The landmark comes some nine months after the £15m facility was opened by then waste minister, Lord Taylor of Holbeach.
Located on the site of ECO Plastics’ existing facility in Hemswell, Continuum is now responsible for processing more than 50% of the UK’s bottle grade rPET plastic. The success of the facility has allowed CCE to meet its commitment to use 25% rPET in all its bottles by the end of 2013 – an industry first.
The plant also played a key part in Coca-Cola’s efforts to recycle all of the plastic bottles used during the Olympics and Paralympics, with some 15 million collected and returned to shelves as part of 63 million new bottles during a process that lasted as little as six weeks.
ECO Plastics MD Jonathan Short said: “Continuum was built in record time. Taking 10 months to move from ground breaking to full commissioning for a plant of this scale and sophistication is no small achievement. Now to be exceeding our ramp up plan in a period of less than half a year is further testament to the expertise, dedication and determination of our team.”
Nick Brown, associate director for recycling at Coca-Cola Enterprises, said: “Continuum has proven to be a landmark initiative for the reprocessing industry. This facility is a first for the industry and is truly transforming recycling in this country. Our partnership with ECO Plastics has helped us reach an important milestone in our on-going efforts to build a low-carbon, zero waste business here in Great Britain.
Source: Coca-Cola Enterprises
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