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Complete PET bottle recycling solution from a single source

Coperion and Herbold Meckesheim deliver bottle-to-bottle recycling plant solutions

PET LINE COLOR 2

Coperion and Herbold Meckesheim are collaborating technologies for the design and construction of entire PET bottle-to-bottle recycling plant. In addition to mechanical processing of used PET bottles, the recycling system encompasses all process steps leading up to extrusion with a ZSK twin screw extruder, including pelletizing and an SSP (Solid State Polycondensation) reactor.

The PET bottle recycling systems are designed for a throughput of 5,500 kg/h. They deliver PET recyclate that is approved by the European Food Safety Administration (EFSA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for direct contact with food.

Coperion’s and Herbold Meckesheim’s bottle-to-bottle plants enable all recyclates to be processed together, even if they exhibit different IV (Intrinsic Viscosity) values or fluctuating bulk densities. Additionally, the Coperion-Herbold solution saves on operating costs, logistics costs, and energy consumption in comparison to conventional PET recycling processes.

The bottle-to-bottle recycling system first processes the PET bottles into flakes. For this purpose, Herbold uses granulators with forced feeding and washing system technologies that efficiently and gently process the PET to minimize material loss due to fines formation and thus maximize yield.

This preprocessing is followed by conveying and feeding into the ZSK recycling twin screw extruder. There, the PET regrind is gently melted, intensively dispersed, and processed into a homogeneous mass. The ZSK’s twin screw technology efficiently transfers the energy into the melt. Thanks to the twin screw extruder’s high 18 Nm/cm³ torque, the PET’s residence time in the extruder is short. Processing takes place at low temperatures, polymer chain degradation is minimal, and the product quality achieved is high. Volatile components such as monomers, oligomers and water are removed from the melt and purged.

Following discharge from the ZSK recycling extruder, the still-warm material stream is transferred via a gear pump to an underwater granulator and an SSP reactor, where it is then condensed and decontaminated.

Coperion and Herbold Meckesheim design especially efficient plants for plastic recycling – from mechanical pretreatment to finished pellets.

Herbold Meckesheim USA, a subsidiary of Herbold Meckesheim Germany, designs, manufactures, and installs size-reduction equipment (shredders, granulators, etc.) and wash-line systems for the plastics industry, specializing in the recycling of industrial and post-consumer plastics.

COPERION AND HERBOLD MECKESHEIM AT CHINAPLAS 2023

Pioneering technologies for the compounding and recycling of plastics and for the production of bioplastics

Enhanced plastics compounding, recycling and processing of bioplastics

At this year's Chinaplas, Coperion will be presenting the versatile and efficient processing applications of its ZSK and STS twin screw extruders as well as its engineering expertise in groundbreaking applications such as the recycling of plastics and the production of bioplastics. A ZSK 58 Mc18 twin screw extruder with a specific torque of 18 Nm/cm³ will be on display, characterized by its consistently high throughput capacity with first-class product quality. It has been locally assembled at Coperion’s manufacturing site in Nanjing, China. With the assembly in China, Coperion is able to react as fast as possible to customer demand. Customers benefit from local added value, transport and tax savings as well as from shorter delivery times. Even after-sales services are customized to local parts and needs. The ZSK ZSK 58 Mc18 extruder will be outfitted with a Coperion K-Tron K-ML-SFS-KT20 twin screw loss-in-weight feeder.

In addition to compounding and recycling, Coperion extruders are suitable for the production of bioplastics. This process places very high demands on the extrusion system due to the diversity of base polymers being used and the variety of recipes. Coperion has already realized numerous systems for the production of bioplastics and therefore has comprehensive engineering know-how in designing the process steps needed to achieve the required mechanical properties of the bioplastic end product.

The STS 25 Mc11 laboratory extruder that Coperion will show at Chinaplas, has a 25 mm screw diameter and features a simple design. It is operator-friendly and easy to clean. By having the same screw diameter ratio Do/Di of 1.55 and the same maximum specific torque Md/a³ of 11.3 Nm/cm³ as the entire STS Mc11 extruder series, production parameters can be reliably scaled up to a larger STS model. To extend the process window, Coperion has increased the screw speed of the STS 25 Mc11 to 1,200 min-1. This way the laboratory extruder is ideally suited for recipe development and basic scientific research with small batch sizes of 2 kg and achieves throughput rates of up to 110 kg/h. The STS 25 Mc11 which Coperion will exhibit at Chinaplas will be shown with a Colormax Systems C/S-LW-NT28 twin screw loss-in-weight feeder.

Complete plastics recycling plants from a single source

Together, Coperion and Herbold Meckesheim realize entire plants for plastics recycling. From mechanical processing – shredding, washing, separating, drying and agglomerating of plastics – to bulk material handling as well as feeding and extrusion all the way to compounding and pelletizing, their systems cover the entire process chain for reclaiming plastics.
Coperion and Herbold Meckesheim achieve solutions for mechanical recycling of post-industrial and post-consumer waste, chemical recycling, solvent-based recycling, and deodorization, tailored to the type of plastic being recycled. Together, they will be showing a PET recycling plant simulation at Chinaplas, demonstrating their expertise in numerous plastics recycling processes. Booth visitors can look directly into the process steps and view the construction and functionality of key technologies.

Coperion K-Tron feeders for maximum flexibility

Also on display will be a high-accuracy Coperion K-Tron K2-ML-D5-T35/S60 quick change feeder, featuring the ActiFlow™ smart bulk solid activator and Electronic Pressure Compensation (EPC) in combination with a 2400 Series vacuum receiver for refill. The T35/S60 quick change feeder (QC) on display is designed for applications requiring quick changeover of materials and convenience of fast cleaning. The QC feeder allows for fast removal of the entire feeding module with screws in place for replacement with a second unit. Twin and single screw feeding modules are available.

The ActiFlow™ smart bulk solid activator offers an innovative method to reliably prevent bridging and rat-holing of cohesive bulk materials in stainless steel hoppers without internal hopper agitation. The smart flow aid applies gentle vibrations to the hopper wall, hereby carefully activating the contained material with the optimal amplitude and frequency. It is designed specifically to work with Coperion K-Tron’s line of gravimetric loss-in-weight feeders.

2400 Series vacuum receivers provide a high-capacity sequencing system primarily used where larger conveying rates or long distances are required, in applications with one or multiple destinations. They are designed to high quality standards for pneumatically conveying powder, pellets and granular materials for most industries. Conveying rates range from 327 to 6,804 kg/h (720 to 15,000 lb/h). The 2415 pellet receiver will be on display at Chinaplas 2023.

Hillenbrand to Acquire Herbold

HILLENBRAND TO ACQUIRE HERBOLD MECKESHEIM, EXPANDING CUSTOMER OFFERING FOR COMPLETE RECYCLING SOLUTIONS

Hillenbrand, Inc. (NYSE: HI) has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Herbold Meckesheim GmbH (Herbold) for an enterprise value of approximately €79 million.The transaction is expected to close during the fiscal fourth quarter of 2022, subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions.

Based in Meckesheim, Germany, Herbold is a leader in recycling systems, specializing in key process steps such as washing, separating, drying, shredding, and pulverizing. With annual revenue of more than €50 million, Herbold is highly complementary to the equipment and solutions offered under our Coperion brand and will accelerate Hillenbrand’s growth opportunities in the recycling end market. At the completion of this transaction, Herbold will join the Coperion and Rotex brands as part of Hillenbrand’s Advanced Process Solutions (APS) segment. The APS segment is focused on highly engineered industrial processing solutions and aftermarket parts and services for a variety of end markets and applications.

“I am very excited to announce the acquisition of Herbold, which reinforces our commitment to growing as a world-class industrial company, executing our strategy to deliver long-term shareholder value, and accelerating our efforts to support a more sustainable future,” said Kim Ryan, President and CEO of Hillenbrand. “Herbold expands our position in the recycling end market, which has attractive, long-term growth prospects due to macro demand drivers for durable plastics and the desire for more sustainable solutions. Herbold will have a strong strategic fit with our Coperion brand, and together, we will be able to offer complete recycling solutions to our customers. Finally, we expect to enhance Herbold’s performance through the deployment of the Hillenbrand Operating Model and utilization of our global sales and service capabilities.” 

About Hillenbrand

Hillenbrand is a global industrial company operating in over 40 countries with over 10,000 associates serving a wide variety of industries around the world. Guided by our Purpose — Shape What Matters For Tomorrow™ — we pursue excellence, collaboration, and innovation to consistently shape solutions that best serve our associates, customers, communities, and other stakeholders. Hillenbrand's portfolio includes brands such as Coperion, Milacron Injection Molding & Extrusion, and Mold-Masters, in addition to Batesville.

Hot Wash System for Recycling Polyolefins

HOT WASH SYSTEM FOR RECYCLING POLYOLEFINS

Drawing from its vast assortment of proven plastics recycling equipment, Herbold can custom configure Wash Plants for polyolefins capable of producing high-quality, food grade recyclates.

While each wash plant is designed around the user’s specific requirements and facility characteristics, all feature a multi-stage process usually consisting of pre-shredding, pre-washing / initial separation, granulation, high density separation, and drying.

Pre-shredding is typically done in a single-shaft shredder such as the Herbold 60/120. With a 23.5” diameter rotor and 60 individual knives, these rugged machines can accept entire bales of contaminated waste and process up to 13,000 lbs. per hour.

Washing takes place in a VWE-60 pre-washing unit which employees a 3-step process of sink/swim to remove heavy materials, intensive spray wash to loosen and remove embedded sediment and an additional sink/swim to further eliminate remaining sediment.

Further size reduction takes place in a wet granulator such as the Herbold 80/120. The wet operation provides additional separation of particles and contaminants from materials.

Additional high-density separation of contaminants and recyclate occurs in a Hydrocyclone. The extreme centrifugal force of the Hydrocylcone provides separation that exceeds conventional methods by a factor of 15 ensuring the level of purity necessary for food grade recyclate.

After final separation, materials are conveyed to either a mechanical or thermal dryer for removal of residual moisture prior to use or storage.

Fantastic Plastic orders second recycling system from Herbold

Five times more flakes from recycled PET bottles

Herbold Meckesheim GmbH obtained a new major order in December: it will supply a largescale plant for plastic recycling to Fantastic Plastic. Fantastic Plastic is considered to be the producer of the highest quality PET flakes in Russia. The first production line of the recyclate manufacturer was also supplied by the Meckesheim-based special machinery manufacturer Herbold.

In 2019, Fantastic Plastic's plant in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, went into operation. Since then, together with Herbold Meckesheim and the downstream manufacturers, elaborate trials have been conducted to refine the process. The goal that has now been achieved is that the quality of the granules meets the strict regulations for food packaging and can be used bottle-to-bottle.

The fact that Herbold maintains a technical center at its headquarters in Meckesheim, which can be used for trials of all kinds, was of great benefit here.

Thanks to closely coordinated planning – the project is now starting in January – periods of downtime in main production are largely avoided during the installation of the machines. Fantastic Plastic aims to use the new recycling line to boost its granulate output to 35,000 metric tons per year, a fivefold increase. The Russian company has invested a good 10 million dollars in this project. It is expected to create around 180 new jobs at the site.

View A Video Tour of the Plant

Fantastic Plastic chooses Herbold Washline

Fantastic Plastic Chooses Herbold Washing line for new Secondary Polymer processing plant in Nizhny Novgorod RUSSIA

The plant which relies heavily on a Herbold Washing Line will process high-pressure polyethylene (LDPE), low-pressure polyethylene (HDPE) and PET bottles. PETF - flex (transparent and color), LDPE, HDPE and HDPE granulate will be produced from them. 

The plant's capacity is 20 thousand tons of per year. The complex includes: a PET processing line - 1500 kg / h, a LDPE and HDPE processing line - 700 kg / h.

“We plan to reach full capacity in the first quarter of 2020" said Sergey Khalevsky, Director General of Fantastic Plastic Plant.

View A Video Tour of the Plant

Siegfried Engel Retires

Siegfried EngelAfter a distinguished career that spanned nearly 30 years at Herbold Meckesheim, Vice President of Sales Siegfried Engel is retiring at the end of June 2018. Since his start in 1989 he has made countless trips to the United States and has visited hundreds of customers in support of Herbold's global sales efforts. "He never hesitated to go above and beyond when it came to supporting me or my team here at Herbold USA" said president David Lefrancois. "Shortly after I arrived at Herbold we began calling him American Siegfried. I will miss him personally and professionally." Lefrancois added.

Although retiring, Mr. Engel has no immediate plans to slow down. In addition to spending more time with his wife Claudia, daughters Franziska and Frederike, and his grandson Nolan, he plans to travel for pleasure and continue working in support of Claudia's business.

NPE Show Gets off to a Fast Start for Herbold

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The Calm Before the Storm! - The Herbold Booth Minutes Before the Show Opening

NPE 2018 was billed as the largest US Plastics Show ever. If day one is any indication, it's living up to its billing.

The Herbold Booth is filled with equipment and traffic has been non-stop. Interest has been coming from companies here in North America and around the globe. At last count we had spoken to prospects from 11 countries. 

Interest in Size Reduction and Washline products is running about equal which is a great sign for Herbold and the plastics industry as a whole. 

So, if you're at the show or heading there make sure you stop by booth W7545 and say hello. 

siegfried team

Photo: Left to Right: Tim Angell, Herbold USA Southeast Regional Manager, Siegfried Engel, Vice President of Marketing, Herbold Meckeshiem, Eric Shankman, Herbold USA West Regional Manager

Recycling Technology from Herbold Meckesheim

Bottle-to-Bottle Flakes with FDA Approval in Honduras

The recycling company INVEMA (www.invemagroup.com) commissioned a plant for the recycling of PET bottles in Honduras at the end of 2016 in order to produce bottle-to-bottle quality with FDA approval. In Honduras the collection rate of PET bottles amounts to 84 %. Today, 2000 tons of PET bottles per month are treated with the plant technology from Herbold Meckesheim, nevertheless, bottles have to be imported in order to use the plant to full capacity.

High regeneration quality

In a multi-stage process, the bottles are pre-sorted, size-reduced, washed cold and hot and after drying forwarded to a flake sorting step. After sorting, the PET bottles are size reduced with two Herbold granulators with a capacity of 1800 kg/h

The hot washing line for PET bottle flakes from Herbold Meckesheim guarantees a high regeneration quality at INVEMA. A secondary cleaning of the PO fraction is carried out in a hydrocyclone separation step. The plant was created in a second step for the treatment of the polyolefine fraction from the recycling process, i.e. the caps and labels of the bottles. A second expansion step is in preparation. Its aim is to produce Food Grade PET Pellets, produced from Herbold Washed Flakes.

. For any further information on Herbold washing plants >>

"Local Bottler is enthusiastic..."

After regranulation the end product is sold to a Major Beverage Brand. The owner of INVEMA, George Gatlin, states in an interview: “They are enthusiastic about the quality of the regranulate that we produce...” and how he, an ordinary bottle collector, founded INVEMA with 470 members of staff. INVEMA Story>>

Herbold Meckesheim is your specialist for granulators, shredders, pulverizers, plastcompactors (agglomerators) as well as for complete plants but also for single components for washing, separating and drying of contaminated plastics.

Herbold Plastcompactor Features New Force Feed System

of HV Plastcompactor Densifiers used to agglomerate low bulk density material. The resulting agglomerate has a higher bulk density than the source material with improved flow characteristics.


While traditional gravity feeding is appropriate in some cases, it is not ideal for materials like carpet fiber, film or polystyrene.
The new force feeder mechanism uses an auger to convey material at a higher and more consistent feed rate to deliver increased throughput and reduced energy consumption.


Continuous material processing takes place between a rotating and a fixed compaction disc. Both discs are equipped with screw mounted, replaceable kneading rails. Pre-granulated material moves through the center of the fixed disc into the processing chamber where it is rapidly heated by the two discs.


Three sizes of HV Plastcompactors are available offering throughputs as high as 2,600 – 3,000 lbs. per hour.


Herbold Meckesheim USA, a subsidiary of Herbold Meckesheim Germany, designs, manufactures, and installs size-reduction equipment (shredders, granulators, etc.) and wash-line systems for the plastics industry, specializing in the recycling of industrial and post-consumer plastics.

Force Fed Granulator

SMITHFIELD, RI — Herbold USA has announced the availability of a new force fed granulator for size reduction of PET bottles. The Model SMS 100/160-9-2 SB3 features a rotor that is 20% larger than current offerings. The additional size and mass of the rotor allows the granulator to operate at higher throughput rates (up to 7 tons per hour).

Material is fed into the destruction chamber via a screw fed mechanism that utilizes 3 vertically mounted feeding screws. This feeding method offers several advantages over gravity feeding including consistent, even feed rates, reduced power consumption, no material flyback, quieter operation, less wear on the cutting chamber, and reduced fines and dust.

The unique knife geometry which positions inclined rotor and stator knives at the same, but opposing angles provides a true double cross cutting action.

Herbold Meckesheim USA, a subsidiary of Herbold Meckesheim Germany, designs, manufactures, and installs size-reduction equipment (shredders, granulators, etc.) and wash-line systems for the plastics industry, specializing in the recycling of industrial and post-consumer plastics.