Mercuria can be found on its website at www.mercuria.com.
About N+P
Dutch based N+P is a pioneer in the development of concepts to utilize non-recyclable waste streams as alternative fuels or alternative raw materials. N+P’s developments are heavily focused around bridging waste to value, reducing the necessity to landfill materials but upgrading them into high quality alternatives for fossil based commodities. N+P have multiple offices and production locations in Europe, with a turnover of approx. 145 million per annum. More information can be found on its website at www.npgroup.com
Alfred H Knight Extends Reach of Business Development Team
Due to an increased demand for sampling and analysis of waste streams, Alfred H Knight Energy Services have expanded their Business Development team to further support Waste Management organisations across the UK.
Sam Jeynes is the most recent addition to the AHK Business Development Management team. Sam has 10 years’ worth of experience within the waste, recycling and resource sector, having held roles in the industry previously with organisations such as the CIWM. His primary focus will be to assist clients across the South of England and Wales in future-proofing their Energy from Waste plants through comprehensive fuels analysis.
Amy Fielding joined the BDM team in February to help businesses build a reliable profile of their biomass fuel and waste streams. Based around the Midlands, Amy is a key influencer in Biomass and Waste Compliance consultancy. Her understanding of waste wood classification and Ofgem’s Renewable Heat Incentive scheme enables her to support businesses in meeting their ongoing obligations.
Amy Fielding said: “It is great to be part of the AHK team and working with a forward thinking company wanting to expand its offered services. We have some unique and interesting projects in the pipeline as part of a continued commitment to always improve our customer experience.”
Sam Jeynes adds “I am very happy to be part of the Energy Services team and look forward to assisting clients old and new with their solid fuel requirements in the South.”
Sam and Amy will be working alongside Nathan Hughes, who has been part of the Energy Services team at Alfred H Knight for many years. Nathan is a well-established BDM, with a proven track record in The Waste and Renewables sector.
With Nathan covering the North of England and Scotland, this triage of professionals tie together a service that now covers the entire UK.
Nathan Hughes adds “It is an exciting time for Alfred H Knight to have two new experienced individuals joining the Energy Services Team. I wish Sam and Amy all the very best with AHK.
“The UK's Energy from Waste, and Waste Management sector remains very buoyant at this present moment in time and has been busy right throughout the Pandemic. Ensuring our client base gets the very best Analytical Service they have been accustomed to is a top priority for the Team.
“The appointment of Sam and Amy further demonstrates our wider expansion plans for the UK and beyond and the support is greatly received.”
Alfred H Knight operates UKAS accredited laboratories across the UK, including Dundonald and Rotherham. This allows them to offer a broad range of trusted and transparent services, nationally and internationally, for the solid fuels and waste sector. These services include fuels testing, compositional analysis, ash and process residue/intermediate testing.
Advanced Recycling Site for All Types of Plastics Under Construction in Teesside Announced Feedstock and Compliance Agreements
ReNew ELP are constructing the world’s first HydroPRS™ plastic recycling site, creating raw ingredients for infinitely recyclable new products from waste plastic in Wilton, Teesside
Plastic waste feedstock contract with Geminor UK Ltd announced today, alongside partnership with Ecosurety, the leading producer responsibility compliance scheme for packaging
On completion, new site will recycle 80,000 tonnes of plastic waste annually, currently considered “unrecyclable”
Process will divert waste plastic away from the environment and into recycling, reduce CO2 emissions, decouple plastic manufacture from fossil resource and feed a sustainable circular plastics economy
Following construction commencing on the world’s first HydroPRS™ advanced plastic recycling site in Teesside, UK, ReNew ELP have today confirmed that a contract is now in place with Geminor UK Ltd to act as principal feedstock supplier to the North East based project.
The agreement with Geminor will see at least 15,000 tonnes of PE and PP rich plastic feedstock diverted away from incineration and into recycling per year, making up the majority of the feedstock supply for the first 20,000 tonnes per annum phase of the 80,000 annual tonnes per annum ReNew ELP project.
Traditionally supplying the EfW (Energy from Waste) industry, which incinerates waste plastic, Geminor’s move to supplying the recycling industry with post-consumer plastic packaging waste will bring environmental benefits, with advanced recycling estimated to save approximately 1.5 tonnes of CO2 per tonne of waste recycled when compared to incineration, whilst diverting waste plastic away from environmental pollution. All feedstock will be sourced from within the UK, reducing need to export plastic waste to the EU and beyond.
James Maiden, Country Manager at Geminor UK Ltd, said: “Geminor UK is pleased to have agreed the contract to supply the feedstock to the Wilton ReNew ELP facility. Now that the project has achieved financial close and construction has commenced, we look forward to working with the ReNew ELP team to establish the supply of waste plastics to the plant. Geminor is very supportive of ground-breaking projects such as ReNew ELP, which enable us to develop new streams of secondary feedstock supply to our offtake partners and to move materials we manage for our customers up the waste hierarchy. Developing the supply chain for the plant will support Geminor’s drive to develop lower carbon-based feedstock streams in other areas of the market, providing a progressive and reliable route for the recycling of waste plastics.”
The upcoming reformation of UK Packaging Waste Regulations, implementing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for packaging from 2023 will see plastic producers responsible for the full net cost of recovering the plastic waste that they place onto the market. Leading up to the introduction of EPR, ReNew ELP have formed an agreement with Ecosurety Limited, one of the UK’s leading producer responsibility compliance schemes, for technical support and expertise in securing Environment Agency reprocessor accreditation, as well as auditing and management of data in the National Packaging Waste Database. Ecosurety will also assist with the issuing of recycling evidence known as Packaging Recovery Notes (PRNs) by ReNew ELP.
At the core of Ecosurety is the drive to make a tangible impact on UK recycling via consumer education programmes, supporting recycling innovation and infrastructure development. By working with Ecosurety, ReNew ELP also hope to encourage the recycling of flexible plastic materials from Front of Store (FoS) collections via the Flexible Plastic Fund, which encourages collection of post-consumer flexible plastic packaging at stores and is funded by a number of international brands.
Sandeep Attwal, Procurement Manager at Ecosurety Limited said: “Ecosurety are delighted to be working with ReNew ELP and supporting on this exciting sustainability project, which will ensure that more plastic packaging waste is recycled in the UK rather than incinerated or exported.”
Plastic waste is an urgent environmental challenge. Of all plastic ever made, only 9% has ever been recycled, with the vast majority (79%) ending up in landfill or the environment - the UK alone produces 2.4m tonnes of plastic packaging per year. 8 million tonnes of plastic enters the world’s annually, predicted to increase tenfold by 2025 if solutions aren’t foundiv.
ReNew ELP is the first plant to use HydroPRS™, an advanced recycling solution that uses supercritical water to convert waste plastics into shorter chain hydrocarbon products, the equivalent of fossil resource, for use in the manufacture of feedstocks to create new plastics. The first phase of the project will see the construction of one of four recycling lines, each able to process 20,000 tonnes of plastic waste annually, due into operation by the end of 2022 - the remaining three lines will follow.
In quick succession. Target waste plastic feedstock is post-consumer, contaminated plastic packaging, including flexible materials such as films, pots, tubs and trays which – until now - have been considered unrecyclable. There is no limit to the number of times the same plastic can be recycled using HydroPRS™.
Richard Daley, Managing Director at ReNew ELP said: “We are delighted to announce that our feedstock capacity for the first 20,000 tonne line is now fulfilled via our partnership with Geminor, which marks a milestone stage in the development of this first HydroPRS™ recycling facility and helps divert plastic waste away from incineration and export.“
We are also very pleased to form a partnership with Ecosurety, providing PRNs to plastic producers and increasing the quantity of recycled plastic in the market, alongside utilising their expertise in accreditation and auditing for reprocessors.“
These new partnerships represent another great step forward for the development of the world’s first HydroPRS™ plastic recycling facility.”
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