The Cheshire-based firm says it has found that mixing toner powder with oil turns the oil into a solid form. Also, as toner is magnetic it can be removed from water or any other non-magnetic surface easily.
According to the company, BP representatives have asked for full details. 300 Recycling’s specialists are now on emergency standby to fly to the oil spill to assist in the clear up.
Angus Carnie of 300 Recycling said: “Relatively small amounts of this material [toner] are needed as it can absorb many multiples of oil. But the real advantages are it is magnetic and the mixed solid material can be removed very easily from water or surfaces as they are non magnetic.
“The newly formed mixed material also has numerous environmentally friendly reuses. A number of additives have to be included in the material but this is a straightforward process.”
He added that he has 300 tonnes of toner readily available in warehouses in Ireland and Belguim and that this development could have “enormous benefits to the environment”.