Sunderland recycling plant set to create hundreds of jobs

Hundreds of new jobs could be created by a new recycling facility in the North East.

Norwegian recycling specialist Quantafuel has announced plans to expand its operations into the UK with a series of processing plants that would create high value products from low value plastic waste.

The firm has set its sights on a 12-acre site at the Port of Sunderland for its first UK facility, which is initially expected to create 50 jobs.

Quantafuel’s interim CEO Terje Eiken commented: “I’m pleased to announce Quantafuel’s expansion into circular plastics in the UK.

“This is an important step because we see strong potential in the UK market. By upgrading used plastic waste into valuable products, we will contribute towards the circular economy and help to improve the UK’s plastic recycling rates.

“We’ve identified an excellent site in Sunderland and are grateful for the positive welcome from the port and the city council. We look forward to pushing circular plastics in the UK.”

Cllr Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council and chair of Port of Sunderland, commented: “We are absolutely thrilled that Port of Sunderland has been chosen as the preferred location for Quantafuel’s first UK operation.

“Sunderland is a city transforming, and investments like this, allied with other significant developments in the city centre, Washington and the Coalfields, give an increasing confidence in the economic future of our city.

He added: “There has been a concerted drive to stimulate investment in the city in general and the port in particular, with a huge programme of infrastructure works carried out to make parts of the estate shovel-ready.

“Quantafuel’s decision to locate to Sunderland vindicates this work and is testament to the ambition of the Port of Sunderland and the city council as its municipal owner.”