Large-scale PET recycling systems
Erema, Chinaplas 2025 – Hall 10 Booth B41
Demand for high performance solutions for bottle-to-bottle recycling is increasing worldwide, says Erema. In view of this trend, the specifications for PET recycling machines to handle higher capacities are also growing. With Vacurema technology, Erema offers a proven system that enables throughputs of up to 6t/h.
This technology is claimed to achieve efficient decontamination and gentle IV treatment and to fulfil the strict requirements of the European and North American food safety authorities. Even the basic version produces food-grade rPET, providing the basis for a wide range of end applications. Whether the pellets are then used with SSP for IV adjustment for bottle-to-bottle or high IV applications, an additional upstream vacuum treatment enables direct connection to preform production, or the material is processed inline into sheets or fibres, the Vacurema is designed as a versatile all-rounder with food-grade certification.
Applications with especially high material quality requirements are covered by advanced Vacunite technology. It combines the Vacurema system with integrated vacuum-assisted SSP in a nitrogen atmosphere. This combination is claimed to further optimise the material properties and to reduce the yellowing of the pellets, which is an important quality factor in bottle-to-bottle recycling. What is more, the closed nitrogen cycle and optimised process control ensure low nitrogen consumption, and ultimately, an efficient and environmentally friendly process, says Erema. Vacunite technology is available on machines for throughputs of up to 2,500kg/h that feature low energy consumption and a compact design.
Erema at Chinaplas
“In several markets, like Latin America, there is a clear trend towards larger PET recycling machines. We expect the market to develop this way in China too, to meet the increasing demand for high-quality rPET suitable for sensitive applications such as food packaging,” says Christoph Wöss, Business Development Manager for the Bottle segment at Erema. The company has already installed more than 50 Vacurema and Vacunite systems in China, but only a few with throughputs in excess of 4t/h.
Photo: Vacurema system for bottle-to-bottle recycling