Newly re-elected MP Sir Christopher Chope has gone behind the scenes at one of the UK’s most successful recycling companies.

Sir Christopher, who was returned as the MP for Christchurch for the eighth time on July 4, toured Eco Sustainable Solutions’ 32-acre Eco Park at Parley.

In a visit arranged by the Wood Recyclers’ Association (WRA), he learnt about the important contribution that waste wood biomass makes to UK energy security and the economy.

At Parley, Eco processes 65,000 tonnes of waste wood a year into BioFuel, some of which powers its in-house Biomass Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plant which provides renewable heat and electricity for the site.

The company also processes a number of other organic waste streams at the site and has developed a variety of sustainable projects, including a solar farm.

During the visit, WRA Deputy Chair Andy Hill explained the benefits that waste wood biomass delivers in relation to the circular economy, industrial decarbonisation and energy security, providing 3.3TWh (terawatt hours) of power.

He also highlighted the contributions the wider waste wood sector makes to the economy.

The panel board industry, alone, provides 7,000 local jobs and contributes £700m to the UK economy.

Sir Christopher said: “I was delighted to visit Eco Sustainable Solutions and to see how the company turns waste wood into renewable heat and electricity.

“The scale of the operation is impressive and is a great example of how Christchurch is leading the way in recycling and the circular economy.”

Justin Dampney, Managing Director of Eco Sustainable Solutions, said: “We were very pleased to host Sir Christopher Chope’s visit and also welcome Andy Hill, from WRA’s Board, to our site.

“Sir Christopher showed great interest in the waste wood recycling and reprocessing side of our business and seemed genuinely taken aback at the scale of our operations.

“The Wood Recyclers’ Association does an excellent job in highlighting the valuable role waste wood plays in the green economy.

“Visits such as this are incredibly valuable in allowing companies such as ours the chance to engage with opinion-formers about the opportunities, as well as the challenges, faced by this important sector.

Founded in 1995, Dorset-based Eco Sustainable Solutions recycles over 230,000 tonnes a year of organic waste from Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire,

The family-run business converts it into green energy and high-quality landscape products.

Eco has an annual turnover of £17 million, employs 47 people and has sites in Parley, Piddlehinton and Weymouth.

Its renewable energy and landscaping products include high quality British standard soils, composts, mulch, turf, barks and playground surfaces as well as green power supplied to local households and commercial customers.