Two of the most commonly cited issues include:
Food ‘wastes’ are traditionally difficult to recycle as they have a short lifespan – but they are one of the most important waste streams to tackle. Food which ends up in landfill (19% of all ‘wastes’ landfilled) produce methane gas, which is 25 per cent more potent than carbon dioxide and is very harmful to the atmosphere. Anaerobic digestion plants are a very good way to recycle food wastes, producing a valuable biomass which is turned into energy – but there are other solutions.
VisionRe works with producers, retailers and restaurants to recycle food waste by finding other uses. Working with charities and other manufacturers, for example, we solve many environmental and humanitarian issues while also creating substantial cost savings for many organisations.
We can also help you with your food packaging wastes, including plastics, cards and foil wrappings.
Working with a leading food manufacturer, VisionRe has diverted over 1,000 tonnes of ‘waste’ mustard seeds and husks per year away from landfill. Instead, we found further use for it, converting it into fuel for a nearby power station.
This is a carbon-neutral disposal route, as the CO2 produced by collection is counteracted by the CO2 savings in fuel consumption.
This solution also saves the company £15,000 per annum.