Recycling and waste

MBA Polymers
California, US.
Founded 1994
Employees: 160
Product description: High value plastic recycling

This is where the millions of unwanted mobile phones are born again: after more than six years of research and development, Richmond-based company MBA is now considered a world leader in developing technology for the recovery of high-value engineering plastics, from complex durable goods such as computers, electronics through to appliances, automobiles and even sporting equipment. Now processing several million pounds’ worth of plastics a month, the company plans to expand internationally.

Recupyl
Grenoble, France.
Founded 1993
Employees: N/A
Product description: Processes for extraction and recycling from industrial waste

Recycling the detritus of modern technology – batteries and TV screens – as well as treating industrial waste are Recupyl’s areas of expertise. It uses a patented hydrometallurgy process that involves dissolving material to extract metal, then purifying it, thus allowing elements of batteries to be reused. At its industrial pilot plant facility and applied research centre, the company has pioneered processes to extract reusable materials in cathode ray tubes and TV screens, including glass and copper, as well as turning asbestos into an inert glass, usable as a building composite.

Sic Processing
Hirschau, Germany.
Founded 2000
Employees: N/A
Product description: Recycling of material for silicon wafer production

Silicon carbide and glycol are key materials in the process of making silicon wafers for solar panels, but much is lost in the manufacturing process. Sic Processing’s technologically hydrocyclone recycling system can recover significant amounts of both materials from the slurry arising from silicon wafer production panels — this can then be reused by the manufacturer. As a result, the cost of this vital energy-harnessing product can be significantly reduced.