Pure Tech Plastics LLC has nearly tripled its recycled PET flake production capacity in a project that started operations in early January.
The East Farmingdale, N.Y., company invested more than $1.5 million in the project, which includes a production line upgrade, an expanded quality assurance laboratory and a shift to 24-hour operation, seven days a week. The project boosted annual capacity from 12 million pounds to nearly 35 million pounds per year and led to more consistent quality, according to the company.
“Our customers will reap the benefits and get the biggest return on investment from our changes,” said CEO David Bender in a news release.
Pure Tech spokeswoman Julie Schaefer said the investment includes an enhanced water system that recycles water and reduces the amount of water used. The firm redesigned its wash line for continuous batch washing that boosts its output of food-packaging and bottle-grade flake. The redesign includes a patent-pending microprocessor, special liquid control and high-powered washing for consistent quality.
Schaefer said Pure Tech sources its used PET bottles from Northeast states with bottle-deposit programs, plus Michigan and Iowa. The firm's flake has non-objection status from the Food and Drug Administration and international agencies. Pure Tech estimates customers save nearly 20 percent when using the company's flake vs. solid-stated recycled PET.
Pure Tech also renovated other equipment, acquired additional bottle grinders, increased capabilities for metal separation and installed an automated screen changer. More improvements and expansion are planned for later this year.
Six new jobs were created in the program, including two in quality assurance.
Pure Tech is a unit of Re:Think Recycling Group of Chicago.
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