PETplanet Insider Vol. 23 No. 12/22 www.petpla.net 27 EVENT REVIEW 27 EVENT REVIEW “Of course, switching from differently coloured to non-coloured transparent bottles is a major step forward which will gradually improve both quantity and quality. However, this is a lengthy process which the recycler cannot easily influence. We are putting a lot of effort into processing the main colours used on the market, namely blue and green, in a way that is suitable for food products and using them for beverage bottles. For this, we can point to several examples of 100% of coloured recyclates in Austria”, said Mr Strasser. In order to meet the needs of industry and to keep a recycling plant running in a commercially viable way, one cannot avoid purchasing a number of PET bottles locally which raises the question over the consistent quality of bottles from different sources. “We are mainly dealing with very small quantities, which are imported in compliance with the usual legal requirements. Adhering to specific quality standards is extremely difficult in practice and requires reliable business partnerships”, said Mr Strasser. The energy crisis is also playing a major role and poses considerable challenges for the circular economy. The use of and conversion to renewable energy is important but, according to Mr Strasser, will only result in a small reduction in energy costs. In fact, the price of food-grade recyclates is increasing and we are moving even further away from the price level for virgin material. Where do we go from here? Finally, we asked about future recycling possibilities and the requirement for tethered caps. Mr Strasser sees the development of chemical processes as a way of complementing mechanical recycling. “Due to the currently expected higher processing costs, mono-fractions will be treated more cost-effectively in future by the use of mechanical systems, with more complex fractions being processed chemically. As far as tethered caps are concerned, the EU Directive ensures that caps remain attached to the bottle not only after consumption but also during sorting and manipulation, ultimately ending up at the recycling plant. There, the cap can be efficiently removed ready for a wide range of applications in the cycle economy. www.pet2pet.at PET to PET plant setup Washing plant - 3 t/h output Dryer section (Bezner/Heilig): Debaler, label remover, bottle sorting (automatic 2-stage colour, polymer, metal, manual). Wet end (B+B/Heilig): Wet grinding, hot washing, sink/float separation, drying, flake sorting (colour, polymer, each 2-stage) Food-grade processing: food grade flakes (URRC): 1.8 t/h Food grade rPET (2 Starlinger granulation plants) - 3 t/h Plant management: 24/7 Total capacity: 30,000 t/a Digital manufacturing line for plastic caps SACMI.COM Continuous compression molding solution: digital, smart, cost-effective. Conceived, designed and produced by SACMI. DIGITAL & PROFITABLE Line ready for advanced Smart Pack and Smart Care services to provide more effective synergy with HERE M.E.S. features. SMART & RELIABLE Reliable controls and immediate overview of the process via AI-based inspection systems integrated into all the processes. COMPACT &IWX MR GPEWW WTIGMƤG IRIVK] GSRWYQTXMSR CCM maximizes output rates per bay and is the most sustainable solution. momic
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