Kemsley Open Day explores the realities of recycling
In an exclusive tour and presentation, Local Authority representatives experience first-hand the impact of recycling quality and the significance of source segregation.
On May 16th, 2023, DS Smith welcomed representatives from five different Local Authorities for an informative Open Day at Kemsley Mill, the largest mill for recycled papers in the UK and the second largest in Europe. Attendees were given an exclusive inside look into the cardboard recycling and papermaking process.
Representatives from the London Borough of Havering, Buckinghamshire Council, Medway Council, West Sussex County Council, and Gravesham Borough Council were invited to attend. Many of the attendees are involved directly in recycling roles, making their experience at Kemsley Mill particularly relevant to their day-to-day responsibilities.
Kemsley Mill was originally built by Frank Lloyd in 1924 to produce newsprint. Today, with an annual production capacity of around 830,000 tonnes, Kemsley Mill stands as the second biggest recovered fibre-based paper operation in Europe.
This was a great opportunity for attendees to gain a much deeper understanding of the paper-making process, and the journey that cardboard takes from kerbside collection right through to fibre that eventually ends up back in cardboard packaging.
The Open Day also included a tour that showcased the full papermaking process, from pulp preparation to the final product, including a look at Kemsley Mill’s new Fibre & Paper Development Laboratory, where DS Smith is exploring the use of alternative fibres as part of a £100m Research & Development programme. The lab is at the forefront of research into coatings, barrier technologies and repulpability of fibre – factors that are instrumental in optimising both the performance and the circularity of fibre-based packaging.
I just wanted to thank DS Smith for a fabulous day at Kemsley last week. It was great to meet you and to get an insight into the site (and enormity of it!). I thoroughly enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it to others.
Michelle Friston
Improvement Officer Communities – Neighbourhood Services Buckinghamshire Council
Jonathan Edmunds, Head of Recyclability, Sustainability and Government Affairs at DS Smith’s Recycling Division extended a warm welcome to the attendees. He shared updates on reforms proposed by DEFRA and other policy changes aimed at enhancing recycling rates, increasing resource efficiency, and promoting a circular economy. Key topics discussed included Waste Collections Consistency, Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging (EPR) and charges for single-use plastics.
Quality of recycling was also a major topic of discussion. Attendees learned how contamination of mixed papers, particularly food contamination, can significantly interfere with the paper-making process. Impacting not only income from collected fibre but also leading to valuable materials being rejected and subsequently not recycled – leading to more waste. So, DS Smith are investing heavily in technology at Kemsley to ensure contaminants are spotted even before the paper is unloaded.
It’s always great to welcome visitors to Kemsley Mill. Not only does it help them to appreciate the scale of the operation, but it also illustrates why the quality of the fibre they collect is so important to achieving higher recycling rates.
Liz Mallard
Fibre and Sustainability Manager at DS Smith
One of the focal points of the day was source segregation. This approach to recycling involves the separation of paper and card, at source, from food, glass, and plastics - significantly reducing the risk of contamination. There’s a compelling argument for change here, and in addition, a more consistent and straightforward system across the country would provide clarity for the public and keep resources in the recycling loop for as long as possible, helping to facilitate the UK's transition to a circular economy.
Following the success of this event, plans are already underway for the next Kemsley Local Authority Open Day scheduled for September. If you are interested in seeing the DS Smith recycling process first hand and gaining greater understanding of the importance of recycling, the power of sustainable practices, and the complexity of the paper-making process - we encourage you to get in touch.
Attending an Open Day at Kemsley is not just a casual visit, it's a journey into the world of recycling and a chance to really get to grips with the role we can play on the journey towards a circular economy.
Jonathan Edmunds
Head of Recyclability, Sustainability and Government Affairs at DS Smith Recycling
Join us at DS Smith Kemsley Mill in September to be part of this enlightening and insightful experience. You could be part of a journey that redefines recycling, shapes sustainability, and drives our economy towards a circular future. To register your interest, please contact us. We can't wait to share this experience with you!
