The state-of-the-art facility, supported by a £1.7m investment by the Welsh Government, has the capacity to sort 270,000 of comingled material and has been designed to achieve the highest recovery rates in the UK of 99 per cent. In addition to a unique design, the facility has the latest sorting and screening equipment in the market. Using UPM's technical knowledge combined with world-class installers and technology providers, the UPM MRF will output high quality materials for further reprocessing off site. 120,000 tonnes of high quality paper will be recovered for paper making at the North Wales site.
Speaking at the inauguration of the facility Mr Jussi Pesonen, President and CEO of UPM said: "The MRF clearly demonstrates how integrated manufacturing can work. We are working hard to maximise reuse and minimise waste. The UPM Shotton site is a clear example of our Biofore vision and strategy in action." Currently, 90 % of UPM's production waste is reused or recycled.
Mr Pekka Huhtaniemi, the Finnish Ambassador to the United Kingdom said: "UPM has created a fantastic facility here on their Shotton site. Not only is the technology impressive but also the motivated workforce. In addition to their renewable energy power plant, UPM Shotton is a good example of Cleantech thinking."
The facility was opened in front of 180 key suppliers and partners at a short opening ceremony on Friday 8 July. It is capable of sorting six types of plastic as well as metals, paper and glass. The building is rated BREEAM excellent using abundant levels of natural light and recycled water.
At full operation the facility will employ 160 persons in addition to the 405 staff working for UPM Shotton site which produces 100% recycled fibre newsprint. UPM is the largest manufacturer of 100% recycled newsprint in the UK, recycling 640,000 tonnes.
