Repurposing plastic
With a strong focus on research and development, Leinster Environmentals is addressing the waste plastic conundrum facing many manufacturers in Ireland
“Suppliers are assured by our expertise and the knowledge that this sustainable repurposing option is cheaper than recycling the waste plastic themselves”
Based near Dundalk, Co Louth, Leinster Environmentals offers a bespoke-style service to manufacturers, which helps them to recycle their leftover plastic waste in a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way. The ISO accredited company plays a key role in the chain between suppliers of the plastic waste and clients that require the recycled product.
From its 30,000 sq m facility it can provide modern shredding, granulating, washing and drying lines, sorting and baling facilities, a computerised weighbridge and truck and container loading facilities. Its high-capacity, environmentally-compliant equipment produces granules and pellets for re-use the plastic moulding industry.
“We started the business in 2004, when we developed a small processing line to recycle plastic films,” says managing director James Loughran. “Learning from initial teething issues, my father Anthony Loughran embarked on a research and development [R&D] project that led to the design and build of an efficient plastic recycling and washing system. It was the first of its kind in Ireland.”
Robust, high-quality R&D is an integral part of the business, which now recycles over 1,500 tonnes of plastic materials a month.
Leinster Environmentals can provide a total waste management solution to directly service the requirements of factories which produce significant amounts of plastic production waste. Loughran believes success to date is due to the close relationship it has built up with suppliers, mostly large blue-chip companies, including pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers.
“We could be planning with a supplier up to 12 months before a new product line commences, working out the most efficient and cost-effective method to capture the unwanted plastic,” he explains.
“Suppliers are assured by our expertise and the knowledge that this sustainable repurposing option is cheaper than recycling the waste plastic themselves.”
Loughran and his team work closely with companies to understand their business requirements and offer professional, reliable and environmentally responsible services, he adds.
“Our transport partners provide our suppliers with a fast collection service across the 32 counties and we work closely with waste management companies to ensure they provide us with the best quality materials possible.”
Leinster Environmentals’ finished products get used in high-end plastic moulding applications across the world. It has clients in the UK, Germany, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Vietnam and India.