In the U.K., Veolia (Paris) has expanded wood recycling and processing capacity by 50,000 metric tons per year (m.t./yr), adding to the 410,000 m.t./yr of waste wood already processed by Veolia each year. The new site will feed wide ranging wood recycling operations, and help supply the company’s renewable energy generation.
Veolia’s new Runcorn Wood Recycling Facility (Source: Veolia)
The new Runcorn Wood Recycling 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, fiber board, filtration systems, packaging and paint filler.
Lower-grade material is sent to Veolia’s biomass energy 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 over 500,000 m.t. of CO2 emissions in the last four years.
“To decarbonize our future and protect our planet we know it is essential to act now. 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 and help the UK reach its net zero carbon target,” said Gavin Graveson, Veolia Executive Vice President of UK and Ireland.