The ReFresher control system is now networked with the PLC
Consistently high recycled pellet quality is essential for food and cosmetic grade applications. Recyclates for food packaging must meet the requirements of the European and American food safety authorities. EREMA has initiated numerous approval projects and, together with customers, has already received positive Non Objection Letters (NOL) from a US authority for HDPE, PP and LD/LLDPE. Further approval proceedings are ongoing, especially in Europe. "A key driver of these projects is the new EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which stipulates a recyclate content of 10 per cent in sensitive packaging and 30 per cent in all packaging from 2030 onwards," explains Clemens Kitzberger, Business Development Manager Post Consumer Recycling at the EREMA Group. "We are confident that we will obtain these approvals with our technologies. We use our expertise to provide our customers with the support they need during the proceedings."
There are two decisive prerequisites needed for food-grade: an input stream consisting of at least 99 per cent food packaging, and technology that is able to clean and decontaminate the input material. A key technology here is the combination of Intarema TVEplus RegrindPro and the ReFresher, which reliably removes substances with low volatility, and as a result also removes odours. "What's new is that the ReFresher control system is networked with our machine PLC," says Markus Huber-Lindinger. "The new visualisation system combines the data from both systems to provide an intuitive and in-depth understanding of the entire process chain." The combined data and trend analyses can also be accessed using the BluPort online platform.
EREMA and Lindner Washtech guarantee a balanced overall process
"One of the main success factors for consistent recyclate quality from post-consumer waste streams is the optimal coordination of each process step, from sorting and recycling to the final product," says Clemens Kitzberger. Openness for knowledge transfer is needed here along the whole value chain. That is why EREMA works together closely with strong partners, including within its own group of companies. The joint venture with Lindner has established a close partnership between EREMA and Lindner Washtech. While Lindner Washtech provides high-quality preparation of the input material with sorting, cold and hot washing, EREMA ensures effective cleaning and decontamination with its extrusion and filtration technology. Because the processes are well-coordinated, consistent recyclate quality is produced with optimised energy consumption. One specific application example is a project at Polymer Matters in Ireland, who have applied to the European Commission for food-grade approval. In this application, HDPE milk bottles from household recycling schemes are processed into rHDPE and used for the production of new milk bottles.
Visitors to this year's K trade fair can gain an insight into the successful joint venture between EREMA and Lindner Washtech at the Edvanced Recycling Centre in the outdoor area.
Edvanced Recycling powered by EREMA
The current campaign Edvanced Recycling - EREMA Prime Solutions for Advanced Recycling sees EREMA present a wide range of advanced plastics recycling solutions. More than 40 years of experience combined with practical application expertise are the basis for EREMA systems consistently delivering high-quality recycled pellets to meet precise quality specifications, from food and cosmetic grade to more straightforward applications. Edvanced Recycling shows how EREMA is working together with its customers to sustainably increase the proportion of recycled materials used to make new plastic products. All the information is available online at edvanced.erema.com
Find out more and visit EREMA at K 2025: Hall 9, Stand: C09 and at the Edvanced Recycling Centre: Outdoor area, CE03
