Cannon Hygiene takes part in nappy composting scheme

Cannon Hygiene has taken part in a new UK scheme that will provide facilities for the composting of nappies and other absorbent hygiene products.

The company's parent group OCS recently acquired the New Zealand-based Envirocomp, which will work with Cannon Hygiene in opening the first UK facility for this purpose in 2012.

Cannon Hygiene will be tasked with providing waste hygiene products from commercial clients, while Envirocomp will shred and compost them with green waste over a two-week period, before separating and removing the plastic.

This will result in the creation of pathogen-free compost suitable for horticultural and agricultural purposes, while reducing the amount of material being sent to landfill.

Cecil Ryan, OCS regional managing director for Europe, said: "Composting marks a step-change in the disposal of nappy waste and we're delighted to be bringing this environmentally-friendly solution to this country."

Earlier this year, the company won an accolade at the Cleaning Show Innovation Awards 2011 for its Activap germicide product for feminine hygiene and nappy disposal units.