Compact configuration of the field-proven MetaPure washing module

From compressed bales of plastic waste to food-grade flakes or pellets: a plant from Krones Recycling covers the entire plastics recycling process. The plastic waste is sorted, broken down into flakes, washed and then decontaminated. 

The demands on a washing module are high. After all, its job is to ensure that the finished product reliably meets a certain quality standard, which includes both cleanliness and minimized production of fine particles during recycling. “Flakes smaller than two millimeters are removed because they don’t process as well. So, our machines are designed to provide gentle handling, to prevent them occurring,” says Mathias Dawartz, Head of Project Execution and Process Engineering at Krones Recycling GmbH. “At the same time, we emphasize efficient, sustainable use of energy and water in our machines and lines.”  

The new, more compact configuration of the washing module, MetaPure Compact, offers customers a resource-saving recycling process that generates fewer fine particles – and it is made of the usual high-quality stainless steel. The system is also quite versatile when it comes to different types of plastic: The MetaPure Compact is suitable for processing PET and HDPE and, thanks to the consistently high washing quality, is also perfect for bottle-to-bottle recycling. Its gentle process makes the MetaPure Compact ideal for brittle materials like PET food trays, PP and PS because it minimizes the production of fine particles. And on a reduced footprint at that, as Managing Director Michael Gotsche explains: “With a considerably smaller footprint and an input capacity ranging from one and a half to six tons per hour, the new compact configuration is ideal for sites with limited space or for retrofitting in existing buildings.”  

MetaPure W becomes MetaPure Performance 

The original washing module configuration will continue to be offered, but under a new name: MetaPure Performance (previously MetaPure W). This module is primarily intended for customers needing a particularly high level of line availability, an especially important aspect for complex production scenarios such as when several different products are to be processed on the same line. Particularly in challenging recycling concepts that demand maximum operational reliability, the MetaPure Performance has proven its worth with its robust response to potential stoppages. Michael Gotsche is convinced: “The established technology of the MetaPure Performance is highly reliable and thus remains an indispensable part of Krones Recycling’s portfolio. With it and the MetaPure Compact, we are able to cover the different needs of our customers almost completely.” But even this tried-and-tested configuration has gotten some updates: “Thanks to targeted optimizations, the module now runs even more efficiently – with consistently low fine-particle generation and excellent washing results,” says Michael Gotsche. 

Integrated cost advantage vs. customization 

The new MetaPure Compact unites the advantages of standardization and customization. “The standard version of the MetaPure Compact covers all of the requirements for a washing module – at attractive conditions and shorter project timelines. At the same time, further optional functionalities can be added,” explains Matthias Dawartz. The more compact design of the new configuration yields cost savings that can be passed directly to customers.  

With the two different washing module configurations, MetaPure Performance and MetaPure Compact, customers can now select the best solution to match their needs and material flows. And the innovations don’t end there, says Dawartz: “We’ll soon be offering a new solution for washing LDPE as well. And for special applications or complex material combinations, we’ve got the Recycling Technology Center, where we can run individual tests and analyses for our customers.”