TECHNOLOGY | WASHING
Right: MetaPure W-PET unit from Krones Recycling can process from 1,000 to 6,000 kg/hr
Each company owns a 50% stake in Blueone Solutions, to which shares of Lindner’s Washtech division were contributed. Blueone Solutions combines Lindner Washtech’s know-how as a specialist supplier in shredding, sorting, washing and drying technology and recycling systems with Erema Group’s deep knowledge in extrusion and filtering equipment for plastics recycling. The two companies presented the first results of
to achieve higher outputs. Recyclers, converters, private label bottlers and brand bottlers are likely users of the washing system, Krones said. Many parts of the unit are constructed in stainless steel for robustness. The company also offers the KIC Krones Col-
clean series of detergents and disinfectants that optimise the PET washing process to ensure the operating materials for the process and processing fit together for the most efficient operation. Krones Recycling also produces the MetaPure W in a configuration adapted to washing polyolefins. Its MetaPure W-PO keeps the process-related attributes of the Krones washing technology unchanged, such as caustic cleaning with caustic removal, multi-stage post-washer, a drying step and reliable removal of the sinking fraction and labels. Pre-cleaning sequences or an automated waste management system that reduces the operator’s workload are optional.
Teaming up In 2023, two Austrian equipment makers prominent in plastics recycling, Lindner Holding and the Erema Group, jointly founded Blueone Solutions, a new holding company which aims to leverage the expertise of both entities by adjusting and optimis- ing processes and conducting joint research projects that set industry standards and add value. According to the two business interests, poten-
Right: Manfred Hackl (left), CEO of Erema Group, and Michael Lackner, Managing Director of Lindner, whose companies have jointly founded Blueone Solutions
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tial new raw materials pass through several different recycling processes, which range from sorting, shredding, washing, and drying to extru- sion, which itself includes filtration, compounding, and odour optimisation. The biggest opportunity for the industry lies in fine tuning these individual recycling steps, which can bring about an increase in efficiency and can allow quality optimisation to be achieved, the companies said. Breaking new ground in plastics recycling means assessing the value chain from end to end. “A functioning circular economy is only possible by merging waste management with recycling management,” said Michael Lackner, Managing Director of Lindner.
PLASTICS RECYCLING WORLD | July/August 2024
www.plasticsrecyclingworld.com
synergies stemming from their Blueone Solutions joint venture at a tradeshow this year in Germany. According to Lackner, co-ordinating the process steps between recycling and extrusion has already achieved success in energy management, with heat recovery a clear example of the benefit. “We use the latent heat generated during the extrusion process as an energy source for the washing and drying process. This enables customers to sustainably reduce their energy costs and carbon emissions,” Lackner said. A more recent synergistic achievement is in the
area of data transfer and standardising the process control system. According to Manfred Hackl, CEO of Erema Group, the two companies have devel- oped a platform that allows data to be exchanged between the extruder and the washing system. “This enables us to analyse the data more precisely so that effective improvement measures can be deduced,” he said. All key parameters are taken into account and monitored via a digital interface. In example, it is possible to use information relating to the current throughput of an Erema Pre Condition- ing Unit to optimise the Lindner washing process as soon as possible, so that it can compensate for fluctuations in capacity and achieve a significant increase in output. Data transfer represents a new step on the road to digitalisation, Erema said. The two companies have several examples
where together they have improved recycling processes and made it possible to move away from downcycling. An example is the recycling loop of
IMAGE: KRONES
IMAGE: EREMA/LINDNER
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