INNOVATION | POST-INDUSTRIAL RECYCLING


Right: Technology opening at Hansgrohe (left to right): David Zapf, Hansgro- he’s lead on the project; Stefan Eisert, Manag- ing Director of ImpulsTec, and Frank Semling, COO of Hansgrohe


Production scrap arises in most plastics factories, such as injection moulding facilities. Chrome-effect plastics present unique recycling challenges and the production process can lead to a significant amount of scrap and rejected items. This is why Germany-based supplier of bathroom and kitchen plumbing ware, Hansgrohe Group, has developed its own method for tackling chrome-plated ABS waste.


Developed with plant manufacturer ImpulsTec,


the system de-coats galvanised ABS plastic from production waste so the PIR material can be reused directly in new components. ImpulsTec, based in Radebeul, Germany, specialises in high-voltage pulse technology and industrial shock wave systems for material fragmentation and recycling, and built the machinery. “This world-first closes the material cycle


on-site,” said Frank Semling, Deputy Chairman of the executive board at Hansgrohe, during an event showcasing the technology in June 2024.


Metal and plastic The innovative machine uses electro-hydraulic shock wave technology alongside pre-shredding and magnetic separation. It processes 100 tonnes of chrome-plated ABS annually – enough to produce about one million hand-held showers. Recovered metals, mainly copper and nickel, are sold for smelting, while de-coated ABS is reused in Hansgrohe’s injection moulding operations, enabling the reuse of around 98% of materials. Recycling was technically challenging due to the


strong plastic-metal bond essential for product durability. Previously, rejected components were


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IMAGE: HANSGROHE


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