Environmental biotechnology firm bolsters US expansion with new office and senior hire

Specializing in the reduction of unrecyclable waste and its environmental impact, Advetec provides sustainable solutions that transform solid waste into a coal replacement product — solid recovered fuel (SRF) — helping waste handlers and producers from a wide range of industries significantly reduce quantities of waste, and their impact on the environment. 

Previously largely supported by the firm’s UK office, the organization’s US client base continues to climb — so it was clear that a dedicated headquarters and spearhead in North America were needed. 

Scott Owen has stepped into the role of director of business development for the US, where he has been overseeing Advetec’s brand-new office, located in Davie, Florida. With a background in construction and project management, Scott brings a wealth of experience to the team, and is playing a leading role in cementing Advetec’s strong presence in the industry, while growing its diverse portfolio of clients.

Both investments are in line with Advetec’s recent expansion into a new vertical market, as the business targets leading universities aiming to reduce their carbon footprint. Due to their substantial populations, campuses generate large amounts of waste, resulting in growing demands on these institutions to showcase their efforts in reducing carbon emissions. Advetec’s innovative technology offers a valuable solution to elevate sustainability credentials, achieve notable environmental ratings, and spearhead societal change towards achieving net zero targets in the United States. 

Speaking on his appointment, Scott Owen said: “I’m delighted to be joining the Advetec North America team to bolster the next stage of its evolution. In my new position — supported by the longstanding technical team — I look forward to taking advantage of the numerous opportunities for us in the United States, while helping organizations realize their waste management potential. 

“It's interesting to see that my fascination with waste and its lifecycle has come full circle! In college, I worked as a garbage man, picking up residential waste to be dropped into the incinerator. Witnessing this harmful process firsthand has always stuck with me, so now it’s incredibly rewarding to re-enter the industry, but in a capacity that helps businesses implement prosperous waste strategies that are better for users and our planet.”

Lee Knott, chief commercial officer at Advetec Holdings, added: “Scott’s appointment and the creation of a US office represent significant milestones in the business. As we continue to secure more clients in North America, we wanted to ensure we could deliver optimal levels of care and support to all our customers, whatever stage they may be at in the journey to sustainability.

“In recent years, there has been a notable shift in conversations around sustainable practices. This evolving awareness — and stricter legislations — has sparked a drive for innovative solutions, increased recycling efforts, and a stronger emphasis on reducing waste at its source. 

“At Advetec, we don’t simply sell the technology. We help find the solution that minimizes the impact of waste. Shifting the mindset and actions of key decision makers through education and awareness around biotechnology and unrecyclable waste. These significant recruitment milestones aid our continued growth and equip us with additional resources to provide on-site, sustainable waste-to-fuel solutions to large universities in the US.”

From large-scale infrastructure and leisure facilities around the world, to the vital waste services depended on by communities, Advetec has worked with leading businesses across the globe, including Six Flags, Royal Caribbean Cruises, and Simon Group. Recently accredited by the Solid Waste Association of America (SWANA), the firm is also certified by other established associations, including CIWM, UROC, iBioIC, and RMAS. 

Through Advetec’s pioneering biotechnology solutions, over tens of thousands tonnes of waste have been diverted from landfill, and millions of dollars of revenue has been saved for clients via improved efficiencies. With each 10-tonne treatment of non recyclable waste using the XO technology, six tonnes of CO2e are spared. This treatment paves the way for the XO end product to seamlessly substitute coal, offering unprecedented potential to drive decarbonization in energy-intensive sectors, notably cement production.