At K 2025 in Düsseldorf, WIS Kunststoffe will present technologies and materials focused on circular use of plastics. At Hall 7A, Booth B11, the company will outline a process for producing food-grade recycled polypropylene from post-consumer food packaging, developed with KraussMaffei Extrusion and tested at the InnovationCenter in Laatzen. According to the company, the process has received FDA approval for all applications involving food contact. The system is based on a twin-screw extruder configuration designed for gentle, efficient processing and integration into existing production workflows. Additional exhibits include certified PP and PE regranulates for multiple end markets, a twice-daily live demonstration of the Schneckenputzer cleaning compound on an Engel injection molding machine, and an interactive Walk of Waste installation that visualizes post-consumer recycling. The portfolio addresses regulatory needs such as PPWR 2030 and ELV, while the company also plans to highlight ISCC PLUS certification, investments in recycling and photovoltaics at its Breitungen site, and newly developed virgin PP grades for medical applications.
Food-grade rPP from post-consumer packaging
The core exhibit is a process to produce food-grade rPP sourced from post-consumer food packaging. Developed with KraussMaffei Extrusion and scaled at the InnovationCenter in Laatzen, the approach is designed to deliver consistent recyclate quality. "The combination of process know-how, state-of-the-art equipment, and close collaboration was key to this success," emphasizes Daniel Römhild, authorized officer and Head of Development at WIS Kunststoffe. "Together with KraussMaffei, we are proud to contribute to reducing plastic waste and promoting recycling solutions for the food industry."
The twin-screw extruder used in the process enables gentle material handling, which is critical for recyclate quality. "This process demonstrates that circular economy and food safety are not mutually exclusive," says David Rapp, Team Leader Process Engineering Recycling at KraussMaffei Extrusion. "Our ZE BluePower twin-screw extruder offers exceptionally gentle yet efficient material processing, a critical factor for recyclate quality." The companies state that the process can be integrated into existing production workflows, opening additional options for post-consumer recycling in the food sector.
Recyclates portfolio and regulatory alignment
WIS Kunststoffe will also present PP- and PE-based regranulates designed for a range of uses. The materials are described as heat-resistant, odor-optimized and colorable, with applications in cosmetics, packaging, automotive and toys. The offering includes solutions aligned with current EU initiatives and rules, including PPWR 2030 and ELV requirements.
Live cleaning compound demonstration
The Schneckenputzer cleaning compound, produced from recyclate, will be demonstrated live twice daily on an Engel injection molding machine. The compound is intended to remove residue from screws and barrels, reduce machine downtime, and support clean transitions between colors and materials. According to the company, consumption can be up to 50 percent lower than competing products. Processing is described as low in smoke and odor, with low residuals after use.
The effectiveness of the Schneckenputzer cleaning compound is demonstrated live at the booth. Photo: WIS Kunststoffe
Walk of Waste installation
The Walk of Waste will allow visitors to follow the journey from used plastic items to finished recyclates via transparent display boxes integrated into the booth floor. The installation is intended to illustrate the processing stages and to communicate the company’s approach to post-consumer recycling.
Certifications and site investments
WIS Kunststoffe reports ISCC PLUS certification for regranulates produced under sustainable conditions using the mass balance approach, enabling traceability along the supply chain. The company states that selected regranulates, based on available compliance documentation, meet U.S. FDA requirements for food contact. WIS also notes it is the first European recycler to receive FDA approval for recycled polypropylene for "all types of food". At its main site in Breitungen, investments target modern recycling technologies and renewable energy such as photovoltaics, with a second facility under construction to support growth and regional value creation. The stated aim is to improve the CO2 footprint across the value chain.
Medical-grade PP developments
Complementing its recyclate focus, WIS Kunststoffe will introduce newly developed virgin polypropylene grades under the DuCare name for medical applications. According to the company, these materials are suitable for Class I and, depending on the application, Class II medical products.
Presence at K 2025
Industry professionals can find WIS Kunststoffe at Hall 7A, Booth B11 at K 2025.
The WIS Kunststoffe team looks forward to inspiring conversations and projects. Photo: WIS Kunststoffe
