Quantafuel and Eurazeo’s ReSource Denmark, the country’s ‘largest and most technologically advanced’ plastic sorting facility, has opened its doors; it aims to process 160,000 tons of plastic waste every year and increase plastic recycling capabilities nationwide.
The state-of-the-art facility is strategically located in Esbjerg near key transport links. It is considered a ‘critical turning point in overcoming a historic bottleneck that has shaped Denmark’s recycling industry for over a decade’.
Eggersmann has provided the advanced sorting equipment, which aims to achieve a high recycling rate by removing impurities and separating plastics into different types for chemical and mechanical recycling. It also sorts metals and food and beverage cartons to be sent for recycling.
ReSource Denmark is pursuing DGNB Gold certification, which would recognize the environmental responsibility of the facility’s design and construction practices – including solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and energy-efficient lighting and heating. All these features are set to reduce its carbon footprint.
Furthermore, it hopes to receive further political and market support to process Danish waste locally. In doing so, it intends to comply with the upcoming Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme in 2025 – as well as meet Denmark’s targets to recycle 50% of plastic packaging waste by 2025 and 55% by 2030. It also intends to cut down on plastic incineration.
At the opening ceremony, Jesper Frost Rasmussen, the city’s mayor, and Member of the Danish Parliament Marianne Bigum cut the ceremonial ribbon.
“With today’s opening, ReSource Denmark is set to become a cornerstone in Denmark’s environmental strategy,” said plant director Lars Hedegaard during the ceremony. “Our facility leverages cutting-edge technology to help transform plastic waste into valuable new raw materials, thereby fostering a circular economy. This is a proud moment for all of us and a significant milestone in our commitment to sustainability.
“Today, we are not just celebrating the opening of a facility; we are stepping forward towards a greener, more sustainable future. Our aim is not only to meet, but to exceed Denmark’s recycling goals.
“This facility is a testament to what we can achieve with innovation, dedication, and the support of the entire value chain. From suppliers and partners to customers and community stakeholders, each link in the chain plays a crucial role in driving us toward a sustainable future in plastic recycling.”
Quantafuel’s project director, Jørn Andersen, added: “The opening of ReSource Denmark is a proud achievement for all involved. It showcases what can be accomplished when we combine cutting-edge technology with a strong commitment to sustainability. I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to this success, from our dedicated team to our supportive partners.
“We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to Rambøll for managing the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) of the plant, Jorton as the project’s main civil contractor, and Eggersmann for supplying our sophisticated waste sorting treatment equipment.”
Late last year, Swedish Plastic Recycling held a grand opening for its Site Zero plant. Claiming to recycle all kinds of plastic without emitting CO2, it is thought to sort 1,000 pieces of packaging every second using sixty NIR sensors alongside laser and camera technology.
Carbios also held a groundbreaking ceremony for its industrial-scale bio-recycling plant back in April. The plant, located in Longlaville, is expected to process 50,000 tons of prepared PET every year – said to be the equivalent of 2 billion coloured bottles, 2.5 billion food trays, or 300 million T-shirts.
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