Challenges of UK corporates
Ellgia - We specialise in waste management, processing and recycling for commercial, trade and homeowners.
Challenge 1: Waste separation technologies for construction/demolition waste.
One stage of the recycling process for construction/demolition waste is the screening out of fine material (soils and inert granular material) and then the screening out of small fragments typically either <40mm or less than <30mm. A key objective is to screen out small stones and rubble particles which are inert and can be re-used as building material. However the material that falls through the <40mm screen can actually contain a very wide variety of materials, wood, metals, plastic pieces, anything in fact as the screen only differentiates size. The larger material that passes over the screening processes is easier to separate using mechanical and manual processes, but this mixture of sub 40mm material is problematic as it either requires another complete line with magnets, eddy current separators and some form of density separation to end up with material; metal, wood, stone etc. of sufficient purity to be usable.
The challenge is to come up with some relatively simple low-cost techniques for separating these types of mixtures. It is a common problem in the industry but it a particular problem for firms the size of Ellgia as the volume of this type of material is significant, but not enough to justify the investment in a whole recycling plant, compared to the larger-scale materials. So we are looking for clever adaptations to existing types of equipment or simple process arranged in a clever way.
Challenge 2: Detection of batteries in general waste loads.
Ellgia and the industry as a whole have significant risks associated with fires on waste sites and one of the biggest causes (ignition sources) is batteries. They should not be in any of our general waste streams , but unfortunately human beings are not perfect and they find their way in either on purpose or by accident. A battery passing though a high speed shredder causes a small but very high temperature explosion which can easily set fire to a waste stream or waste pile. As much of the waste is plastic this can lead very quickly to disaster. The broad but important challenge is to detect batteries in incoming loads of waste, either just after its tipped in a pile on the floor at the start of the process area or maybe even whilst on the truck.
Johnson Matthey - Our vision is for a world that's cleaner and healthier; today and for future generations.
Challenge 3: Advanced Materials for Energy Transformation.
Johnson Matthey wants to connect with innovative polish start-ups/SMEs working in solutions, products or technologies in the field of Advanced Materials for Energy transformation.
Challenge 4: Carbon Capture, Creation of Value from CO2 & Mitigation of High GHG gases.
Johnson Matthey would like to hear from polish start-ups/ SMES working in solutions, technologies, and products in the areas of Carbon Capture, Creation Value from CO2 and Mitigation of High GHG gases.
Kingfisher (Castorama) - is an international home improvement company with approximately 1,380 stores, supported by a team of 79,000 colleagues.
Challenge 5: Innovative ways of utilising waste materials from construction materials.
Castorama-Kingfisher wants to connect with innovative polish start-ups/SMEs working on innovative ways of utilising waste materials from construction materials
Challenge 6: Biogas plant solutions for the incineration of production waste.
Castorama-Kingfisher wants to connect with innovative polish start-ups/SMEs working on biogas plant solutions for the incineration of production waste
Challenge 7: New and environmentally effective and economical options for the management of wood waste.
Castorama-Kingfisher wants to connect with innovative polish start-ups/SMEs working in new and environmentally effective and economical options for the management of wood waste
Challenge 8: Efficient systems to achieve zero balance, in terms of energy and water consumption in shops.
Efficient systems to achieve zero balance, in terms of energy and water consumption in shops in particular:
-solar technologies and photovoltaic installations
-wind technologies
-heat pumps
-small retention, i.e. a system for collecting rainwater for internal needs of shops - watering lawns, the possibility of connecting tanks vertically and horizontally, economic solutions;
