Wales’ largest plastic bottle recycling plant has been officially opened in Blackwood by Welsh Environment Minister Jane Davidson.
The plant, which is the first to be developed by start-up company Plastics Sorting Limited (PSL), will process 12,000 tonnes of PET bottles annually before increasing to its licensed capacity of 24,000 tonnes a year.
The company was given two grants, totalling £1.3 million, from the Welsh Assembly Government to develop the facility on the 91,500 sq ft site at Blackwood Business Park.
Ms Davidson said: “This is a wonderful example of the way in which the green economy can help transform the Valleys and communities across Wales; delivering new jobs, investment and skills.
“It shows that changing the way we think about waste doesn’t just make a difference to the environment, it can bring real economic benefits too.”
The first grant of £850,000 was used to set up PSL while the second was used to buy equipment.
PSL said it was in discussions with local authorities in South Wales about sourcing bottles for the plant and already had arrangements with waste management firms including Recresco.
A spokesman said: “This is an exciting time for everyone involved and a major step towards creating a sustainable green business sector in Wales.
“This plant illustrates how we can create jobs, help the environment in Wales and give something back to the local community while still doing business.”
The firm is a subsidiary of Cardiff-based social enterprise Cleanstream Group, which also includes Herefordshire-based plastics recycling firm Baylis Recycling.