A Breakthrough in PPE Recycling

SEATTLE (Waste Advantage): Innovation in recycling and sterilization technologies has resulted in a breakthrough for the recycling of PPE. Yorkshire, UK-based company ReWorked has developed a full-service operation, to process disposable face-masks, gloves, visors etc. for public and private sectors. In collaboration with Thermal Compaction Group (TCG), testing has begun to recycle face-masks from The Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust. Previously their masks would have been incinerated; a process that releases harmful emissions such as carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Through further exploration, the joint companies hope the scheme will roll out to hospitals across the UK.

ReWorked marketing manager Izzie Glazzard tells us, “We are on the brink of launching some large scale PPE recycling schemes on the UK high-street. It provides an invaluable service for customers who want protection from Covid-19, but don’t want the environment to suffer as a consequence”.

The driving force behind the scheme is the rise in PPE usage seen worldwide due to the pandemic. Estimates say globally we are using 129 billion disposable masks and 65 billion plastic gloves every month. The WWF says “If only 1% of the worlds face masks are disposed of incorrectly, 10 million masks will still end up polluting fragile ecosystems every month.”

Courtesy: www.wasteadvantagemag.com