Veolia has started building a closed-loop recycling plant for plastic food and drink containers in the UK.
The waste giant said the Shropshire facility would create food-grade materials from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) products.
Plastic trays and bottles will be shredded, washed and flaked at the plant before being transformed into new packaging for the grocery industry.
Veolia said the facility near Shrewsbury could be operational early next year and sort up to 80,000 tonnes of material annually.
The Paris-headquartered group announced the investment during French president Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to the UK this week.
Veolia chief executive Estelle Brachlianoff said the move marked a “major milestone” for the recycling industry.
She said it would help the UK handle material collected through Simpler Recycling reforms.
“This innovative facility not only advances our commitment to reducing waste and carbon emissions but also positions us to meet the growing demand for effective recycling,” added Brachlianoff.
