Compounding at K 2022 – contribution to an effective circular economy

At K 2022, the leading business platform for the plastics and rubber industries, SÜDPACK and Coperion will be sending a strong message this year when it comes to a circular economy. From 19 to 26 October at the Coperion stand CE 09 in the Circular Economy Forum, the two companies will be presenting an exemplary technical application for special compounds based on PIR recyclates, which SÜDPACK produces using the ZSK twin screw extruder from Coperion.

One of SÜDPACK’s key objectives is to close recyclable material loops in the packaging industry. The film manufacturer is focusing in particular on the recovery of recyclable materials with mechanical and chemical recycling as well as on the production of compounds based on PIR recyclates for a wide variety of applications. These compounds can be developed using both conventional and bio-based raw materials and used for injection molding, extrusion and filament and – thanks to SÜDPACK’s unparalleled expertise – even for solutions that are technically demanding. They can be optimally adapted to meet the specific needs of customers, for example in terms of their mechanical properties, resistance to chemicals or antistatic properties.

Compounds – versatile reusable materials that deliver real added value

The SÜDPACK compounds are certified according to the criteria of the “International Sustainability and Carbon Certification System” (ISCC Plus) – an independent international certification system that is used to ensure the exact and full traceability of the materials used for the compounds along the entire value and supply chain. Compounds are impressive when it comes to sustainability as well because they conserve resources and reduce waste. Above all, they are characterized by their small carbon footprint.

Production of valuable compounds on a twin screw extruder

The compounds are produced on a ZSK 45 Mc¹⁸ twin screw extruder made by Coperion. The extruder is equipped with gravimetric twin screw and single screw feeders made by Coperion K-Tron. They are known for their very high reliability and precision when feeding the compacted and agglomerated film waste into the twin screw extruder.

The twin screw extruders in the ZSK Mc¹⁸ model range handle products very carefully – while simultaneously impressing with their high specific torque of 18 Nm/cm³. Thanks to the very short residence time of the product in the twin screw extruder, they achieve tremendous throughput rates with a reduced compound temperature and a consistently high level of product quality.

The compounds …

… can be used for injection molded housing components in the household appliances sector. For example, for the cordless vacuums and new Kobold VK7 modular cleaning system from Vorwerk, which will be on display at the Coperion stand. The family-run business has not only been committed to the quality and durability of its products from the very beginning, but now increasingly to sustainability as well. They are working resolutely on replacing conventional components with ecological alternatives and on constantly increasing the amount of recyclate used in their products. The new Kobold VK7 is an excellent example.

In addition to showcasing the products, the project partners Coperion, SÜDPACK and Vorwerk will be presenting their joint solution during a talk as part of the Circular Economy Forum. The talk is planned for 3:30 pm on 24 October.