Sesotec metal separation unit improves PET recycling

Revolutionizing PET Recycling: World PET’s Lasting Solution

In the heart of Northern Portugal, World PET Recycling, a subsidiary of the Logoplaste Group, is leading the charge in sustainable packaging solutions. Specializing in the recycling of polyethylene terephthalate (PET),World PET transforms post-consumer plastic bales into high-quality food-grade recycled PET (rPET).This commitment to circular economy practices results in the production of approximately 12,000 tons of rPET annually, primarily used in eco-kind packaging across Logoplaste’s global network.

The Challenge of Metal Contaminants

Recycling PET, though, presents a significant hurdle: the removal of metal contaminants. These foreign bodies, often introduced during collection, processing, or preparation stages, can severely compromise the quality of the final product. World PET previously relied on a standard metal separator, but this method led to considerable material loss. The entire contaminated fraction, including valuable PET, was discarded, impacting efficiency and driving up costs.

A Precise Solution for Enhanced Recycling

To address this challenge, World PET partnered with Sesotec, a leading provider of recycling solutions. Through Iberoacero, sesotec’s local representative, World PET implemented the RE-SORT RV 070 unit, a specialized metal separation system designed for heavily contaminated materials. This innovative technology acts as a secondary filter, re-inspecting the reject fraction from the initial metal separation process.

“This system leads to increased profitability, as less material needs to be discarded, while product quality is guaranteed to be metal-free.”

Benefits Beyond Efficiency

The RE-SORT unit utilizes a combination of magnetic separation and non-magnetic metal detection, effectively eliminating both magnetic and non-magnetic contaminants. This ensures the recovered PET is pure and suitable for high-quality applications. The system’s precise operation has enabled World PET to significantly reduce material loss, optimize production efficiency, and enhance the quality of its recycled PET.

“With Sesotec’s solution and the support from Iberoacero, World PET Recycling has not only been able to reduce material loss in production significantly but also improve the quality of its recycled PET products. The RE-SORT RV 070 unit has become an indispensable part of the production process, providing not only economic advantages but also contributing to the sustainability and environmental responsibility of the company.”

World PET’s journey exemplifies the crucial role of technological innovation in driving sustainable practices within the recycling industry. By embracing advanced separation techniques, companies like world PET can significantly reduce material waste, maximize resource utilization, and contribute to a circular economy for plastic packaging.

What specific technological innovations implemented by World PET have led to a notable reduction in material loss during the PET recycling process?

Revolutionizing PET Recycling: A Conversation with World PET’s Recycling Specialist, Mariaանքի Oh, The Challenges We Face

Mariaißen Fernando, the dedicated Recycling Specialist at World PET Recycling, shared her insights on the intricacies and innovations behind their groundbreaking work in transforming post-consumer plastic into high-quality food-grade recycled PET (rPET).

Archyde: Can you tell our readers a bit about World PET Recycling and it’s commitment to the circular economy?

mariaißen Fernando, Recycling Specialist, World PET Recycling

Absolutely, Archyde. World PET is a subsidiary of the Logoplaste Group, dedicated to transforming collected PET waste into valuable recycled material. We produce around 12,000 tons of rPET annually,contributing to cleaner,greener packaging across the globe.

Archyde: That’s commendable. However, we understand that metal contaminants pose a significant challenge in the recycling process. How has World PET been addressing this issue?

Mariaißen Fernando

Indeed, metal contaminants are a considerable hurdle. Initially,we relied on standard metal separators,but they led to substantial material loss. Valuable PET was frequently enough discarded with the contaminated fraction, impacting our efficiency and costs.

archyde: How did you overcome this challenge?

Mariaißen Fernando

We partnered with Sesotec, a recycling solutions provider. Through our local representative, Iberoacero, we implemented the RE-SORT RV 070 unit. This specialized metal separation system acts as a secondary filter, reinspecting the reject fraction from the initial separation process. It’s been a game-changer.

Archyde: What makes the RE-SORT unit so effective?

Mariaißen Fernando

The unit combines magnetic separation and non-magnetic metal detection, eliminating both types of contaminants. This precision ensures our recovered PET is pure and suitable for high-quality applications. Since installing it, we’ve considerably reduced material loss, optimized production efficiency, and enhanced our recycled PET’s quality.

Archyde: That’s remarkable. Considering today’s environmental landscape, what do you think the future holds for PET recycling?

Mariaißen Fernando

I believe technology will play an even more significant role in driving sustainable practices in recycling. Innovations like our RE-SORT unit can greatly reduce material waste and maximize resource utilization. I’m excited to see what the future holds and how World PET can continue to contribute to a circular economy for plastic packaging.

World PET’s journey indeed exemplifies the potential of technological innovation in advancing sustainable practices within the recycling industry.