South West biotech firm unveils new chief executive
South West-based biotechnology business Advetec, which turns unrecyclable waste into Solid Recovered Fuel has appointed a new chief executive.
Lee Knott joined the Trowbridge business in 2021 as chief commercial officer and succeeds CEO Jim Lovett, who will continue in an advisory role as an investor.
Jim was at the helm of Advetec for four years, during which time he grew the business from an emerging tech start-up into an established and commercially astute business with growing markets in the UK and US.
Lee Knott said: “Jim has laid excellent technical and commercial foundations for the business, especially with the company’s commitment and investment in R&D and market insight. This year, we’ll build on that legacy and focus on helping waste handlers urgently protect their bottom line as they navigate changing legislation and the pending introduction of energy from waste (EfW) into the Emissions Trading Scheme in 2028.
“Waste operators need to know that innovation can help them comply with new regulations, reduce the reliance on landfill and EfW, optimise performance, save money and reduce carbon – all with minimal risk. Waste innovation is accessible and affordable for all; it’s not only reserved for the largest waste businesses.”
Lee added: “Over the next 12 months, we have a strong pipeline of waste handlers set to come on board, and we’re ready to switch on J Witt Waste Recycling’s first biotechnology unit in the spring. This is part of an eight-year contract to use our largest aerobic biodigester at full capacity, turning up to 10 tonnes of unrecyclable waste into SRF on-site daily.”
Investing in research and development has proven to be hugely successful for the company’s growth and will continue to be central to Advetec’s future. In December 2023, Advetec announced the successful completion of a trial to convert offensive washroom waste into Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF) using biotechnology. Over the next 12 months, the business will continue the execution of turning black bag waste into SRF and scale its customer base.
Lee said: “Trials like these demonstrate our confidence in the technology and the possibility of processing other complex waste streams, particularly those where historically there’s been no choice but to send it to landfill or EfW. Trial data creates new use cases and markets and gives waste creators and handlers a proven solution when they need it most. We’re confident we’ll see new waste streams processed with our biotechnology this year.”
Advetec’s XO systems combine robust, clever engineering with bio-stimulants to remove the organic component of nonrecyclable waste on-site. The process turns waste deemed worthless into Solid Recovered Fuel – used to help decarbonise carbon-intensive industries like cement – and stabilises it, keeping a broader array of disposal routes open to handlers.
Advetec was founded in 2000 and supplies its technology to various industries, councils and waste management businesses across the UK and the US.
Current clients include Max Recycle, J Witt Waste Recycling, The Royal Caribbean Group, The Mall at Cribbs Causeway, Simon Group and Six Flags.
