University of Wolverhampton and Thermal Recycling to research asbestos disposal

The launch of a research programme to further develop the understanding of the asbestos conversion or denaturing process has been announced today (14 April) by Thermal Recycling and the University of Wolverhampton Brownfield Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC).  

Thermal Recycling, a company whose aim is to divert asbestos from landfill, opened a demonstration plant in September 2020 to provide an alternative to asbestos disposal.

The plant converts it into a new material that does not contain asbestos and produces a sustainable aggregate. 

The programme will build on the research already carried out by Thermal Recycling into environmentally and socially responsible solutions to asbestos disposal.

Commenting on the agreement, Graham Gould, Chairman of Thermal Recycling said: “This research will build on the analytical work that we’ve already carried out looking at the chemistry of Calmag, the new material created by our conversion process of cement-bound asbestos sheets." 

The Brownfield Research and Innovation Centre was established in October 2017 with the support of the European Regional Development Fund Programme.

Its aim is to provide support to Black Country Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) involved in brownfield remediation and redevelopment. 

Manager of the Brownfield Research and Innovation Centre Mark Schneider said: "BRIC is excited to be working with, and supporting, Thermal Recycling Limited in their innovative research to address the continuing issue of the safe disposal of asbestos."