VANA gathers the value chain for better recycling
The sorting by citizens, the collection, storage, and subsequent treatment all have an impact on the path of packaging waste to new use. Therefore, VANA gathered actors across the value chain for visits at ReSource, Meldgaard, Reiling, and Ardagh. Here, participants experienced sorting and treatment in practice and discussed how joint solutions can strengthen recycling.
Common insights must support better recycling
Across the events, the conclusion was that insights into each other's processes provide a better basis for common solutions. When municipalities, utilities, waste companies, and suppliers meet to discuss concrete challenges, it becomes clearer where collaboration can make a difference.
The visits are part of VANA's work on behalf of the members. The goal is to bring knowledge and experiences into play across the value chain and create better conditions for higher quality and more recycling of packaging waste.
Plastics – from citizens' sorting to recyclable materials
The first stop was at ReSource Denmark in Esbjerg, where participants followed plastic waste through an automated process that sorts it into fractions for recycling. Here, they discussed the significance of citizens' sorting, emptying frequency, storage at transfer stations, and uniform sorting guidelines for the quality of the materials.
The dialogue also focused on the materials' journey after fine sorting. The visit thus placed citizens' efforts in a larger context and demonstrated how the individual links in the chain affect each other.
Glass and metal – new solutions take errors in sorting into account
At Meldgaard in Almind, the focal point was the company's new sorting facility for glass and metal, which are collected as a combined fraction. In parts of the catchment area, the fraction contains relatively much missorted plastic. This has required new solutions, so the facility is less vulnerable to sorting errors while also treating the materials gently and efficiently.
It was a good opportunity for an open and honest dialogue about the problems that the participants experience individually, without focusing on the fact that anyone is doing something wrong. This set the stage for us to look forward to solutions, and not least, how we can collaborate to achieve the best results based on the world that exists.
The facility has been developed with input from Reiling and with the aim of meeting VANA's requirements for quality and recycling. This has taken into account both sorting, further treatment, and the possibilities of making as much glass available to the glass producers as possible. Meldgaard continues to work on optimising the processes and improving sorting.
Recycling results
With the takeover of the practical handling of the municipalities' collected packaging, VANA is also responsible for ensuring that the packaging is recycled according to the recycling targets set by the EU. Read more about our recycling results below.
VANA's recycling resultsGlass – small impurities can have big consequences
The last visit event was at Reiling in Næstved and Ardagh in Holmegaard, respectively. Here, the participants followed the chain from cleaning and colour sorting of glass waste to the production of new bottles and glass.
The visit showed why the requirements for removing ceramics, porcelain, and other impurities are high: Even small amounts can create problems in production. The participants also gained insight into how closely sorting and production are interconnected, and how significant costs a single stop in the processes can incur. The tours and the subsequent dialogue therefore emphasised the importance of good sorting already at home with citizens.