By combining its energy efficient sheet extrusion lines with Kreyenborg's IR-Clean Super-Clean process for post-consumer recycled PET, Meaf Machines can now offer its customers a cost-effective alternative for the production of FDA/EFSA approved monolayer PET food grade sheet.
A first rPET extrusion line combining the two has recently been installed at Pack Klaipėda in Klaipėda, Lithuania, to produce meat packaging. The line is also capable of producing PP trays without modification, giving the customer even more flexibility.
Roald de Bruijne, Sales Manager at Meaf said:
This new line fits perfectly with the current global trend to produce more and more with 100% Post Consumer Recycled (PCR) material, such as bottle flakes, and also works with other thermoforming regrind. However, the process must ensure that cleaning and decontamination are carried out properly to meet the strict FDA/Efsa regulations. This requires processors to invest heavily in dedicated equipment to upgrade their tray production. At Meaf, we believe that our affordable, energy-efficient and flexible solution will enable our customers to make the transition to recycled material more easily.
Kreyenborg's IR-Clean has been specifically designed as a cost-effective solution for the direct reprocessing of post-consumer PET flakes for food packaging, combining crystallisation and drying in a single process. The system operates without vacuum technology and can be retrofitted to existing extrusion lines. The efficiency of the cleaning process has been confirmed by a Letter of Non-Objection from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), while tests have shown compliance with the European Food Safety Authority's (EFSA) criteria for the use of recycled materials in packaging for direct food contact.
Roald de Bruijne added:
At Meaf, we already have a good reputation for energy-efficient, affordable and flexible extrusion machines. When it comes to using R-PET for packaging, bottle-to-bottle is relatively easy as the mechanical properties of the regrind are quite stable. However, the tray-to-tray recycling process is much more difficult. We are now working hard to develop a compact IV increase unit that can be fully integrated into new and existing extrusion lines. This will further support customers in their transition to true circularity".
Founded in 1947, Meaf designs, develops and manufactures extrusion machinery for the global packaging, carpet backing and plastics processing industries. The company is a "one stop shop" for extruders for a wide range of polymers and applications. Meaf's success is based on a customer-focused, innovative and flexible approach, offering support at every stage of the production process. The company's customers include manufacturers in the food packaging, disposables, medical and flooring sectors, as well as the automotive and aerospace industries.
