PET to PET sets new recycling record: 1.3 billion bottles processed
Despite numerous challenges, PET to PET Recycling Österreich GmbH in Müllendorf recorded a new recycling record for 2022: 32,900 t of PET material from around 1.3 billion bottles were successfully kept in the bottle-to-bottle cycle. This corresponds to a 20% increase in the amount processed compared to the previous year (2021: 27,300 t).
The year 2022 was also marked by economic challenges for the recycling industry in Austria. While the restrictions and burdens of the Corona pandemic gradually receded over the course of the year, other dramatic developments occurred: Russia’s war against Ukraine resulted in extreme energy price developments with unprecedented price spikes – combined with uncertainty as to whether enough gas would be available for the winter months. The wave of price increases, lack of raw material availability and disrupted supply chains put enormous strain on the industry for months.
Anniversary celebration and property expansion
Last year, the company celebrated its 15th anniversary. Numerous guests from politics and business as well as long-standing partners attended a big celebration on 23 September at the company premises in Müllendorf. In the afternoon, the residents were treated to an open day with a colourful programme and exciting tours of the recycling plant. In addition, PET to PET 2022 implemented further expansion steps. The site area was expanded by around 19,000 m2 , and in the course of this exciting archaeological finds from the Bronze Age came to light, which were presented to the public for the first time at the anniversary celebration. In the recycling plant, some improvements – such as the gradual conversion of the dosing control in the two granulation lines – and an extension of the silo plant by a third loading silo were successfully implemented.
Focus on solar energy in 2023
As early as 2022, the company announced the installation of a photovoltaic system. Now the implementation is to take place. “By the middle of the year, the installation of the roofing for the new storage areas and the assembly of the PV modules are planned. The photovoltaic system will cover an area of 6,400 m2 with an output of around 1.2 MWp. All of the renewable electricity will be used 100 per cent in our recycling plant. Commissioning is planned for this summer,” says Managing Director DI Christian Strasser.
