Sorema, the recycling systems division of Previero, inaugurated a new machine for washing and recycling post-consumer PET bottles for Commercial Plastics in Yangon (Myanmar), soon to be followed by a second plant in Vietnam.
Andrea Villa, Senior Technical and Sales Engineer at Sorema, said:
After carrying out a washing and recycling trial at our Recycling Research Centre-RRC in Alzate Brianza (CO) with dirty bottles collected by CPC, we developed the parameters to design a 2,200 kg/h flake production line that would allow the material to be reused in the production of new bottles. The analysis carried out in Sorema's laboratory confirmed that the majority of the local market collection consists of small format bottles between 33ml and 100ml with a high level of contamination from PVC labels, sand and abrasive materials. Based on this analysis, Sorema, known for its robust and efficient design, developed and produced a line for Myanmar that incorporates a number of adaptations that will be considered standard for PET bottle recyclers in South East Asia.
The machines have been carefully designed with high quality components, starting with the pre-wash module for label removal and optimal cleaning of the material surface. This technology reduces the overall wear and tear of the entire line, without compromising the life of the delabeler (pre-wash system that removes shrink labels), which only requires a first service after a few months.
Efficient removal of PVC labels is achieved by a combination of delabeler, wet elutriator and material detectors, meeting the highest standards required by leading bottle owners for their rPET.
The Sorema plant for recycling post-consumer PET bottles collected throughout Myanmar, installed in Yangon, has provided an industrial-scale solution to the plastic pollution problem in the area, meeting CPC's expectations.
CPC's Technical Director said:
Our main problem was the large amount of PVC labels in the incoming bales of material, and this contamination was brilliantly eliminated by Sorema. At the end of the process, the expected results were achieved in terms of product quantity and quality. A high percentage of our recycled material can be reused in the production of new PET bottles. I can also confirm Sorema's excellent after-sales service and availability of spare parts. I believe that the second Sorema line will be up and running at our Vietnam site very soon.
