44 roundtable ... continued from previous page


but he also pointed out that part of the AD process separated out plastics that did not suit UK incineration. So these were often put into landfill or exported.


of waste disposal – onsite composting plants for food and onsite energy from waste plants for everything else. Disney will have micro-managed the cost-efficiency of how people eat and drink on their sites, so perhaps there is a green argument that says disposables sometimes have a place in our society.”


Should we let the market form our strategies?


Prior proposed that strategists should simply let market forces determine the best energy generation options.


John Brace Plastics and processing


Reel revealed that all types of plastics waste could now be recycled into alternative products. (Reel’s One Delta company uses new technology to re- process UK mixed plastic waste to make building materials, flood barriers and reinforced fencing.)


Grundon pointed out that to make this commercially viable it would need around 20-30 AD plants like Summerleaze’s in Cornwall to supply plastic waste to one large central facility. “Firstly, that stuff has to stay in the UK, but we also need processing companies like ours to be able to expand and we can’t do that in the present environment.”


But green technology can work against you, it was pointed out. For instance, biodegradable ‘plastic’ bags can’t be used as a recyclable material.


Reel spoke of the constantly evolving pyramid of plastics waste technology. “At the top, there are things that are easy or high-value to re-process so they get done, and then as our technology gets better or more cost-effective we move further down the pyramid. The plastics that are left at the bottom are simply more difficult to deal with.”


Then, he added, manufacturers might change a plastic dispenser to enhance the product for the consumer, and it merely provides an extra problem for reprocessors in the supply chain.


Grundon said disposable goods might not be such a bad option. “Disney is a great example of an efficient organisation and they have two forms


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Hillier agreed with Prior in principle, but added: “The market has not dealt with the black hole in our electricity generation coming up in the next 10-15 years. It has


not responded to the changes in our requirements for energy.”


Prior: “That’s precisely because of the politicians and civil servants getting involved.” If the market was let free, he predicted no nuclear power stations would be built because of their expense. For instance an optimum use profile would include gas used for generating electricity, wood for heating premises, and electricity for lighting and electrical power.


Is the fossil fuel battle being won?


Murray quoted recent demographic change research that suggested the cost of fixing Britain’s environmental problems will soar without fresh efforts to reduce waste, use less resources and to draw people to less populated areas, particularly in the ‘crunch points’ of the southeast.


Reel: “It comes down to fundamental decisions: What’s the real cost to people of carbon as a fuel? Is it best that we try to make them do something (through taxation), or not?"


He admitted that he had put solar panels on his home, not because of market factors, but because as an industry insider, he believed that energy prices will rise significantly in the next ten years.


Neil Grundon


How far does carbon neutrality go?


“The market is focused on short-term monetary gains over the next five years, so a non-environmentally driven consumer will not make my investment because the payback on solar is too long.


“Consumers are not getting the


Murray highlighted recent publicity by Marks & Spencer claiming to be the first major UK retailer to become fully ‘carbon neutral’.


“That’s rubbish!” Roundtable delegates THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – THAMES VALLEY – OCTOBER 2012


information to make simple decisions. For example, most people who have put solar in are not using it in the most efficient way by putting it back onto The Grid.”


Brace: “I’ve got solar, and there are only so many times I can put the washing machine on in the house, so the excess has to go back to The Grid.”


Prior: “It’s not such a bad solution. After all, The Grid is a brilliant battery isn’t it?” He accepted that flexible generation of electricity needed to be improved, but suggested solar thermal should be encouraged for heating things, and electricity used where it was most cost- efficient.


Reel suggested putting a diverter on home solar circuits to heat water and underfloor heating.


Brace: “If I had an holistic solution for the entire house I would agree with you, but that would involve more expenditure and it’s not always easy to retrofit these things. The fact is we are where we are at present with this technology.”


Reel admitted: “It’s taken us about 200 years to get solar and wind technology to where it is now.”


“And yet perhaps solar isn’t really viable here,” suggested Grundon. “The sun doesn’t shine enough on the UK.”


Hillier commented that if European energy strategy was based on common sense, then the UK would focus on offshore wind or sea power and countries like Spain and Portugal on onshore solar.


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