For Epsotech, a manufacturer of extruded engineered polymer sheet materials, sustainability means, among other things, a focus on recycling, and above all, on recyclability.
“Especially in times when more sustainability is demanded from the plastics industry, we see it as our duty to focus our developments and innovations on the recyclability of our product range,” explained Matthias Stein, CEO of epsotech group.
To that end, epsotech is further investing in its group-wide recycling strategy. This includes, said Stein, exploring innovative recycling processes to keep remnant materials and scraps inside the value circle as well as expanding its customer take-back service.
“We also aim to offer a fully recyclable portfolio in the medium term and replace non-recyclable solutions in the market,” said Stein.
In addition to stepping up its recycling campaign, the group is also taking steps to align its organisation more closely with the evolving market. Specifically, this means that new segments will be added to the ‘Industrial Automotive’ and ‘Medical & Leisure’ segments already in place. These, however, are heavily focussed on solutions based on ABS and PO. The company is planning to create an independent ‘PS Segment’, and is weighing others, including a ‘Fibre’ and a ‘PVC’ segment, as well.
This realignment, which aims to increase epsotech’s responsiveness to the market, has also led to an adjustment of epsotech’s corporate goals. These are now focussed on boosting the recycling rate, while at the same time expanding both the company’s international presence and its product range.
One tangible sign of epsotech’s increased focus on recycling is the recently signed cooperation agreement with Plastix A/S - a Danish recycler specialised in marine plastics. Plastix A/S transforms used and scrapped fishing nets and ropes, which previously would have ended up in the sea or landfill, into high-quality plastic raw material - a ‘great story’, said Stein, and a great start.
“We have set ourselves the goal of noticeably increasing our developments in this area. With our new recycling campaign and the cooperation with Plastix A/S we have successfully initiated the transformation process," confirmed epsotech group CFO Michael Hangelmann.