ECO-ZORB

The Eco-Zorb Proof of Concept Project intends to investigate whether it is feasible to
agglomerate recovered plasterboard to enable it to be used in animal husbandry as an
absorbent product inside buildings.
There are two main technical challenges:–
- the production of an open structured agglomerate with low bulk density/high porosity/high
absorbtivity from smaller particles of recycled plasterboard (a material that readily compacts),
and
- the incorporation of active ingredients into the agglomerate without the loss of their
functionality, ( the proposed process includes a drying stage)
The ingredients could include bacteria so the agglomerate could be used in the dairy industry
without generating excessive Hydrogen Sulphide, (H2S, a potential poisonous gas), or
antibacterial
agents so it could be used in the poultry industry to replace materials such as sawdust that
have a high risk of disease.
Currently much of the estimated 1 million tonnes of plasterboard waste from the building
industry ends up in landfill which is against the Government’s stated environmental
objectives. The potential for generation of H2S by anaerobic bacteria restricts the number of
landfill sites that
can be used.
Mid-UK has pioneered the re-use of plasterboard waste, but the extension of its
technology into other areas has been halted by problems with the generation of H2S which
has led to the Environment Agency prohibiting its use in the livestock industry.
A successful Proof of Concept Project would eventually lead to the use of recovered
plasterboard in animal husbandry thereby generating a material ideally suitable for use as a
fertiliser. It would substantially reduce the amount of material placed in landfill as well as
making significant improvements to animal healthcare.
This Project will involve working with Nottingham and Reading Universities, plus the
Environment Agency.