Leistritz Extrusionstechnik GmbH, Nuremberg, Germany, and Next Generation Recyclingmaschinen GmbH (NGR), Feldkirchen an der Donau, Austria, announced a close collaboration under the motto "Single-screw meets twin-screw". The partners plan to combine their expertise in plastics recycling and compounding to deliver integrated solutions aligned with the circular economy. The timing of the initiative reflects the forthcoming EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which is due to take effect in August 2026 and will significantly raise quality requirements for plastic packaging. From mandatory recycled content and extended producer responsibility (EPR) to material restrictions—the entire plastics value chain will be affected. In this context, NGR and Leistritz are developing a single-stage process that combines preconditioning on a single-screw extruder with subsequent compounding on a twin-screw extruder in a single melt pass, aimed at greater efficiency, precision and sustainability in producing high-quality regranulate. NGR supplies plastics recycling systems for polyolefins, PET and engineering plastics, while Leistritz offers twin-screw extruders and turnkey extrusion lines for demanding compounding and material upgrading tasks.
Scope of collaboration
The joint solution is intended to integrate recycling and compounding in a single stage so that properties can be adjusted directly during secondary processing. The companies highlight three priority areas:
- Recycling and compounding in a single stage, including optimization of mechanical properties using additives, fillers such as talc, calcium carbonate and glass fibers, and stabilizers.
- High-performance degassing for efficient removal of volatile contaminants, e.g., for applications approved for food contact.
- Production of high-quality regranulates, particularly for PO films, which must meet stringent requirements for quality and absence of defects.
This approach enables precise tailoring of regranulate to the specific application while lowering production costs and reducing the CO2 footprint.
Process layout and test line
The core technology combines NGR’s C:GRAN preconditioning stage, integrating a cutter-compactor and a single-screw extruder, with a Leistritz twin-screw extruder used for downstream compounding. This setup is designed to deliver high-quality recycled material after a single melting step.
The joint recycling and compounding system installed at the NGR Test Center in Feldkirchen an der Donau is available for customer trials. The line is rated at approximately 300–500 kg/h, enabling process demonstrations and evaluations at representative throughputs.
C:GRAN- Twin: C:GRAN 085- 130 + Leistritz ZSE 60
