ReSource Denmark officially opens: A leap forward in sustainability

Today, Esbjerg became home to Denmark’s largest and most technologically advanced plastic sorting facility as ReSource Denmark officially opened its doors. This state-of-the-art facility sets a new standard for innovation and sustainability in plastic waste management.

The opening ceremony was highlighted by the presence of Esbjerg's Mayor, Jesper Frost Rasmussen, and Marianne Bigum, Member of the Danish Parliament, who together cut the ceremonial ribbon, launching a landmark facility dedicated to enhancing Denmark’s plastic recycling capabilities.

Strategically located near key transport links, ReSource Denmark is poised to process 160,000 tons of plastic waste annually, significantly boosting the country’s recycling capacity. This development marks a critical turning point in overcoming a historic bottleneck that has shaped Denmark’s recycling industry for over a decade.

With this commitment, ReSource Denmark seeks continued political and market support to ensure that Danish plastic waste is processed locally, demonstrating our readiness for the anticipated Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme in 2025.
ReSource Denmark offers a Danish solution for all Danish waste, reaffirming our pledge to keep and treat plastic waste within the country. Denmark's targets include achieving over 50% recycling of plastic packaging waste by 2025 and 55% by 2030, as well as drastically reducing plastic incineration, supporting the country’s ability to effectively meet these ambitious goals.

A cornerstone in Denmark's environmental strategy
Plant Director Lars Hedegaard Kristensen expressed his enthusiasm during the ceremony, stating: "With today’s opening, ReSource Denmark is set to become a cornerstone in Denmark’s environmental strategy. Our facility leverages cutting-edge technology to help transform plastic waste into valuable new raw materials, thereby fostering a circular economy. This is a proud moment for all of us and a significant milestone in our commitment to sustainability."

German manufacturer Eggersmann has supplied the advanced equipment used to sort the plastic at ReSource Denmark. The process involves removing impurities and sorting the plastic into different types that meet the requirements for both chemical and mechanical recycling. Food and beverage cartons and metals are also sorted out and sent for recycling. As a result, ReSource is designed to achieve a high recycling rate.

ReSource Denmark’s commitment to sustainability is further evidenced by its pursuit of DGNB Gold certification, underscoring the facility's design and construction practices that prioritise environmental responsibility. This includes features such as solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and energy-efficient lighting and heating, all of which contribute to a reduced carbon footprint.

"Today, we are not just celebrating the opening of a facility; we are stepping forward towards a greener, more sustainable future," added Lars Hedegaard Kristensen. "Our aim is not only to meet, but to exceed Denmark’s recycling goals. This facility is a testament to what we can achieve with innovation, dedication, and the support of the entire value chain. From suppliers and partners to customers and community stakeholders, each link in the chain plays a crucial role in driving us toward a sustainable future in plastic recycling.”

A proud achievement for all involved
Quantafuel's Project Director, Jørn Andersen, who has driven this project from conception to completion, said: "The opening of ReSource Denmark is a proud achievement for all involved. It showcases what can be accomplished when we combine cutting-edge technology with a strong commitment to sustainability. I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to this success, from our dedicated team to our supportive partners.”

He continued, "We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to Rambøll for managing the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) of the plant, Jorton as the project’s main civil contractor, and Eggersmann for supplying our sophisticated waste sorting treatment equipment."

ReSource Denmark is owned by recycling company Quantafuel and investment firm Eurazeo and stands as a testament to their commitment to advancing sustainable waste management.