On November 4th 2025 the Midlands Packaging Society embarked on an insightful visit to Sherbourne Recycling in Coventry, exploring the facility’s innovative approaches to recycling and its role in fostering sustainability within the packaging industry. The visit provided members with a unique opportunity to witness state-of-the-art recycling technology and engage in meaningful discussions about the future of sustainable packaging in the region.
About Sherbourne Recycling
Sherbourne Recycling is renowned for its commitment to environmental stewardship and advanced waste management. Located in Coventry, the facility specialises in the recycling of comixed packaging materials, using modern sorting and processing systems to maximise resource recovery and minimise landfill waste. With a focus on efficiency and high-quality output, Sherbourne Recycling serves as a benchmark for best practices in the sector.
The facility acts as a recycling centre for a number of Warwickshire authorities including Coventry, Rugby, Stratford on Avon, Nuneaton & Bedworth, Solihull, Warwick & North Warwickshire. It also processes waste from Walsall too.
With £65 million of investment from Sherbourne and its council partners the site processes 175,000 tons of waste per annum using the most advanced AI assisted sorting equipment supplied by Machinex. There is an agreement with the various councils that returns the funds generated from the recyclates for the next 25 years.
Highlights of the Visit
Upon arrival, the Midlands Packaging Society was warmly welcomed by Anthony Hornsby. After a full introduction the attendees were given a comprehensive tour of the facility, starting with an overview of the plant’s layout and its key operations. The tour included:
- Material Recovery Facility (MRF) Demonstration: Members observed the automated sorting process, where cutting-edge machinery separates paper, plastics, metals, and glass with 99% precision.
- Interactive Q&A Session: Anthony addressed questions regarding the challenges and opportunities in recycling packaging materials, particularly those with complex compositions.
- Case Studies: Real-world examples showcased how Sherbourne’s processes have enhanced recycling rates and improved the quality of recycled material supplied back to UK to manufacturers.
Key Learnings and Discussions
The visit sparked engaging dialogue on several important topics:
- Innovation in Packaging Design: Society members discussed how packaging can be designed for easier recycling, emphasising the need for collaboration between manufacturers and recyclers.
- Policy and Regulation: The group reflected on upcoming governmental regulations regarding packaging waste and how these will impact recycling operations.
- Community Engagement: Sherbourne Recycling shared its initiatives to educate the public on proper waste segregation and the importance of recycling, highlighting the positive impact on local communities.
Future Collaboration
Both the Midlands Packaging Society and Sherbourne Recycling expressed enthusiasm for ongoing cooperation. The Society plans to use insights from the visit to inform future events, technical seminars, and outreach activities, all aimed at promoting best practices and sustainable growth within the packaging industry.
A future visit in the first quarter of 2026 is planned for those not able to join with this tour as numbers are limited for safety reasons.
Conclusion
The visit to Sherbourne Recycling was a resounding success, strengthening ties between industry professionals and recycling experts. It underscored the importance of innovation, education, and collaboration in achieving a more sustainable future for packaging in the West Midlands and beyond. The Society looks forward to building on this momentum, empowering its members to champion sustainable packaging solutions across the region.
The Society extends its thanks to Anthony Hornsby and Sherbourne for their hospitality on this and on future visits.
