Every two years the State of Bavaria awards the Bavarian Energy Prize for outstanding achievements in the field of energy. After Kurtz GmbH had prevailed over its competitors in the category Energy Efficiency in Industrial Processes and Production as well as Energy Efficiency Networks, it was able to accept the main award from eight prize-winner categories during a ceremonial presentation in Munich.
Kurtz Ersa
Kurtz Ersa wins Bavarian Energy Award 2020
The RF technology convinced the expert jury with the project ‘Chemical-free recycling of EPS material by RF fusion technology’.
Kurtz Ersa CEO Rainer Kurtz said: “Fusing particle foams by electromagnetic waves is highly promising and revolutionises the production of moulded parts. The award of the main prize is both an honour and an incentive at the same time, and a welcome component of our ambitious sustainability programme.”
The fusion of particle foams using highly efficient radiofrequency technology is revolutionising processing under sustainability aspects. Compared to the manufacturing process using steam, up to 90 per cent of energy can be saved. By eliminating the previously necessary steam generation equipment, it is possible to significantly improve the CO2 footprint of particle foam manufacturers.
The machine is also equipped with a fully electric drive. The use of electromagnetic waves in the radiofrequency range ensures optimal fusion. In addition, new materials and biodegradable materials can be processed. This processing was not feasible in standard machines due to the high pressures required. The main advantage of the RF fusion technology is that only by mechanical shredding can the particle foam material be returned to the cycle.
The WAVE FOAMER has a reusability of up to 100 per cent. With EPS in the previous steam process, only a maximum of 20 per cent recycled material can be reused.
