WASHING | TECHNOLOGY


Making a difference with


quality washing systems A high quality washing process is essential for improvements in recyclate standards and their wider re-use in the circular economy. Mark Holmes looks at some new developments


The washing process is fundamental in a successful plastics recycling operation and new technologies are emerging to improve the procedure and the quality of recyclates. However, despite the recent problems in the global economy, there remains strong demand for high quality washing systems. The Covid-19 pandemic is having an impact on


the current plastics recycling market, reports Herbold Meckesheim. “A slowdown of plant operations has impacted short term investment decisions in new equipment, with numerous projects on hold or postponed,” says Daniel Zeiler, Vice-President of Sales at the company. “However, despite that we continue to see a trend for technolo- gies that allow high quality recycling of plastics. As well as advanced sorting, it is washing and cleaning


www.plasticsrecyclingworld.com


that is key. The EU targets for increasing plastics recycling and reuse of recyclates in products have not changed. Recent discussions regarding taxation for virgin material in plastics products and the announcement of the first implementation in Spain show that supporting boundary conditions to drive the circular economy are being set. The demand for washing technologies remains high and even in difficult Covid times customers have placed major orders for wash line systems, resulting in an all-time high order intake for Herbold Meckesheim.” He continues: “In addition, as well as mechanical


plastics recycling operations we are increasingly seeing more projects where washing and cleaning technology is demanded to prepare feed material for chemical recycling. Often homogeneous granules


July/August 2020 | PLASTICS RECYCLING WORLD 43


Main image: Herbold Meckesheim hot wash system


IMAGE: HERBOLD


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