SHREDDERS | SIZE REDUCTION


Shredder companies on upward trajectory


Major developers and suppliers of shredding technology are enjoying strong demand despite economic pressures in the plastics recycling sector. David Eldridge reports on their success


Shredders are indispensable pieces of machinery in a plastics recycling facility, performing the important step of size reduction at the front end of the plant. The vital need that recyclers have for shredders is reflected in success stories presented by leading suppliers of the technology. Hellweg Maschinenbau, for example, recently moved into a new administration building at its headquarters in Roetgen, Germany, which “creates space for successful further expansion”, said Mark Hellweg, Managing Director of the group. Although the company does not expect the previous two years’ record sales to be replicated in 2025, it said that innovative ideas and the cost-effectiveness of its machinery are “pillars that will continue to support success once the economy picks up”. “We have consistently digitalised our plastics


shredding systems and slimmed them down to achieve unprecedentedly low energy consump- tion,” said Mark Hellweg. “Over the last two years, we have been able to reap the rewards of this development work. Ever more users have been convinced by high levels of efficiency combined with the long service life of all installed compo- nents, and this combination will in future continue to be the foundation for securing a prominent position in the sector.” The company has not only expanded its prem-


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ises but also increased its staff. For example, Dirk Nebel joined the team as a project engineer recently. Hellweg has also switched product development to one of the most powerful CAD programs currently available and plans to intro- duce a new ERP system this year. “We’re continuing to focus on innovation and, above all, on digitalisa- tion, both of the company and its products,” said Hellweg. “We also want to open up new markets, which is why we will be demonstrating the particu- larly energy-efficient and low-dust operation of our shredding systems in areas other than just plastics.” Another major shredder group, Vecoplan, has also highlighted its strong position. The group said it could “look back on a successful financial year 2024, despite the difficult economic situation”, adding that it “was able to hold its own, irrespective of the tough economic conditions”. High demand for recycling solutions is giving the company confidence it can keep on course for growth. “We’re seeing a clear shift in public opinion


towards greater awareness of sustainability and CO2 reduction, and it’s having a noticeable positive effect on our order situation,” said Werner Berens, CEO of Vecoplan. The company was able to maintain its financial results at a stable level, in spite of the ongoing tense geopolitical situation. “We’ve mastered the challenges posed by uncer-


May/June 2025 | PLASTICS RECYCLING WORLD 25


Main image: The 50 mm perforated screen of an Untha


XR3000C Mobile-e shredder at RDG Recycling ensures that 90% of the material is smaller than 40 mm


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