WEIMA shredding technology enables sustainable IBC recycling in Denmark
Nestled in Vamdrup, Denmark, Dansk Emballage has spent over 30 years perfecting the art of industrial packaging recycling. Specializing in Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs), drums, jerrycans, and pallets, the company operates an ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified facility that breathes new life into used containers from Scandinavia's chemical and food industries. Their comprehensive process includes collection, cleaning, repair, and when necessary, complete material recycling, ensuring nothing goes to waste.
At the heart of the operation roars the WEIMA W5.18 single-shaft shredder, a powerhouse specifically engineered for large-volume plastic processing. Its 500mm V-rotor and 1,800mm working length combine with intelligent Siemens PLC controls to deliver remarkable throughput. The unit's clever design features, including an oversized inspection hatch and efficient swing ram feed system, handle 16kg IBC containers with surprising speed, reducing them to uniform 60mm fragments in remarkably short cycles.
WEIMA W5.18 single-shaft shredder, a powerhouse specifically engineered for large-volume plastic processing.
Dansk Emballage's process begins with meticulous preparation: removing all non-plastic components before shredding. The WEIMA system then elevates efficiency with several innovative features: an integrated water injection system that pre-cleans material while shredding, specialized rotor protection against wear, and real-time process monitoring via internal cameras.
The shredded material undergoes further refinement through a granulator and friction washer combination that meticulously cleans and sizes the plastic flakes. This two-stage approach ensures the resulting recyclate meets exacting quality standards for reuse.
About 35% of the processed material finds its way back into new IBC production, creating a genuine circular economy solution that resonates with environmentally conscious customers. The choice of WEIMA equipment came after extensive market evaluation, with Staffeldt noting, the combination of machine performance and local support made WEIMA the clear partner for our operation.
"Every day, our employees work on a mission: to do something good for the environment. With our customized and intelligent solutions, we continuously optimize the recycling cycle for the benefit of our planet," explains Managing Director Martin Schack Staffeldt. "Plastic is not a bad material but a good one when it is recycled and not burned or disposed of in nature."
This comprehensive recycling approach demonstrates how industrial-scale sustainability can be both ecologically sound and commercially viable, setting a benchmark for packaging recycling across Scandinavia.
