Renewi opens flagship UK office and calls for clarity over waste reforms
14 March 2023
Renewi, the leading international waste-to-product company, officially opened its flagship new headquarters in Milton Keynes today, while calling for clarity over the UK government’s waste strategy.
Renewi operates 5 PFI (Private Finance Initiative) contracts in the UK and recycles 40% of the residual (black bag) waste it handles. The company is a market-leader in the Benelux, with an industry leading recycling rate of 68% across a broad range of materials, putting 8m tonnes of low carbon secondary materials back into reuse.
The new UK headquarters was officially opened by Renewi’s Chief Executive Officer, Otto de Bont. In attendance were Chief Financial Officer, Annemieke den Otter and Managing Director of the company’s Specialities Division, James Priestley, plus Milton Keynes Mayor, Amanda Marlow.
Otto explained: “I am very happy to be officially opening our wonderful new headquarters, which have first-rate, eco-friendly credentials and the top EPC rating we were looking for in line with our values. They provide an excellent base for our UK staff, whose wellbeing is our top priority.
“Our purpose at Renewi is to reduce carbon emissions, essential if society is to meet its carbon reduction goals. Our aim is to be the leading waste-to-product company in Europe and we are cautiously following the UK markets while awaiting clarity in the government’s waste strategy to scope out the possibility of UK expansion.”
James added: “I am delighted my staff here have a fantastic new base at The Park MK. We spent considerable time choosing the right space for our business needs, one which aligned with our sustainability ethos.
“When I walked into the new offices for the first time, I was immediately impressed with the quality of the facilities. They will provide a flagship for our UK operation and boost excellent training facilities for our team of almost 600 colleagues across the UK.
“The government has outlined its waste collection and packaging reforms agenda and proposed wide-ranging waste policy reforms . We, along with the rest of the industry, recognise the need for change and support these initiatives, but really need some clarity. The waste industry has the potential to become a major saver of carbon emissions by driving the UK towards a more circular economy, while reducing its impact on the environment.”
Deputy Leader of Milton Keynes City Council, Cllr Robin Bradburn said: “We’re proud to have Renewi in Milton Keynes, playing an important role in boosting our local economy. It’s a great testament to our city when businesses of this calibre choose to base their headquarters here. We look forward to working with them and continuing to promote Milton Keynes as the best place to do business.”