RWM: NISP Links Problem Materials with Solutions

The National Industrial Symbiosis Programme (NISP) has helped several generators of difficult-to-recycle materials to develop end markets and new recycling applications, according to presenters at a session at the RWM Exhibition in Birmingham, U.K., in mid-September.

Presenter Helen Franklin of Lower Reule Bioenergy in Staffordshire, England, described how NISP helped her company get in touch with technology providers who have helped turn food scraps into energy.

The Bioenergy company branched off from farming and food processing operations of Lower Reule Farm, which formerly slaughtered up to 30,000 pigs each year.

The company has subsequently scaled back its livestock operations, but continues to produce bio-energy from its food processing scrap and from other materials it seeks as feedstock.

Presenter Bill Butterworth of The Land Network International Limited described how NISP helped the cooperative collection of farmers and land owners to develop a composting process for its discarded materials.

According to other NISP case studies, the program has helped recyclers and materials users find end markets for baled tires; arranged for the recycling of wood and plastics during the renovation of a new theatre for the Royal Shakespeare Company; and found a technological solution for a salty slag generated at an aluminum concentrates plant.

The RWM in Partnership with CIWM Exhibition was in Birmingham, England, Sept. 13-15 2011.