 Tomatoes will be able to grow even in the depths of winter |
Tomatoes are set to become a year-round crop in industrial Teesside - thanks to factory waste. Thousands of plants, including many varieties which are imported from Europe during winter months, will be grown on a 23-acre site in Billingham.
Waste steam and carbon dioxide from a nearby factory will be pumped into the glasshouse, providing heating and a boost to growth.
The first batch is due to reach supermarket shelves in early December.
The site, the size of 20 football pitches, is set to become one of the largest glasshouse horticultural centre in Europe, according to Sainsbury's.
It will benefit from new glass technology which will let in more light, together with advanced thermal screens to keep in heat.
The factory waste it utilises would normally have been released into the atmosphere.
Clancy McMahon, Sainsbury's fresh produce buyer, said: "Taking the waste products from one industry and using them to boost production in another makes perfect economic and environmental sense.
"For the very first time, our grey skies won't hinder the supply of British tomatoes which taste just as good as they do in Italy and Spain."
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