- The Seaham plant recycles 57,000 tonnes of PET plastic annually.
- The facility creates 100 full-time jobs and generates £40m in annual revenue.
- A £7m facility in Washington will handle 20,000 tonnes of plastic tubs and trays.
- The Washington plant will create at least 30 jobs within 12 months.
New Seaham Recycling Plant
Biffa has opened a £27.5m PET plastic bottle recycling facility in Seaham, County Durham. The plant, one of the most advanced globally, can convert 57,000 tonnes of PET plastic annually, equivalent to 1.3 billion plastic bottles. The facility will produce high-purity plastic pellets for use in various applications, including food and beverage packaging and clothing.
Economic Impact
The Seaham plant will create 100 full-time jobs and is expected to generate £40m in annual revenue. This investment builds on Biffa's existing presence in the North, where it already employs around 1,600 people. The plant's strategic significance is underscored by its endorsement from the Northern Powerhouse Partnership.
Expansion in Washington
Biffa also announced a £7m investment in a new facility in Washington, set to be completed within the next 12 months. This plant will expand Biffa's recycling capabilities for plastic tubs and trays, handling approximately 20,000 tonnes of plastic per year and creating at least 30 additional jobs.
Existing Capabilities
The Seaham facility complements Biffa's existing plastics recycling operations, including its plant in Redcar, North Yorkshire, which recycles HDPE plastic milk bottles into food-grade recycled HDPE. Biffa's Redcar plant contributes to 85% of milk bottles sold in the UK containing recycled plastics.
