Scope
Reference
C29916
Description
The purpose and scope of the project is to undertake a study to determine the destruction efficiency (DE) and destruction and removal efficiency (DRE), for specified POPs and per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) chemicals, in relevant waste related materials, at two UK cement kilns that use waste as a fuel.
This will be achieved by feeding representative waste materials containing high levels of the relevant POPs and PFAS into the process and measuring their presence in all products, residues, emissions and releases that are outputs of the process, without compromising cement clinker quality.
The project will also quantify releases or emissions of chemicals indicative of sub-optimal or incomplete destruction of POPs and PFAS.
The work will involve:
• In year 1, preparing the sampling plan for testing in year 2. This will require identifying and obtaining suitable waste materials, containing sufficient POPs and PFAS, visiting participating cement kilns to understand processes and access points, and identifying suitable laboratories and analytical methods. This should be completed by the end of February 2026.
• In year 2, undertaking testing, sampling and laboratory analysis for the first cement kiln. This should be completed, with an interim report submitted, by the end of February 2027.
• In year 3, adapting the approach as needed from the previous year, and undertaking testing, sampling and laboratory analysis for the second cement kiln. This should be completed with a final report submitted by the end of February 2028.
Contract 2. Cement Kilns Destruction Efficiency of Persistent Substances
Supplier
Contract value
- £449,180.25 excluding VAT
- £539,016.30 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Date signed
26 November 2025
Contract dates
- 27 November 2025 to 31 March 2028
- 2 years, 4 months, 4 days
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 73110000 - Research services
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Other information
Applicable trade agreements
- Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Supplier
Water Research Centre Limited
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PWHC-1765-ZWWW
Spring Lodge, 172 Chester Road
Helsby
WA6 0AR
United Kingdom
Email: tenders@wrcgroup.com
Region: UKD63 - Cheshire West and Chester
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Supported employment provider: No
Public service mutual: No
Contract 2. Cement Kilns Destruction Efficiency of Persistent Substances
Contracting authority
ENVIRONMENT AGENCY
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PNWW-1475-NYLN
Seacole Building, 2 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DF
United Kingdom
Email: procurement@defra.gov.uk
Region: UKI32 - Westminster
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government
Other organisation
These organisations are carrying out the procurement, or part of it, on behalf of the contracting authorities.
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS
Summary of their role in this procurement: Defra Group Commercial is managing the procurement.
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PNBD-3289-CDGX
Seacole Building, 2 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DF
United Kingdom
Email: procurement@defra.gov.uk
Region: UKI32 - Westminster