PETpla.net Insider 06 / 2020

MATERIALS / RECYCLING PETpl anet Insider Vol. 21 No. 06/20 www.petpla.net 37 The new extrusion system itself is supplied by Austrian firm Starlinger, whose cutting-edge recycling technol- ogy Alpla has been using for many years. Hermann Adrigan from Star- linger also underlines the spirit of part- nership: “Alpla is a long-standing and important partner for Starlinger. We are proud that we are able to contrib- ute to the success of the Radomsko site by providing a further bottle-to- bottle PET recycling system.” Green electricity improves carbon footprint In addition to the technical expan- sion of the plant, its energy supply has been switched fully to renewables. As shown by the carbon footprint calcula- tion performed by independent consul- tancy firm c7-consult, the production of one kilogram of PET regrind mate- rial only generates 0.27 kg of carbon equivalent. This corresponds to 88 per cent (or eight times) less greenhouse gas than the production of virgin material (2.19 kg of carbon equivalent according to PlasticsEurope). Forward-looking strategy As an international developer and manufacturer of plastic packaging, Alpla recognised the importance of recycling at an early stage and was already entering into partnerships in the early 2000s. However, demand for recycled plastic has not always been as high as it is today. When the plant in Poland opened its doors in 2013, there was hardly any awareness amongst consumers and customers regarding the recycling of used mate- rials. Nevertheless, the plant has been designed with foresight, enabling it to be upgraded quickly and without further construction measures. This approach is now paying off. “Over the years, PRT has held its own in a challenging market environ- ment, helping to ensure that PET packaging units are seen as recy- clables. Our market is now ready and, with the new set-up, we are in a strong position to make high-quality regrind material in the most sustain- able way possible” explains Beata Szynkiewicz, Commercial Director at PRT Radomsko. Her colleague Marcin Jablonski, Plant Manager since 2014, adds: “By using green electricity, we are, in my opinion, taking the logi- cal next step in our strategy. We are transforming used materials into recycled materials in the most energy- efficient way possible for industry, helping to ensure a functioning circu- lar economy, preventing litter and, at the same time, contributing to the fight against climate change”. www.alpla.com PET Recycling Team Radomsko pro- duce 30,000 t/a of flakes from post-con- sumer material. MONITOR YOUR PREFORMS. EXPAND YOUR INSPECTION CONCEPT WITH PREMON ® . PREFORM MONITORING VISION INSPECTION WWW.INTRAVIS.COM/PREMON