United Kingdom – Sunderland City Council’s Planning and Highways Committee has granted approval for the expansion plans of Tradebe Solvent Recycling, a chemical recycling plant located at the southern end of the Port of Sunderland in the Hendon ward.
Tradebe Solvent Recycling focuses on the receipt of used solvents and their subsequent purification for re-use. The catalyst for Tradebe’s expansion lies in the surge in demand for its solvent purification services. A planning statement submitted to council officials indicates that this heightened demand is partially a consequence of challenges in obtaining solvents from the EU post-Brexit. Moreover, it attributes the increased demand to Tradebe’s customers embracing more environmentally sustainable practices, choosing recycling over disposal methods.
Expansion proposal
The proposed expansion entails the demolition of an existing storage tank and the creation of new facilities. This includes the installation of five new storage tanks to accommodate the growing processing capacity, along with the introduction of a new 19-meter-high ‘distillation column’ to enhance purification processes.
The expansion aims to elevate Tradebe Solvent Recycling’s “annual throughput” of solvent purification/recycling, with forecasts indicating a potential 25% increase, reaching an impressive 50,000 tonnes per annum.
Council’s thumbs-up:
Sunderland City Council’s Planning and Highways Committee deliberated on the application extensively and, following a recommendation by council planning officers, unanimously approved the plans during a January meeting. The decision reflects the alignment of the proposed infrastructure with local and national waste management policies, ensuring it operates seamlessly with existing onsite activities.
