L-R: Scottish Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead and Dr Howard Dryden inspect some of the processed glass at the opening of Dryden Aqua's Bonnyrigg plant.
The Scottish Environment Secretary, Richard Lochhead, has today (21 November) opened a ‘revolutionary’ new glass processing plant in Midlothian.
The £5 million Dryden Aqua plant in Bonnyrigg uses recycled glass to create a ‘pioneering’ water filtration system – Activated Filter Media (AFM®)–that targets and removes waterborne parasites and pollutants.
It can reportedly be used to filter drinking water, process industrial wastewater, or treat swimming pool water.
It is hoped the plant will ‘generate significant savings for the water industry’ and have the capacity to process a quarter of Scotland’s recycled glass.
Activated Filter Media process
Speaking to Resource about the opening of the Dryden Aqua plant, General Manager Andrew Pooley said: “We can take glass that has been collected for recycling, reduce it in size, sieve it to a high specification, shape the particles, and use the end product to clean water.”
Explaining the history behind the process, Chairman of Dryden Aqua, Dr Howard Dryden said: “AFM® was designed as a solution for the aquaculture sector, but after over 10 years of R&D [research and development], AFM® is now recognised as a high performing and sustainable replacement for sand in filtration systems and means that we can help to deliver safe drinking water and clean up waste and process water here in Scotland and across the globe.
“We are working as part of a prestigious European Commission Eco-India Framework Project in combination with the Indian Government’s Department of Science and Technology, and AFM® is being used to remove arsenic from drinking water – a problem affecting a quarter of a billion people in India and billions of others around the world.
“We’re also using AFM® to remove chromium from drinking water in the Middle East and Cryptosporidium parasites in Europe. Our product can eliminate up to 90 per cent of the pollution load from industry and municipal wastewater sites, and as regulations become more stringent we hope that more people will look to Scotland for the answer to their water challenges.”
Impact on glass recycling sector
When asked if the plant could potentially impact the amount of glass recycled in the country, Pooley said: “This plant will actually help Scotland, as most of the glass recycled is colourless or amber. Very few people have a use for green glass, so we can make a useful, high-value product from this stream which can be used globally, therefore reducing the amount that is wasted.”
Pooley added that, eventually, the plant expects to receive feedstock from ‘indepenent companies, local authorities, and other sources’.
Indeed, members of the glass recycling industry have welcomed the opening of the new facility, with Rebecca Cocking, Head of Container Affairs at the British Glass Manufacturers' Confederation telling Resource: “Investment in glass recycling which will result in glass being returned to high end market is welcomed. We know that approximately 40 per cent of the container glass in circulation is being sent to landfill and therefore the increased capacity created at Dryden’s facility will allow more material to be diverted from landfill.
“Obviously with any significant change to the market place there will be concerns regarding the quantity and quality of material, however we believe that Dryden have looked into this in detail and will complement the existing collection infrastructure, both in Scotland and the rest of the UK.
“There should be enough material for all markets if it is collected and handled appropriately.”
Safeguarding Scotland’s Resources
Opening the plant today, Lochhead said: “This is a revolutionary system from Dryden Aqua which exemplifies the technological and environmental expertise that Scotland is famous for. It is also a major investment in Scotland’s green credentials and places us at the forefront of the move towards a zero waste nation.
“This is a great example of upcycling where we create something of higher value than the original substance. This technology can be used in developing countries to ensure cleaner, healthier water for all, showcasing the global reach and importance of Scottish innovation, which is a key element of the Hydro Nation agenda.”
Lochhead added that the plant fits in with Scotland’s vision of moving towards a circular economy where products are designed to be reused and recycled rather than being disposed of as waste once used (as outlined in the Scottish Government’s waste prevention blueprint, ‘Safeguarding Scotland’s Resources’).
He added: “Our long-term goal is for Scotland to become a more circular economy where we eliminate waste by designing products in a way where they can be reused over and over again.
“This move to a circular economy will grow our green economy and open the potential for an estimated 5,000 new jobs to turn the things we recycle back into valuable materials for manufacturing.”
Read more about Dryden Aqua.
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How will the government and DMOs address the challenges of including glass in DRS while ensuring a level playing field across the UK?
There's no easy solution to include glass in the DRS while maintaining a level playing field. Potential approaches include a phased introduction of glass, potentially with higher deposits to reflect its logistical challenges. The government and DMOs could incentivise innovation in glass packaging design and subsidise dedicated return points for glass-handling. Exemptions for smaller businesses unable to handle glass might also be necessary. Any successful solution will likely blend several approaches. It must address the differing priorities of devolved administrations, balance environmental benefits with logistical and cost implications, and be supported by robust consumer education campaigns emphasizing the importance of glass recycling.