It takes approximately 95% less energy to produce secondary aluminium, via recycling operations, than is otherwise consumed when producing primary aluminium from bauxite. This is one of the main reasons why recycled aluminium is so valuable and environmentally friendly.

Our patented process offers a method of fully recycling laminate waste and is the result of a nine-year research project carried out at the University of Cambridge, U.K. We have developed a continuous process for the complete recycling of laminate waste, recovering 100% of the aluminium present in the laminate, clean and ready to reuse, whilst producing oils and gases suitable for fuel for heat/electricity production or to be used as chemical feedstock in other processes.

The Enval process is based on a process called microwave induced pyrolysis which allows the waste to be treated in the absence of oxygen. As opposed to incineration, pyrolysis takes place without the combustion of the material (in this case the waste) avoiding the production of green-house gases or toxic emissions. Furthermore, since the Enval process uses microwave energy as the source of heat, by using renewable or green electricity we can make the process carbon neutral.

We have used our pilot-plant in Luton to show the benefits of our process to potential customers, treating a variety of materials to demonstrate our patented technology. We are also in the process of expanding our network with industry and other organisations in order to secure initial contracts around the world.