PIE International Limited
PIE (...your partners in the environment) is an environmental technology company founded in 1989. The company provides complete biotreatment solutions, specialising in waste minimisation, environmental auditing and biological treatment of industrial effluents. PIE has undertaken a wide range of projects involving design and installation of some of the latest biotreatment processes. The company also provides advice on novel and emerging technologies, as well as a wide range of consultancy services.

PIE has been appointed as technical adviser to the DTI's BIO-WISE programme because of its technical expertise and track record in the identification of biotechnology applications and opportunities and their implementation. PIE's own anaerobic digestion technology was a key factor for this successful appointment. PIE's personnel were also technical advisers to the Biotechnology Means Business initiative which was the predecessor to the BIO-WISE programme.

PIE has recently completed work in China as part of a consortium of five UK companies, managing a major Environmental Initiative aimed at reducing the Environmental Impact of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises. The £2.3m DFID funded project was a four year programme covering a wide range of industries, and addressed waste minimisation, environmental auditing, clean technology as well as end-of-pipe solutions and the introduction of new technology.

PIE staff has directed a Waste Minimisation programme for Scottish Enterprise involving five Food Sector companies. PIE acted as project directors and specialist advisers on new technologies and biotreatment systems. Recommendations made in the final reports included the use of luminometry, biocoding, implementation of anaerobic digestion and composting for waste treatment as well as the use of enzymes.

PIE has installed a large effluent treatment plant for a major brewery in Dorset where the company undertook a Waste Audit which was followed by design, construction and commissioning of a new anaerobic effluent treatment plant (3,300m3), one of the largest in the country. This was a novel approach to the usual turnkey contract with the client purchasing all equipment directly. PIE successfully applied, on behalf of the client, for an EU Thermie Award for the Rational Use of Energy. As a result, 40% of all project costs relating to the use of a novel heating and mixing system was funded by the EU.

PIE has undertaken work in the sewage sector on projects including the design and installation of an anti-foam system for sludge digesters, the refurbishment of a sewage treatment plant at a Public School and Hotel Complex as well as the installation of a pilot plant digester to treat yeast waste, sewage sludge and abattoir offal.

Other projects undertaken by PIE include the evaluation of an effluent treatment plant for a Vegetable Processor which led to the modification and reconfiguration of the existing treatment system to increase settlement and aeration capacity. In order to ensure the maximum potential of the system, a Reed Bed treatment plant was designed by PIE which is working very successfully maintaining effluent quality throughout the year.

PIE provides advice on Waste Management Licensing for application of wastes to land, and has completed licence applications on behalf of an abattoir and a rendering plant. PIE offers services leading to the implementation of Environmental Management Systems and undertakes environmental reviews to assist in the establishment of environmental policy.