PMMA Recycler Pekutherm Outlines Ambitious European Expansion Plans

Pekutherm, a Germany-based mechanical recycler specializing in PMMA (acrylic glass), plans to expand its footprint into Italy, Spain, France, and the Baltic states, building on its existing presence in Denmark and Finland. By 2027, the company aims to double its annual recycling volume to 10,000 tonnes. PMMA is renowned for its optical and physical properties, widely used in applications ranging from caravan glazing and furniture facades to vehicle taillights, flat screens, neon signs, and jewelry.

Despite Europe producing approximately 300,000 tonnes of PMMA annually, only a small fraction (about 10%) is currently recycled. Pekutherm addresses this challenge with its Ecobox service, allowing clients to order containers for PMMA and polycarbonate (PC) scrap collection, with pickups provided at no cost.

At its Geisenheim facility in Germany, Pekutherm employs a meticulous manual sorting process. Managing Partner Heiko Pfister emphasizes the superiority of this traditional approach over modern technologies like infrared sensors. "We insist on 100% type-specific separation, a standard no technology can reliably meet," Pfister stated. He highlighted the economic risks posed by even a single sorting error, which could compromise an entire batch of recyclable materials.

In expanding across Europe, Pekutherm plans to expand its factory space and hire additional staff to sustain its hand-sorting approach. Over the next three years, the company aims to increase its recycling capacity by an additional 1,000 tonnes each of PC and other plastics.

Pfister underscored the environmental and economic benefits of Pekutherm's recycling efforts. "For every 100 tonnes of recycled material used, nearly 500 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions can be saved," he noted. This commitment not only aligns with environmental goals but also ensures that recycled materials meet stringent purity and quality standards, contributing further to sustainability efforts across the continent.

With its expansion plans and focus on enhancing recycling capabilities, Pekutherm aims to play a pivotal role in mitigating environmental impact while meeting growing demand for sustainable solutions in the plastics industry.

For more than 30 years, Pekutherm Kunststoffe GmbH has focused on manufacturing recyclates of acrylic and polycarbonate derived from post-industrial extruded sheet remnants. Pekutherm specializes in recycling acrylic glass and polycarbonate scrap, processing over 5,000 tons of secondary plastics annually. As a comprehensive service provider to companies handling plastic sheets and semi-finished products, we offer a complete solution for managing all plastics generated during processing (such as PP, PE, PVC, PET-G, and aluminum composite). This includes providing appropriate collection containers and pan-European logistics services. The company handles plastic scrap based on contract orders and manufactures crystal-clear and colored PMMA and PC recyclates, along with their established cylinder purging compound, purogran®.