LOCAL MSP PRAISES LIVINGSTON FIRM'S ROLE IN IMPROVING ENVIRONMENT

LOCAL MSP PRAISES LIVINGSTON FIRM'S ROLE IN IMPROVING ENVIRONMENT

TOMRA has invested in Scottish operations - headquartered in town - as it supports organisations nationwide in preparing for Deposit Return Scheme

Almond Valley MSP Angela Constance has seen the work being done by a Livingston-based business in preparing for Scotland’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS).

TOMRA is one of the world’s leading suppliers of reverse vending machines, which are being installed in shops and other places for people to return their bottles and cans.

The company has supported the rollout of DRS' in other parts of the world and is using its experience to support retailers in getting ready for Scotland’s scheme, which will come into being in August.

Its Scottish operations are based at an office and showroom at Deer Park, with a warehouse facility in Bathgate.

During Monday’s visit (20^th March) to the offices Angela Constance MSP heard how TOMRA has been investing in its local operations as its work increases around the national programme.

She also saw the range of machines that its team has for use in a wide range of shops, including a slimmed-down solution it has developed for smaller stores.

Angela Constance MSP said: “I really enjoyed my visit to TOMRA in Livingston to learn about their experience in supplying reverse vending machines in other countries who have introduced deposit return schemes. It’s important to remember that with the right approach we can both protect our environment and grow our economy.

“It’s great that a cutting-edge modern company like TOMRA has located their Scottish HQ and warehouse in West Lothian, supporting jobs in innovation and the green economy.  From speaking to their staff it’s clear that their expertise has helped communities at home and abroad to reduce littering and increase recycling.”

John Lee, TOMRA’s Vice-President for Public Affairs in the UK and Ireland, was part of the team who briefed the MSP on the work taking place.

He said: “It was a pleasure to welcome Angela Constance MSP and to have the opportunity to show to her how work by the team in Livingston is making a positive difference locally and nationally.

“Our staff are working incredibly hard to do all that we can to ensure retailers and customers are aware and prepared for the changes which are coming.

“We are here to offer our knowledge and experience to ensure that Scotland’s journey to DRS is as smooth as it can be.”

International evidence suggests that DRS could reduce litter by a third, thereby increasing Scotland’s chances of meeting its climate change targets. TOMRA’s experience across Europe suggests that the recycling return rate will be anywhere between 92% and 98%.

More details about DRS are available at www.drs-scotland.info.

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