“There’s still a whole load of material out there which could, in theory, be recycled but currently isn’t – the ambition of MBA Polymers UK is to change this,” says Jonathan Weston, the company’s Head of Strategic Projects.
As one of the UK leading recyclers MBA Polymers UK – part of the global EMR Group – has been developing and expanding its range of high performance and sustainable recycled polymers over recent years. In the past 12 months alone, this has led to the opening of a brand-new dedicated processing line for recycling car bumpers and RecyClass certification for its range of recycled plastics made from end-of-life vehicles (ELV).
Jonathan – with his decades of experience in driving innovation in the sector – is tasked with planning and delivering the technological advances that will maintain this trajectory:
“Everything we do, in terms of research and development, is guided by the needs of our customers. We keep in constant conversation with our customers to make sure innovation aligns with requirement.”
Trained as a mechanical and electrical engineer, Jonathan began working in recycling after being presented with an opportunity to work with the automotive industry:
“I was involved in developing some of the processes we still use to recover and recycle two and three-layer composites and painted plastics today.
As Managing Director of PPR WIPAG, which MBA acquired in 2019, my team is no stranger to innovating and problem solving for the automotive industry, only difference now is we do it at MBA.
“My role now is to look outside of the automotive, electrical and construction industries as it currently operates and identify the next opportunity. That could be anything from a new innovation in the automotive sector to recycling fishing nets or wind turbine components. These are areas that MBA Polymers UK might be involved with in five or even 10 years in the future.”
Our company thrives on the expertise of our skilled engineers and the extensive resources available through our EMR operations.
"We also have access to a wide range of specialist equipment, which we utilize to innovate and explore new opportunities. Availability of those assets give us the edge in developing new and creative applications for recycled ABS materials and beyond.”
When it comes to his own industry experience, Jonathan says he is also careful to ensure that it doesn’t hold him back:
"While understanding the mechanics behind our processes is crucial, my role also involves envisioning what could be possible tomorrow. I aspire to look beyond current limitations and focus on the innovative opportunities that lie ahead."
Jonathan’s other main role at MBA Polymers UK is to support the sales team, using his years of experience and specialist knowledge to provide insight to customers about the materials the company can produce.
“We pride ourselves on customer centric excellence, he says. "Our team possesses deep knowledge of our operations and our customers' requirements. Additionally, having direct access to our quality and technical teams is a unique advantage. This access provides potential clients with a comprehensive understanding of how we can meet their needs effectively."
From major recessions to the regular stream of regulatory changes – and even the impact of events such as Brexit – Jonathan has seen the recycling industry transform radically over the decades. Despite this, he believes it is his passion for sustainability which has allowed him to keep meeting every challenge and opportunity he has faced:
“To be in this industry you have to really care about the environment and over the 30 years I have been working in it, it’s interesting to think about how many tonnes of plastic we as an industry have diverted from landfill – it would be a very big heap!”