There has been a noticeable increase in demand for EREMA recycling machine combinations featuring ReFresher technology that reduces odour downstream of the extrusion process.
Erema
Boom in demand for recycling systems featuring EREMA ReFresher technology
L-R: Michael Heitzinger, Clemens Kitzberger and Thomas Hofstätter
This is due to the growing demand for high-quality post-consumer recyclates that can be used for a wide variety of applications. Due to the combination of its INTAREMA TVEplus RegrindPro machine with the ReFresher, EREMA has enabled the PCR-HDPE produced with it to be used in proportions of up to 100 per cent for the production of packaging for direct contact with food and beverages, as confirmed by the US FDA.
Out of a total of more than 25 ReFresher modules sold, 19 were ordered in the past 18 months. This development goes hand in hand with the enormous increase in interest in the use of post-consumer recyclate.
Clemens Kitzberger, EREMA Group Business Development Manager for Post Consumer Applications, said: "Odour is a typical problem with contaminated household waste such as LDPE films, HDPE containers and PE closures. It is essential that odour is removed if the PCR material is to be reused in high quality packaging for cosmetic products or food.”
Ambitious EU recycling goals set by the European Union and recycling technologies becoming more and more efficient have enabled post-consumer recyclate applications that were previously unimaginable, according to Kitzberger. “This trend is set to continue. That is because the EU's recycling goals will mean reusing 10 million tonnes of recyclates in new products every year in future."
