Vecoplan and Pla.to have joined forces to deliver a smoother customer experience for plastic recyclers.
Both Germany-based companies manufacture machines for processing plastic waste. They have had joint customers since 2007 and in the past two years have been coordinating their cleaning technologies. Now, customers will be able to receive cleaning solutions from a single source.
In the past two years, Vecoplan, based in Westerwald, has been operating a demonstration and testing facility for its cleaning and separating technologies. The Cleanic plant focusses on cutting back the use of water and energy in the cleaning of bottles or film made from LDPE, HDPE, and PP. It replaces conventional prewash with mechanical dry cleaning, lowering the use of fresh water and significantly reducing the amount of wastewater.
Görlitz-based Pla.to, in turn, also offers machinery for dry cleaning. Its wastewater-free cleaning technology consists of a centrifuge made of hardened steel for wear-resistance. Inside the centrifuge, a rotor with hardened blades rotates surrounded by a filter basket through which loosened contaminants pass and are sucked out of the machine by a strong vacuum. Performance is improved through an integrated fan that prevents blockages. The centrifuge is equipped with a cleaning system which forces the separated contaminants and fibres out of the machine, allowing for uninterrupted operation over long periods of time.
The new partnership comes as Vecoplan announced its intention to ‘intensify its expertise’ in the area of chemical recycling. The chemical processing of plastics is ‘becoming increasingly important’ for the company, which cited the upcoming PPWR recycled content targets as the key instigator.
Vecoplan defied odds in 2023. In a year that was tough for a lot of recyclers, Vecoplan saw record revenue and profit. This year, it is planning a €13 million investment to expand capacity at its production site in Bad Marienberg.
Vecoplan is exhibiting at PRSE in Amsterdam next week. Visit it at booth D50.