POLIFILM wins Energy Efficiency Award with Reifenhäuser EVO Fusion technology
POLICYCLE, a subgroup of the POLIFILM Group, has won the Energy Efficiency Award in the category "Think big! Complex energy transition projects" from the German Energy Agency. Specifically, the fluff-to-film process, which is based on Reifenhäuser EVO Fusion twin-screw technology, received the award. The award is sponsored by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection.
With the EVO Fusion twin-screw extruder, shredded film waste (fluff) can be processed directly into new film (fluff-to-film). The usual energy-intensive regranulation process, in which the recycled material is shredded, heated and cooled again, is no longer necessary. For the fluff-to-film process, the starting material is simply shredded cold and extruded directly into new film.
Michael Koll, Managing Director of POLICYCLE Germany and recycling specialist at POLIFILM, explains: "We save a very energy-intensive process step. Here, we're talking about significant economic benefits in view of the current rises in energy prices – and we save substantially on carbon emissions." The elimination of the additional melting process also improves quality. "This process protects the polymer structure and improves the quality of the film," says Koll.
Michael Koll, Managing Director of POLICYCLE Germany and recycling specialist at POLIFILM, explains: "We save a very energy-intensive process step. Here, we're talking about significant economic benefits in view of the current rises in energy prices – and we save substantially on carbon emissions." The elimination of the additional melting process also improves quality. "This process protects the polymer structure and improves the quality of the film," says Koll.
The project focuses on recycling film waste that was previously difficult to process and recycling it into new film products. In the test phase, the focus is on the production of garbage bags. Produced using fluff-to-film technology, it has the same quality as standard market types, but is three times thinner. In addition to the energy savings, these material savings were also decisive for the award.
Michael Koll is delighted with the award: "We are thrilled that the potential of modern recycling technologies for the plastics industry has been highlighted in such a way. It acknowledges our commitment to drive positive changes in the recycling industry and to contribute actively to the circular economy."
EVO Fusion enables blown film manufacturers to use readily available, cost-effective film waste and even printed laminates directly as raw material.
Pictures: Photothek / dena-Energiewendekongress 2023 / Reifenhäuser
About the Energy Efficiency Award 2023
Since 2007, dena has been internationally awarding the Energy Efficiency Award. Sponsored by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action and in collaboration with premium partner KfW, approximately 116 applications were submitted this year from both domestic and international participants. An expert jury evaluated the competition entries in four categories and additionally granted a special prize for small and medium-sized enterprises. The award ceremony took place as part of the dena Energy Transition Congress.
About the Reifenhäuser Group
The Reifenhäuser Group together with its highly specialized business units is the leading provider of innovative technologies and components for plastics extrusion. Founded in 1911, the company is a global supplier of high-tech solutions. With its technologies and the know-how of its 1,750 employees, Reifenhäuser has the world's largest network of expertise in plastics extrusion technologies. The CEO of the Group is Bernd Reifenhäuser.
