The News night debate last night (16th April 2008) between Environment Minister, Joan Ruddock and Justin King, Chief Execitive of Sainsburys was both intriguing and topical. A report of the Newsnight debate is at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/newsnight/7350594.stm and the programme can be seen via the BBC iplayer facility by searching for “Newsnight 16th April” at http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/
During the debate Justin King of Sainsburys said: We're all concerned about the environment, and the case for change has been convincingly made. But it's important that the change is evidence based. I'm a great believer in examining the facts, and in looking before we leap.
On the plastic bag issue Justin said “What more could we do? Well I believe the industry focus on reducing, reusing, recycling is the right one. But it's on recycling that we need more help.” He also made the point that “there's a limited ability to recycle in the UK - most plastic is shipped to Germany or the Far East for recycling.” Thus Sainsburys (and they are clearly not alone) perceive there is a limited ability to recycle plastic waste and they also need more help on recycling.
Clearly those taking part in the Newsnight debate were not aware of the new innovative Powder Impression Moulding (PIM) technology for which Environmental Recyling Technologies (ERT) holds the IP.
In fact the PIM process answers many of the issues discussed on Newsnight regarding plastic waste because it can uniquely utilise mixed plastic waste with a high level of contaminants. Moreover unlike other polymer manufacturing processes PIM does not require segregated material. In fact it can use much of the plastic waste remaining after segregation that is currently shipped overseas or buried as landfill. Furthermore the products made using the PIM process are themselves recyclable and can be reused as a feedstock to make new products.
ERT is now looking for further commercial partners and government agencies to help develop different products using PIM technology. ERT is essentially an IP house that will both faciltate product research and development and will also broker meetings with individuals and organisations interested in running a manufacturing business.
ERT's Business model is to license PIM production and provide technical support in return for fees and royalties. This is attractive to organisations that understand the potential for the production, their specialist market places, the pressure to build off site, to reduce waste and/or recycle, the likely impact of regulation and also know of the distribution and supply chain. One example of this model is that of 2K Manufacturing (http://www.2kmanufacturing.info) which has taken a licence for construction sheet production.
Finally if you would like to discuss opportunities for use of the PIM technology to help reduce waste (including plastic bags) within your organisation or supply chain then please reply to this email with your contact details and we will make the necessary arrangements.
Regards
Richard Bayfield Consultant to Environmental Recycling Technologies for Construction (ERT4C)
http://www.ert4c.com
