Extrusion International 6-2024-USA

47 Extrusion International 6/2024 sults in an especially high devolatilization capacity in this type of extruder. Live demonstrations: Insights into the details On both days of the conference, guests could witness the newest developments in action during live demon- strations in the Recycling Innovation Center. The added value of individual technologies was demonstrated on running systems, along with their impacts on the entire recycling process. The processing of PCR film flakes with a bulk density of 30 kg/m3 into rPE compounds was demonstrated live during the event. The interplay of the ARW discharge agitator and the Smart Weigh Belt (SWB) feeder pro- vided even feeding of fluffy and voluminous raw ma - terials. The ZS-B MEGAfeed side feeder compacted the film flakes so they could be fed into the ZSK 58 MC 18 recycling extruder at a very high throughput to be com- pounded. The melt was then filtered and processed into rPE granulate in an underwater pelletizer. Attendees had the opportunity to see the benefits of Coperion’s twin screw extruders’ self-cleaning screw profiles and mixing properties by observing an STS 25 twin screw extruder in operation. Fillers and reinforcing materials were added to the recyclate in varying quanti- ties, demonstrating how quickly recipe changes can be implemented on Coperion extruders without cleaning effort or product loss. Attendees asked a range of questions following the presentations and engaged in lively discussions during breaks and live demonstrations, illustrating the need for information in the field of plastics recycling. Participants repeatedly expressed amazement at the wide range of opportunities available, even within their own compa- nies, to increase the efficiency of plastics recycling, with short-term ROI and increased quality consistency. “The Recycling Days 2 exceeded our expectations. The in- terest and the atmosphere were both outstanding. These two days made it clear that we are on the right track and are sustainably driving the rate of plastics recycling for- ward as we continue to make adjustments to further in- crease the efficiency of the process and the attractiveness of plastics recycling,“ said Massimo Serapioni, General Manager of the Recycling Business Unit at Coperion. Coperion www.coperion.com Herbold Meckesheim GmbH www.herbold.com Jochen Schofer, Head of Sales Recycling at Coperion, demonstrated how the choice of extruder technology can impact both the overall process efficiency as well as end product quality in plastics recycling Europe’s First Polyester Textile Recycling System Realised Project Re:Claim, a joint venture between the Salvation Army Trading Company and Project Plan B, has been nominated for the Plastics Industry Awards 2024 in the "Recycler of the Year" category. Using an ISEC evo system from PURE LOOP to process used garments and other textiles, the project is Europe’s first polyester textile recycling system. The UK produces more than half a million tonnes of polyester textile waste every year. Project Re:Claim aims to recycle post-industrial and post-consumer clothing and textiles. The focus is on the recycling of post-indus- trial polyester from contract textiles for hospitals or ho- tels (e.g. bed and table linen), workwear and school uni- forms, as well as promotional banners (e.g. printed sports banners). The fabrics and textiles come from controlled material streams (closed-loop systems), ensuring mini- mal impurities. The recycling technology used is an ISEC evo 302 E from PURE LOOP. This innovative technology, developed by the EREMA Group’s member, enables effi - cient production of high-quality rPET from textile waste. The ISEC evo produces high-quality rPET from used polyester textiles, which can be spun into yarn for use in textiles along with other industrial applications