Published on 26 August 2020
New jobs are set to be created after a former University of Sunderland student from Norway revealed plans to set up an innovative plant in the region.
Wastefront, co-founded in Oslo in 2019 by University alumnus Christian A Hvamstad, converts disused tyres into useful commodities such as liquid hydrocarbons and carbon black, which can then be reused by manufacturers.
Now the recycling start-up is investing in the UK, with the opening of its first waste tyre recycling plant at Port of Sunderland.
The construction of the plant – subject to planning - is expected to begin in early 2021 and will generate around 100 jobs in the region.
Once fully up and running, in the second half of 2022, the company will then employ 30 full-time members of staff.
Christian said: “The construction of our first ever plant at Port of Sunderland marks a huge step in Wastefront’s efforts to combat the global issue of ELT waste.
“The UK is a global centre of industry which we want to be a part of, while Sunderland is the ideal location for our first plant due to geographical location, access to feedstock, strong local support and Sunderland’s history as an industrial city.”
Matthew Hunt, Director of Port of Sunderland said: “We are delighted that Wastefront has chosen to construct its first ever plant at Port of Sunderland and we are looking forward to working with Christian and the team to bring their vision to life.”