EREMA is extending its EcoGentle plasticising technology to the Intarema series of recycling machines, broadening its scope from established use on Vacurema and Vacunite systems processing PET to applications involving HDPE, LDPE, LLDPE, PP and BOPET. The update, presented for K 2025, targets significant energy savings in polyolefin recycling and is available as a retrofit for existing EREMA installations. The company positions the solution for both post-consumer and inhouse recycling, addressing a wide range of feed materials and operating conditions.
In combination with EREMA's Counter Current technology, EcoGentle is designed to optimise the interaction between the intake section and the extruder screw. This configuration promotes efficient and gentle melting at substantially lower melt temperatures while maintaining flexibility with respect to feedstock characteristics. According to the company, the result is reduced energy consumption and improved melt handling, contributing to higher quality recycled pellets.
For post-consumer applications, EcoGentle enables reliable processing of regrind with varying bulk densities and viscosities. In multipurpose HDPE and PP use cases, it lowers melt temperature by up to 13 degrees Celsius and reduces extruder drive power demand by up to six percent. In practical operation, this supports more stable processes, reduced wear, extended component service life and lower production costs. For inhouse recycling, the technology is available immediately. When processing LDPE and LLDPE stretch film or BOPET film, the melt temperature can be reduced by as much as 20 degrees Celsius, with extruder drive power consumption cut by up to 15 percent.
Technology and components
The key components that enable EcoGentle are manufactured by 3S, a subsidiary of the EREMA Group. The Austrian specialist has long-standing expertise in the production of extruder screws and cylinders, including large plasticising units. The company highlights the combination of controlled intake and screw design as central to achieving smoother, energy-efficient plasticising at lower melt temperatures.
"EcoGentle delivers particularly smooth and energy-efficient plasticising, and at K 2025 we are pleased to bring the proven technology for PET bottle flakes to other material streams. The much lower melt temperature has a positive effect on the quality of the melt and the quality of the final recycled pellets."
Markus Huber-Lindinger, Managing Director at EREMA Engineering Recycling
Event information
Further information on EcoGentle will be available at K 2025. Erema will exhibit in Hall 9, Stand: C.
