With news on: Shanks and Van Gansewinkel merger update; ESG awarded LOI testing accreditation, and; Zero Waste Scotland provides helpful tips for Burns Night
Shanks’ Van Gansewinkel merger gains approval
Shanks Group’s proposed merger with Van Gansewinkel Group BV has taken another step forward with the deal receiving approval of Belgium competition authorities today (25 January).
Shanks has proposed a merger with its competitor van Gansewinkel Groep BV
At present, Van Gansewinkel is considered the largest waste and recycling business in the Benelux region – an area which comprises of Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.
A ‘reverse takeover’ of the Group was announced by Shanks in May 2016 and would significantly expand the size of business.
Completion of the merger remains conditional on the receipt of approval from the relevant competition authorities in the Netherlands.
Continued positive progress is being made in relation to this approval, according to Shanks, which the Board believes will complete ‘in line with previous expectations’. Van Gansewinkel was valued at €484 million in September (see letsrecycle.com story).
ESG awarded accreditation for LOI testing
ESG, one of the UK’s leading providers of landfill fines testing, has been awarded a UKAS accreditation for its work carrying out loss on ignition (LOI) testing on waste.
ESG conducts LOI tests on waste fine samples for landfill operators
The national accreditation is used to asses companies that provide certification, testing, inspection and calibration services and holds ESG to internationally recognised standards.
ESG has provided clients with LOI testing for a number of years, but the procedure only became a mandatory requirement for landfill operators in 2015 to ensure the correct level of tax for fines material.
Waste samples submitted to the laboratory are weighed, heated to high temperatures to burn all organic matter off, and weighed again. Fines must achieve a loss on ignition of 10% or less in order to qualify for the £2.65 per tonne landfill tax rate.
To help operators manage compliance across their sites, ESG can now provide a range of UKAS accredited tests that help them accurately evaluate the chemical content of their waste and correctly classify it under UK law.
Declan Burns, managing director, Energy & Waste Services, ESG, said: “Extra funding and new legislation shows that the Government is stepping up its efforts to tackle non-compliance in the sector. With this in mind, eliminating the risk of mislabelling and misclassification needs to be viewed as business critical to all waste operators across the UK.
“We understand our customers need to keep their businesses moving at the same time being fully compliant with the HMRC regulations. The focus on efficiency in our laboratories means we are continually finding new ways to reduce turnaround times for clients and our UKAS accreditation will assure them that they are receiving the highest quality service.”
ZWS reminds public to avoid Burns Night food waste
Zero Waste Scotland is encouraging the public to make the most of the food they buy and avoid waste while celebrating Burns Night tonight.
Zero Waste Scotland has provided recipe ideas for leftover haggis Picture: Norman Pogson Shutterstock
Tonight’s annual festivities, celebrated the world over by Scots, is expected to see a spike in food waste produced.
But Scottish Government-backed organisation has reminded consumers that food waste can be avoided by simple planning and has suggested freezing food or preparing leftover meals including haggis pastys and bubble cakes.
Zero Waste Scotland’s Love Food Hate Waste Campaign Manager, Ylva Haglund, said: “Burns Night is a celebration that so many of us love to enjoy and share with family and friends, and it’s such a shame to see fantastic Scottish food go to waste.
“Many people are surprised to hear that once the traditional supper is done there are lots of really easy, tasty dishes you can create from leftover haggis – and save money by making full use of the food you’ve bought and avoiding another shop.”
Zero Waste Scotland estimates that every household in Scotland could save around £460 a year simply by wasting less food.
The post News in Brief (25/01/2017) appeared first on letsrecycle.com.
Source: letsrecycle.com Waste Managment
