Plastics recycling continues to be a hot industry topic, particularly in Europe, where processors and suppliers are toiling to meet legislative mandates. New machinery and technology to deal with the rising tide of plastic waste will attract plenty of attention at K'95.
Linz, Austria-based Erema GmbH (Hall 7, Stand C10) will feature two complete recycling systems. The new model 160T 32D can convert as much as 3,500 pounds per hour of plastic scrap into pellets and features a 6 3/10-inch extruder and Erema's newest backflushing screenchanger, the SW8-170 RTF.
The SW8-170 RTF features a large-surface melt filter. When contaminants clog the filter, the melt flow reverses for a few seconds to flush them free.
Another system on display, the vented Model 80TVE, is designed to recycle plastics with up to 6 percent contamination by materials such as wood and paper. Screen changers are positioned before the double vent section of the screw and barrel, to remove contaminants early in the melt process. Erema North America Inc. in Topsfield, Mass., represents Erema.
Munchy Ltd. (Hall 7, Stand C46) will demonstrate reprocessing equipment for film extruders and blow molders.
The P80 Air Cool Munchy will feature blow molding regrind being fed by a vibratory feeder to the reprocessing system. The P55 Aqua Cool Mini-Munchy can handle multiple sources of biaxially oriented polypropylene film simultaneously. The Elevated Micra Munchy, a single-step extruder, can reprocess edge trim in-line on a film extrusion line.
The following firms, represented in the United States by Tex America Inc. of Charlotte, N.C., will feature recycling equipment:
Reg-Mac srl (Hall 7, Stand C31) will present its Maxiwash system to separate plastic bottles by polymer and remove labels, adhesives and dirt with friction and cold and hot water. The company also will exhibit a continuous press for wet film and flakes, and equipment to degas and melt polystyrene foam.
ART International (Hall 11, Stand C49) offers systems to produce plastic lumber and pallets. The ET/1/2000 lumber process is rated at 660 pounds per hour; the MT/1/Mark30 for pallets at 1,320 pounds.
Starlinger & Co. GmbH (Hall 14, Stand E54) and its subsidiaries Maplan and Makschwerin will feature the Indumat 500 for pelletizing waste. The system shreds, melts, vents and repelletizes plastic at rates of 550-2,200 pounds per hour.
BG Plast srl (Hall 14, Stand E61) will display several extruders capable of making sheets with a 50/50 blend of sawdust and plastic.
