Pontypridd Business Works with Global Leader

Pontypridd-based recycling company Graig Environmental Recycling is working with Novelis, the world’s leading aluminium can recycler, taking on a key role in the company’s drive to develop the UK’s collection infrastructure for used aluminium drink cans.

Novelis Recycling buys used drink cans collected by waste management companies, local authorities and secondary metal dealers throughout the UK. The cans are recycled by Novelis at its dedicated used beverage can recycling plant in Warrington, Cheshire, which produces ingots of recycled metal. These ingots are then rolled into the sheet used by customers in the beverage can manufacturing industry. The recycling process saves 95% of the energy and 97% of the associated greenhouse gas emissions compared to manufacturing aluminium from its raw materials. To maximise the efficiency of the system that delivers cans to the Warrington plant, Novelis Recycling has established a network of regional Aggregation Centres around the UK, so that delivery is only a local journey for suppliers, wherever they are based.

As the Aggregation Centre for South Wales and the surrounding area, Graig Environmental accepts loads of over 250kg, which can be delivered either baled or loose. The cans are checked to ensure they meet the Novelis specification, and baled if necessary. Graig then transports the cans on to the plant in Warrington for reprocessing.

Novelis Recycling established the regional Aggregation Centre network to improve operational efficiencies for its suppliers, and so make the business of aluminium can recycling easier and more attractive.

Novelis Recycling Commercial Manager Keith Guest explains: “Used drink cans represent only a small fraction of the waste stream, and many of our suppliers are small businesses or community enterprises who would not find can recycling viable if they had to store material until they had a sufficient quantity to deliver to us in Warrington. Having a regional point which accepts smaller loads, and can handle loose material, has helped many recycling schemes become sustainable enterprises and helped towards the growth in the recycling rate for aluminium cans¹. There is also an additional benefit for the environment - having regional delivery points means that we are reducing transport miles and associated vehicle emissions. Our regional Aggregation Centres have been instrumental in the growth of aluminium can recycling in the UK and we are delighted to be opening one in this area. Later this year we will also be announcing the establishment of a new Aggregation Centre for the Midlands.”

Steve Binding director of Graig Environmental says: “Becoming part of the Novelis Recycling network is a great opportunity for our organisation. Recycling is part of our everyday lives and, as part of the collection infrastructure, we have the opportunity to contribute towards the success of local authorities, other businesses and the UK economy, as we all strive to achieve recycling targets set by government.”

“As well as accepting deliveries at our facility in Graig we will be offering a collection scheme for local businesses and community groups. We are very focused on working with enterprises in this area and we have supported several local charities over the years. We want to build on this success and develop our business. Working with the world leader in aluminium recycling will enable us to do this as well as providing many added benefits, such as expertise, advice and support on a range of business development issues.” added Steve.

For full details of the Novelis Recycling Aggregation Centre network go to www.novelisrecycling.co.uk.

Contact details for Graig Environmental Recycling: Maritime Industrial Estate, Pontypridd, Mid Glamorgan CF37 1NY, admin@graigrecycling.co.uk, tel: 01443 401405

Opening hours – 8 am to 4.30 pm Monday to Friday, 8 am to 12 noon Saturday

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