Royal visit recognises major environmental achievement at Leyland Trucks

February 13, 2008, Leyland, Lancashire – Successful completion of a project to ensure that no waste leaves the Leyland Trucks plant in Lancashire to go into landfill has been marked by a recent visit from HRH Prince Michael of Kent.

The ‘Zero waste to Landfill’ programme has involved close co-operation with Leyland Trucks many component suppliers. This has led to a significant increase in the use of re-usable pallets and other containers in which components are delivered and the development of some innovative new packaging solutions.

Also plastics, polystyrene, cardboard, paper and wood are now recycled and have a second-life use in an amazing variety of ways from children’s playground equipment to construction materials. The paint waste is treated at a special facility at which it is converted into a product used in the manufacture of cement. General waste that cannot be reused or recycled is sent to an ‘Energy from Waste’ facility at which electricity is generated and returned to the national grid.

At the end of the tour Prince Michael, who is known to be an enthusiastic supporter of sustainable environmental initiatives, expressed his admiration for what Leyland Trucks had achieved in setting a standard for others to follow and unveiled a plaque to mark the achievement of the ‘Zero waste to Landfill’ goal.

Leyland Trucks Managing Director Jim Sumner says that the ‘Zero waste to Landfill’ project has brought significant benefits. “Not only is this the right thing for sustainable manufacturing in Leyland for the long-term but it is has also had an immediate impact in reducing costs and improving our competitiveness.”