Plastic recycler Pekutherm sets course for expansion in Europe

Acrylic glass recyclate from Pekutherm

Pekutherm Kunststoffe GmbH of Geisenheim near Frankfurt am Main, Germany, a specialist in recycling thermoplastics such as acrylic glass (polymethylmethacrylate, PMMA) and polycarbonate (PC), plans to accelerate its European expansion. Heiko Pfister, Managing Partner of Pekutherm, identifies Italy, Spain, France, and the Baltic States as key target markets for expansion. Additionally, the company plans to broaden its operations in Northern Europe, building on its existing presence in Denmark and Finland.

Pekutherm’s expansion is driven by environmental and climate concerns rather than purely economic considerations, assures Managing Partner Heiko Pfister. According to his research, Europe generates approximately 30,000 tonnes of PMMA waste annually. Of this, 5,000 tonnes are recycled in Geisenheim for reuse, while the rest is processed elsewhere, often ending in incineration. “A significant portion is collected in Europe and shipped to Asia, where the recycling rate is likely very low,” Pfister warns. His plan for Pekutherm is to double the PMMA recycling volume to 10,000 tonnes within the next three years. This effort will also include an additional 1,000 tonnes of polycarbonate (PC) and 1,000 tonnes of other plastics already being recycled in Geisenheim. “For every 100 tonnes of recycled material used, nearly 500 tonnes of carbon dioxide can be saved,” explains Pfister, highlighting the climate protection benefits of the circular economy. He further emphasizes that the recycled materials meet new raw material standards in terms of purity and quality, underscoring the environmental benefits of reusing these resources.

Precision Sorting: Hands-on Expertise at Pekutherm

Manual removal of polyethylene film

At Pekutherm, a team of approximately 25 skilled specialists meticulously separates various types of plastic waste by hand. Each item undergoes a thorough process: after any applied film is removed, it’s inspected visually and by touch, and then sorted accordingly. Heiko Pfister, reflecting on their methods, emphasizes, “We require one hundred percent type-specific separation, which no technology can reliably achieve.” Despite experimenting with infrared and other detection methods, Pfister notes, “The margin of error remains too high.” Pfister, as CEO, underscores their commitment to delivering flawless quality: “Our customers rightfully demand one hundred percent pure recyclate for their production. A single sorting mistake can render an entire batch unusable, placing us at significant economic risk.” This stringent focus ensures Pekutherm consistently meets the exacting standards required by their clientele.

After sorting, Pekutherm’s thermoplastic waste is granulated in precision granulators and delivered to the customer dust-free. “Our recyclates have the same processing properties as virgin material,” assures Heiko Pfister.

There are two main advantages for the customers of this quality-conscious medium-sized company. Firstly, the materials supplied by Pekutherm are more cost-effective than virgin materials. Secondly, and of greater importance to many, as noted by Heiko Pfister, “our customers can legitimately promote their commitment to a sustainable circular economy.” The customers themselves process the granulate into a finished product, such as acrylic glass panes.

Securing Recycling Material Supply

Pekutherm relies on a steady stream of materials to sustain its recycling operations. As part of its international expansion efforts, the company is actively seeking partners who can provide PMMA or PC remnants. To facilitate this initiative, Pekutherm provides specialized collection boxes for on-site waste collection. Once filled, these containers are transported to the Geisenheim plant where the contents are processed into granules.

Manufacturers across Europe committed to fostering a circular economy for the betterment of climate and environmental protection are highly sought-after as partners. Highlighting this initiative, Pekutherm CEO Heiko Pfister references the “Closing the loop” project by Exolon Group, a leading producer of polycarbonate sheets. Under this program, customers of Exolon Group are encouraged to collaborate with Pekutherm as their recycling partner for offcuts and waste materials generated during new material purchases. Pekutherm facilitates this process by providing complimentary collection containers known as Ecoboxes, which are retrieved when full. The company compensates based on the quantity of waste collected. Following processing at the Geisenheim facility, the resulting granulate becomes available to manufacturers like Exolon Group for reuse in their production cycles.