Recycling machinery manufacturer Presona has helped retailer Co-op further reduce its carbon footprint with the installation of two new balers and conveyors at the firm’s Avonmouth and Andover Distribution Centres.

The two LP50 EH1 ECC balers use Presona’s know-how to process cardboard and plastic on the same baler and the latest technology to ensure optimum energy efficiency when compared to shear balers.

Co-op will use the balers to compact the recovered store materials for recycling and reuse into new films and boxes – a complete circular loop, which in 2019 forms an integral part of the recycling retail supply chain. The production of materials compacted through these balers support the Co-op in reducing the number of lorry movements in moving materials to recycling centres and mills around the UK.

Presona’s Project Manager Richard Gould fully oversaw the installation of the balers and conveyors, working with Co-op to do this in a timely and safe manner in line with CDM regulations.

The Co-op Group said the installation had been ‘seamless’ and they were looking forward to seeing the positive environmental impact the baler would have on Co-op’s recycling statistics – and working with Presona more in 2020.

Co-op prides itself on being as environmentally-friendly as possible, from reducing single-use plastics to supporting Fairtrade products.

The Presona balers are expected to make a difference to Co-op’s recycling efforts, using less energy to compact cardboard and plastic waste from its stores and enable it to reduce the number of truckloads needed to take the same amount of material to the recycling plant.

As well as manufacturing and installing the baler, Presona, whose UK business is based in Bridgwater, Somerset, will continue to provide after-sales care and support to Co-op.

Dean Clarke, Presona’s Managing Director, said he was pleased to have been able to work with Co-op on the project, having previously supplied the company at other sites across the country,, and hopes to do more going forwards.

Mr Clarke added: “We are proud to be working with a retailer such as Co-op which has such a strong focus on recycling, communities and the environment and understands the huge benefits of using Presona’s balers to improve efficiency and reduce the impact on the planet”

He added: “My team will continue to work with Co-op to offer help and support to ensure they get the most from the baler including ‘safe practice’ as we understand how important it is to have properly-maintained and serviced machinery to optimise outputs.”