Vecoplan, a provider of machines and systems for size reduction and processing of plastics, has acquired Pla.to GmbH from Görlitz, a recognized specialist in dry cleaning and washing technology. Pla.to has become a subsidiary of Vecoplan AG. With this integration step, Vecoplan expands its process expertise and can offer end-to-end solutions for plastics recycling, covering material conveying, size reduction, and dry and wet cleaning. Dry cleaning, in which contaminants are removed mechanically with minimal water consumption, has gained importance as a fully fledged element of modern lines, yielding extrusion-grade flakes intended for direct processing. In addition to this technology, Pla.to’s portfolio includes wet-washing solutions using separating and dynamic washers. Materials and process configurations are validated at the Cleanikum test center in Neunkhausen, where various procedures, settings, and system technologies are tested under near-real operating conditions to select the optimal cleaning method. The acquired company’s headquarters will remain in Görlitz. New, larger series of dry-cleaning systems are planned, and the largest system of this class built by Pla.to to date is to be presented at the K show in Düsseldorf. Customers are expected to benefit from international project management, an expanded service concept, and digital solutions.
- Thanks to the acquisition, we can offer our plastics recycling customers the full range of processes, from conveying technology to size reduction and cleaning - explains Martina Schmidt, Senior Vice President Recycling at Vecoplan. - In recent years, dry cleaning has evolved from a preliminary step into an integral element of the modern cleaning process. By integrating Pla.to, we can actively shape this development.
- We welcome the synergies arising from this joint decision - says Heinz Schnettler, Managing Director at Pla.to Technology. - We aim to grow, open up international markets, and prove that one plus one is much more than two. With Vecoplan’s strong market position and our proven product quality, we will be able to invest even more in innovation and market presence.
Scope and benefits of the acquisition
Maintaining the Görlitz site and integrating Pla.to into Vecoplan AG’s structure is intended to strengthen the ability to deliver projects internationally, integrating service offerings and digital components within a single supply chain. The Cleanikum in Neunkhausen enables process parameters to be tailored to feedstock specifics, which is expected to translate into stable output fraction quality before the target system is delivered to the customer’s plant. The combination of both companies’ competencies is expected to result in new, larger series of dry-cleaning systems, expanding application range and scalability of recycling lines.
Presentation at K 2025
Vecoplan announces the premiere of the largest dry-cleaning system produced by Pla.to during K 2025, which begins on 8 October. The company will be present in Hall 9 at stands B35 and D17 and in pavilion CE05 in the outdoor area.
