“Vacuum cleaner” removes port plastic

The ‘Nul-o-Plastic’ vacuum cleaner, designed by Jan De Nul Group subsidiary, Envisan, will be deployed to get rid of industrial plastic pellets and other plastic waste in the Galgeschoor nature reserve in the port from 19 September, World Cleanup Day.

Port alderman, Annick De Ridder, said: “Plastics have a place in the port, but that place is not in the Scheldt, the docks or nature. With this initiative, we as a port want to assume our social responsibility and continue to focus on a sustainable port and environment. This innovation by Jan De Nul is a great example of how co-operation and partnerships result in solutions for today’s and tomorrow’s challenges. We are proud to be a pioneer in this again.”

Plastic Challenge

This manoeuvrable vacuum cleaner on rubber caterpillar tracks is the winning design of the Galgeschoor Plastic Challenge, launched by the port in 2019 to find new clean-up techniques for the plastic pellets that had accumulated in Galgeschoor nature reserve, despite annual clean-up campaigns.

The Challenge invited participants to find a solution to clean up a difficult-to-access tidal area with unique vegetation and endangered bird species with minimal impact on flora and fauna.

As the winner of the Challenge, Envisan received a cheque for €10,000 and continued to develop the design in conjunction with Port of Antwerp.