£10m glass processing investment to create 18 jobs in St Helens

A new multi-million pound glass cullet processing facility is set to be built in Merseyside, creating 18 permanent jobs.

Mineral wool insulation manufacturer Knauf Insulation has signed a long-term contract with resource management company Veolia to support the construction of the site next to its existing manufacturing plant in St. Helens.

Veolia will invest £10m in the plant, which will dry and refine tens of thousands of tonnes of glass from across its portfolio and process it to a furnace-ready quality.

Veolia UK & Ireland’s senior executive vice president, Estelle Brachlianoff, said: “This venture with Knauf Insulation provides a closed loop solution for glass packaging from our Material Recovery Facilities.

“This will save raw materials, lessen energy demand, cut CO2 emissions and reduce the amount of materials going to landfill.”

Estelle added: “It is set to be the first of its kind in the UK and represents a significant investment in circular thinking, new technology and jobs and will ensure we keep the highest quality of glass in circulation.”

Knauf Insulation Northern Europe MD John Sinfield commented: “We are delighted to be working with Veolia on this project, which perfectly aligns our goals for sustainability and the circular economy.

“Given recent shortages impacting the construction sector, our customers can be reassured that we are working proactively upstream to further enhance the security of our supply.”

He added: “The construction of the new facility should also help grow the local economy through the creation of new jobs and the use of local firms to carry out the relevant construction work.”

The chair of Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority, Cllr Graham Morgan, welcomed the companies’ decision to invest in St Helens.

He said: “The authority is always working with its contractors to promote the circular economy in relation to the reuse and recycling of raw materials, and this new facility is an excellent example of local solutions that can reduce costs and the impact on the environment.

“We’re also pleased that Veolia’s investment has created 18 direct local jobs at the facility, and many more along the supply chain in the area.”

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