Coperion starts operation of new Recycling Innovation Center

Coperion launched operation of its new Recycling Innovation Center in Niederbiegen near Weingarten, Germany, directly adjacent to Coperion’s existing Test Center for Bulk Solids Handling.

New Recycling Innovation Center in Niederbiegen near Weingarten, Germany.

This high-tech test center for plastics recycling applications allows testing of every recycling process step, from material handling and feeding to extrusion, compounding, pelletizing, material post-processing and deodorization.

Wide range of cutting-edge recycling technology

Coperion’s process engineers can modify available technologies so that recompounds are manufactured with the highest efficiency possible while maintaining consistently high level of product quality.

With constant base parameters of all Coperion technologies, results achieved can then be scaled up to production level.

Every new technological development from Coperion that optimizes plastics recycling has been integrated into the machinery of Recycling Innovation Center, and can be tested there.

The new Recycling Innovation Center is equipped with the latest technology for every essential recycling process step.

For example, in the area of material conveying, the energy-efficient FLUIDLIFT ecodry flash drying process is available in which moisture remaining in recycling grinds after the washing process is reduced during material transportation.

Another example is the MIX-A-LOT bulk solid mixer, which can create premixes including flakes or powders. And the buffer hopper solution using ARW discharge agitator, as well as the Smart Weigh Belt (SWB) feeder are integrated in the system.

Coperion also installed the ZS-B MEGAfeed side feeder, especially for extruding and compounding plastic recyclates with bulk densities starting as low as 20kg/m3 at high throughputs. With its innovative design, the side feeder handles flakes and fibers so that they can be fed into a ZSK twin screw extruder in large quantities without energy-intensive compacting.

“The new Recycling Innovation Center shows how important it is for us to advance technology that helps our customers work towards more sustainability solutions and a functioning circular economy,” concluded Frank Lechner, General Manager of Process Technology and Research & Development.