When invasive plant management specialist Environet sought to boost the operation of its green waste shredder, the organisation contacted UNTHA UK for support.

With 27 years’ experience in this niche field, Woking-based Environet sought a landfill diversion solution for materials such as Japanese Knotweed. Recognising that shredding could not only cut costs due to the machine’s volume reduction capabilities, the team wanted to go a step further and evaluate options to repurpose the organic matter to maximise its resource value. 

Having evaluated a number of different processing methods, Environet sourced a second hand UNTHA RS40 shredder from another UK business. A machine test on the operator’s site proved this four shaft machine could handle the tough input material, and produce the desired output fraction. Environet then planned to dry the material so it would become non-viable – presenting a number of new, more environmentally conscious downstream options including composting, rather than landfill disposal.

The team quickly processed tonnes of material, but shortly after encountered an operational problem – an oil leak, likely caused by a maintenance oversight during the shredder’s former operational life. 

Keen to access the best possible engineering support, Contracts Manager Sam Moss contacted UNTHA UK for manufacturer-specific assistance. “I requested a shredder inspection so that UNTHA could confirm exactly what we needed to do to repair the RS40. The location of the machine meant it was difficult to carry out the work in-situ, so two engineers visited our site to move, strip down, and clean the machine on our behalf. 

“Following a rigorous investigation, they identified the source of the leak and resolved the issue by replacing the necessary sealings, gearbox, and bearing parts. They explained every step of the process, providing future maintenance advice for our ongoing benefit – I couldn’t believe how thorough they were. They really put in a shift – from the outset I felt in very safe hands.”

Environet is now back up and running, and has direct contact with UNTHA UK – despite not originally buying the shredder from the company’s North Yorkshire HQ – if future machine optimisation, parts, or aftersales support, is needed. 

The conservation experts provide a range of invasive plant removal, management and treatment methods for commercial and residential sites across the UK, with customer names including Aldi, Persimmon, and Balfour Beatty.