(K-Interview) Starlinger demonstrates new sack production and PET recycling process
Starlinger had two booths at K 2022. The main booth focused on textile packaging machines and the other booth focused on recycling technology. During the exhibition, Adsale Plastics Network (AdsaleCPRJ.com) talked to the company’s Managing Partner, Mrs. Angelika Huemer.
For packaging application, Starlinger demonstrated the production of AD*STAR* block bottom valve sacks with 22% recycled contents on the new sack conversion line ad*starKON SXneo. Big bags with rPP content produced by Starlinger customers were on display as well.
“This kind of bags is now standard bag in China. We sold more than 150 lines to China, which is about (the production of) 8 billion bags per year,” said Mrs. Angelika Huemer. “There is still a big demand for this kind of bags especially for the cement industry.”
With the demonstration, Starlinger proved using recycled materials in the complex woven plastic packaging process is possible. It is noteworthy that Starlinger lines can produce and process woven fabric not only with rPP, but also with recycled PET.
Starlinger also showcased the recoSTAR PET art, the company’s latest plant model in the field of PET bottle-to-bottle recycling.
Apart from Starlinger's established technologies such as decontamination performance for food contact applications and high rPET pellet quality, the plant is characterized by low energy consumption and simplified maintenance.
During the trade fair, the company held an in-house exhibition at its site in Germany, where the new recoSTAR PET art was in operation.
Looking ahead, Mrs. Angelika Huemer expects that 2023 to be a good year for Starlinger, as it is already fully booked for the company’s textile packaging and recycling production. The only concern is whether the supply chain disruption can be overcome.
“We only have the problem for the supple chain, which it will take a couple of months for us to build the machine completely due to the missing electronic parts,” she explained. “The order income is great. Our recycling, circular packaging and sheet for recycled materials are blooming.”
