EMR’s recycling operations were significantly curtailed during the lockdown, with services provided only to businesses in critical need of them. Led by chief executive Chris Sheppard, 45, the group recycles 10 million tons of metal and plastics a year at its 170 sites worldwide, from cans, domestic appliances and trains to buildings, bridges, oil rigs and ships. It recently processed three American aircraft carriers, including USS Ranger, which featured in the film Top Gun.