New PET bottle-to-bottle recycling line reduces production costs
To design the recycling process as efficient and energy-saving as possible has been one of the focal points in the technical development at Starlinger recycling technology for many years. The latest result in this respect is the newly conceived PET bottle-to-bottle recycling system RecoStar PET art scores with 25% less energy consumption compared to the previous model, and it also requires 46% less maintenance time, has a 21% smaller machine footprint, and a production output increase of 15%, as Starlinger states. In total, according to the company, bottle-to-bottle recyclers can save about 21% in production cost with the new system.
Streamlined production process
Instead of the former two drying units the new RecoStar PET art now features one large drying unit. Together with changes at the extrusion unit and SSP, this reduces energy consumption, the machine footprint, and maintenance requirements. The expanded SSP capacity helps to achieve the production output increase stated above.
“For the new machine concept, we analysed the PET recycling process and our technical solutions for it from top to bottom, searching for ways to make them better”, explained Paul Niedl, Commercial Head of Starlinger recycling technology. “We especially improved energy consumption, but also succeeded in shortening some of the process steps – such as material preparation and extrusion – and in making machine maintenance a lot easier and shorter. At the same time we increased the output capacity. All this with the goal not to compromise the high regranulate quality Starlinger is known for. To achieve this, we analysed, combined and implemented know-how from various areas, creating a synthesis of arts, so to say. Hence the name of the new system: recoStar PET art.”
