Environment Agency update
Throughout 2026 the Environment Agency has continued its regulatory oversight of Advanced Proteins. Including routine inspections, compliance audit and more recent visits in response to increased public concern regarding odour and transport issues during spells of hot weather.
A site inspection in March 2026 identified no permit breaches. Discussions took place relating to ongoing work to improve Nox emissions performance from the site’s thermal oxidisers.
In May 2026 a compliance audit took place. The audit identified one Cat 1 minor breach of requirements. This related to limitations in procedures used to monitor temperatures with stored CAT 1 MBM and the management of increasing storage volumes. AP accepted the finding and has implemented a programme of corrective actions to reduce the further occurrence.
In June 2026 a reactive odour inspection was carried out in response to sustained public reports of odour nuisance. operational challenges, loss of material in transit, hot weather, a failure of the Cat 1 processing line crusher, contingency arrangements and recovery planning were discussed. A failure of the Cat1 processing line on 25/6/26 lead to a backlog of material waiting treatment. An external odour assessment identified no odours attributable to the site were detected beyond the installation boundary. Future preparedness for equipment failure, recovery arrangements and preparedness for periods of extreme weather was requested.
Odour management – The EA note that AP has undertaken refurbishment works to improve its performance of it biofilter system, including the refurbishment of two bio beds, replacement mesh layers and renewal of filter media. The EA will continue to monitor odour management arrangements.
On going regulatory focus from the EA includes weather contingency planning, delivery of actions arising from the CAT 1 MBM storage incident, progress in improving Nox emissions performance, effectiveness of odour control measures, the sites’ ability to manage increased throughput during periods of unprecedented volumes.
Advanced Proteins Update
Advanced Proteins (AP) advised that the recent heatwave caught the entire rendering industry off guard, creating unprecedented operational challenges. Poultry mortalities reached into the millions nationally, with birds awaiting collection at many locations due to heat stress. Elevated mortality rates were also experienced within the pig sector, with some carcasses arriving at site in a highly deteriorated condition.
To manage safety risks associated with gas build-up in trailers, payloads were reduced across the fleet. AP has also been engaged with all the by-products processors in discussions with DEFRA regarding alternative disposal routes to support industry resilience during periods of exceptional demand.
AP continues to invest heavily in the facility, including new CAT 3 processing equipment and biofilter improvements. A further investment being discussed is for new boiler infrastructure with carbon reduction key to the capital investment.
The apvoice@advancedproteins.co.uk communication channel continues to operate effectively and has seen positive engagement.
AP remains committed to supporting the local community and is proud to be the main sponsor of the Leek Show, while also supporting Leek Rugby Club, First Responders, St Edward’s Church, local schools, and the G26 event at Flint Mill.
The use of refrigerated transport was discussed. AP outlined the challenges associated with availability, together with existing regulatory restrictions within the UK and EU. Recent local roadworks and diversion routes were also highlighted as having affected transport operations.
Food Ingredients Project Update
AP provided an update on the Food Ingredients Project.
Market conditions remain volatile, and the business continues to assess opportunities within sectors such as gelatine production. It was noted that the proposed processes would operate within a dedicated enclosed facility designed to food-grade standards.
The facility would support the production of high-quality food and pharmaceutical ingredients, including materials used in the manufacture of well-known products such as Nurofen.
Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) Update
AP confirmed that it continues to review recent events and assess the most appropriate management measures moving forward.
Routine APHA veterinary inspections are scheduled for August and will include site visits and compliance checks. Cooker validation records and process graphs will be reviewed to ensure all required processing parameters continue to meet regulatory standards.
Trading Standards Update
Advanced Proteins will be subject to a scheduled Trading Standards Feed Audit on 20 July 2026 as part of its ongoing regulatory compliance programme.
Any Other Business
A question was raised regarding the site’s ability to manage volumes.
The site’s current processing capacity was also discussed. AP confirmed that:
The CAT 1 plant is operating at approximately 70% capacity.
The overall site is operating at approximately 65% capacity.