Indigo chats to… Ulster Shredders

Here at Indigo Environmental, we’re passionate about sustainable and localised plastic recycling. That’s why we work closely with our clients to understand their individual requirements.

But don’t just take our word for it! Here, Paul Atkinson, sales and aftersales director at Ulster Shredders, explains more about the business and what it’s really like working with us…

1. Tell us a bit about your company: Ulster Shredders has been in business for over 50 years. We manufacture twin shaft, slow-speed, high-torque industrial shredders – providing solutions for the waste industry. Located outside Castledawson Magherafelt, Northern Ireland, Ulster Shredders’ equipment can be seen across the globe. Our 43,000 sq. ft manufacturing facility also includes an office area.

2. Describe what your company does in one sentence: We’re manufacturers of industrial shredding and recycling equipment. We provide solutions in confidential destruction, volume reduction, production processing, and mobile shredding, with an end goal of exceeding our customers’ expectations.

3. When did you first start working with Indigo? Indigo purchased its first U-45 industrial Ulster shredding system from us in 2019, followed by a second U-45 in 2020, with a further unit due for delivery in 2022.

4. And in what capacity? We provide industrial shredding equipment to Indigo’s recycling plants in Widnes and Ludlow. The firm currently has two of Ulster Shredders’ machines on site and is placing orders to purchase additional equipment to support their expanding operations.

5. What role does your shredding equipment play in the plastic recycling process? Ulster Shredders can provide a volume reduction for transport or offer a uniformed shred size of ridged plastic – assisting the granulation process to maximise on throughput.

6. Explain in three words what it’s like working with the indigo team: Enjoyable, satisfying, and fulfilling. The Indigo team are fast paced, forward looking and

embrace change – an ethos which we, at Ulster Shredders, both mirror and support.

7. What is one of the biggest waste management challenges facing the plastic recycling sector? Plastic raw materials are cheaper. We must recognise and appreciate the added value, and sustainability, that plastic recycling creates – along with diverting waste from our oceans, saving fossil fuels, and reducing carbon emissions.

8. In your opinion, what role does (or should) plastic recycling play in a circular economy? Plastic waste disposal should be phased out and, where it is unavoidable, must be adequately controlled to be safe for human health and the environment. Reduce, reuse, recycle is a very important mantra!

9. And what are your hopes for the future of the plastic recycling industry? We hope that plastic recycling continues to grow, and more businesses realise the value in their unwanted plastic waste, and contribution it can make to the circular economy.

10. Finally, are there any exciting plans coming up for Ulster Shredders over the next 12 months? Here at Ulster Shredders, we have plans to extend our product range to assist with further solutions for all our current and potential customers.

If you’d like to take part in our client Q&A series, please contact our PR representative, Amy Lloyd via amy@scribapr.com.