Extrusion International 2-2025

33 Extrusion International 2/2025 for food packaging. This outstand- ing performance is achieved using a Gneuss OMNI recycling system, which combines advanced degas- sing with the MRS extruder and ne ltration with the RSFgenius system to effectively remove contaminants. Unlike other processes, this Gneuss technology requires no pre- or post- processing steps. Vacuum systems to remove contaminants from the de- gassed vapours complete the system, enabling previously unattainable re- cycling loops. Successful challenge tests and certi cations, including ap - provals from a North American and a Colombian food safety authority (INVIMA), con rm the exceptional decontamination ef ciency of the process, which exceeds global stan- dards and ensures safety under vari- ous storage conditions. The Gneuss OMNI recycling line at PLASTLIT is the rst of its kind in Lat - in America to recycle post-consumer polystyrene waste into food contact materials. This installation repre- sents a signi cant advancement in sustainable recycling solutions for the region. Since 2020, Ecuador has been at the forefront of Latin America's ef- forts to reduce single-use plastics and promote recycling. The legisla- tion includes bans on certain items, requirements for recyclable materi- als, improved waste management through public-private partnerships and initiatives to raise environmen- tal awareness. These measures cre- ate a win-win situation for recyclers, the environment and the food pack- aging industry, establishing Ecuador as a leader in promoting sustainabil- ity and a circular economy. "Our current focus is on incorpo- rating up to 18% recycled mate- rial into our nished products, and we’re very pleased with the prog- ress we’ve made so far," says Este- ban Simon. "Looking ahead, this is just the beginning. Our goal is to expand the use of recycled materi- als into industrial packaging for the food industry. This includes exible packaging solutions, such as sheets for dairy or yogurt manufacturers. Transitioning from food service to industrial packaging with recycled materials is a key area we are active- ly pursuing. When you think about plastic packaging in the future and recycled material, recycling and plastic must go hand in hand, and Gneuss is the right partner to make that vision a reality." Gneuss Kunststofftechnik GmbH Moenichhusen 42, 32549 Bad Oeynhausen, Germany www.gneuss.com Sorting polystyrene packaging from the post-consumer sector Food grade polystyrene packaging from Plastlit Michael Mieles - Operator, Josué Sellan - Operator, César Parra – Production Manager, Donato Álvarez – Process Engineer, Stalin Arias – Operator in front of the OMNI Recycling Line