A RECYCLING firm has appointed a technical director to lead on the global revolution in plastic waste.

Recycling Technologies, based in South Marston, is set to go into commercial production of 12 RT700 machines, capable of turning unrecyclable plastic films and packaging back into a multipurpose oil-like substance called Plaxx.

Marvine Besong will take the reigns to lead the technical development of the machines to help expand beyond the UK into Europe and around the world.

“Increasing the sustainability of plastics is one of the most important topics in the waste, packaging and petrochemical sectors," he said.

"I’m proud to be part of an organisation leading the recycling revolution for currently ‘hard to recycle’ plastics and converting plastic back to oil."

The trained chemical engineer, who has been with the company for four years, will be instrumental in delivering Recycling Technologies' ten-year plan to install 1300 RT7000 machines worldwide, capable of diverting 10 million tonnes of plastic waste from landfill or incineration.

He added: "Continuous improvement and the development of our technology is key to achieving its vision, starting with our initial fleet of twelve machines. These will be mass-assembled and installed in waste centres, enabling our customers, the waste operators, to improve recycling rates and make cost savings."

Adrian Griffiths, CEO at Recycling Technologies said: “Marvine has been essential in the progress of our economically attractive RT7000 machine that converts plastic into a valuable oil and reduces waste to landfill. He is now leading our talented team of engineers and scientists to ensure that our 2019 plans are on time and to the high quality our investors expect.”

"As a valued member of the Recycling Technologies’ team, in his new role Marvine will play a vital part in continuously developing our research centre and the effectiveness of our machines to recycle plastic and convert it to Plaxx."

The company already has a pre-production model at Swindon's Waterside depot but the first commercially produced RT700 will be installed on Binn Farm, Perthshire, Scotland, later this year.