This is according to Next Generation Recycling (NGR) Machinery, which is expanding its Austrian-based PET pilot plant with an additional liquid state polycondensation (LSP) technology line for demonstration and customer trial purposes.
Sales director Uwe Neumann, explains that the LSP process removes all impurities from the PET melt in the liquid phase – meeting water bottle-grade packaging requirements, and producing EFSA- and FDA-compliant products.
Uwe points out that compared to conventional systems, the NGR process offers a more energy-efficient and better melt quality cleaning process. ‘The intrinsic viscosity (IV value) is constantly measured and adjusted to the customer’s target value via automated control of the vacuum unit. This enables fine-tuning of the material quality to the customer’s product specifications, including ultra-tight IV control, which is essential for downstream production.
‘The efficiency of LSP technology is also demonstrated via direct coupling with production processes such as film or preform manufacture for subsequent bottle production,’ he remarks. ‘This coupling eliminates a complete remelting step and the associated IV value degradation resulting from a downstream process. Eliminating the pelletising process also increases energy efficiency.’
Ed’s note: NGR is represented in Southern Africa by Safrique International.
