A £5m facility that processes glass bottles for use in water filtration technology has been opened in Midlothian by Scottish environment secretary, Richard Lochhead. The plant, in Bonnyrigg, operated by water treatment firm Dryden Aqua, has the capacity to process 40,000/tpa - a quarter of Scotland's recycled glass, according to the Scottish Government. The glass is processed at the plant to produce water filtration systems capable of targeting and removing waterborne parasites and pollutants. The glass cullet is used as a sustainable alternative to sand in systems that filter drinking water, swimming pools or treat industrial waste water. A spokesman for Dryden Aqua said the glass was coming from "recovered sources" in Scotland and England, but that over the course of the next 12 months the firm hoped to take all of its glass feedstock from Scotland. Mr Lochhead said the "revolutionary" Dryden Aqua technology was a "major investment in Scotland's green credentials" as part of the country's move towards becoming a zero waste nation. He added: "This is a great example of up-cycling, where we create something of higher value than the original substance. This technology can be used in developing countries to ensure cleaner, healthier water for all, showcasing the global reach and importance of Scottish innovation, which is a key element of the Hydro Nation agenda."
