APK AG is relying on the high-performance ZSK extruder technology and technical process expertise from Coperion for its Newcycling process, wherein multi-polymer and multi-layer plastic packaging can be separated and processed into homogeneous regrind using ZSK twin screw extruders.
APK
Coperion makes high-quality plastic compounds out of packaging waste
The polymer in this process remains unchanged. Newcycling is therefore efficient from both a cost and environmental perspective, and the quality of the recyclates is close to that of virgin product.
The amount of plastic waste produced daily is one of the greatest problems of modern times. With its Newcycling process, APK is laying an important cornerstone for achieving the goal of greater sustainability and higher recycling rates.
This one-of-a-kind physical and solvent-based process enables clean and single-origin PA and PE pellets with near-virgin material character to be extracted from complex PA/PE multi-layer films. These recyclates can be reused in high-quality products up to the original application. Downcycling can thus be reduced and closed-loop recycling becomes possible.
In Newcycling, PA/PE multi-layer film is first mechanically pre-treated, undergoing shredding and classification. Next, the PE layer is dissolved and liquefied in a solvent bath, leading to separation of the polymers and polymer layers. The undissolved PA is then separated from the dissolved PE using conventional solid-liquid separation technology and the polymers are further processed in separate material streams.
Klaus Wohnig, CEO of APK, said: “Our recyclates’ very high degree of purity has been confirmed by numerous expert reports. Mersalen, for example, is suited for a wide range of applications such as cosmetics packaging.”
Jochen Burger, Process Engineer at Coperion, added: “In APK’s innovative Newcycling process, we see a very important step along the path to a circular economy in the plastics industry. Thanks to the use of first-class technologies and comprehensive process expertise from APK and Coperion, very high-quality recyclates are being manufactured. Coperion is proud to support APK in this innovative process.”
