Bollegraaf builds the UK's first tray-to-tray PET sorting line for Veolia

2025-09-11 0:55 min Sorting and collection, PET films, trays, cups

Bollegraaf and Lubo Recycling Solutions Appingedam, Netherlands

This state-of-the-art, closed-loop sorting plant located near Shrewsbury is part of Veolia’s broader commitment to the circular economy. The £70 million investment will transform the way post-consumer PET trays and bottles are recycled and reused. The plant is expected to be operational by early 2026 and will then process 80.000 tonnes of plastics every year.

The challenges of food-grade PET recycling

Due to the difficulty in achieving the required standards, the UK does not have a closed-loop facility to recycle PET trays into food-grade materials. By combining the world-leading expertise of Bollegraaf and Veolia, the UK will soon have a first closed-loop PET-recycling facility.

The innovative Shrewsbury facility will shred, wash, and flake PET plastic from trays and bottles to be recycled into new food-grade packaging, primarily aimed at the UK grocery and food manufacturing sector.

“The plastic recycling sector is facing many challenges, from low prices for virgin sources to stiff competition for rPET from outside the UK. To thrive in this market, you need to focus on niches. Food-grade packaging material is one of these niches. There are strict required standards for food-grade plastics. When producers need to use recycled material, they need a trusted supplier, like Veolia, to provide them with the compliant feedstock. Producers cannot afford to make mistakes in food-grade materials.” - Darren Davis, Sales Manager UK and Ireland at Bollegraaf.

www.bollegraaf.com www.veolia.com

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Bollegraaf builds the UK's first tray-to-tray PET sorting line for Veolia

The challenges of food-grade PET recycling

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