Polykemi Enhances Recycling Capabilities Through Capacity Expansion

Rondo Plast, a subsidiary under the wing of Swedish compounder Polykemi, has unveiled plans to invest nearly €1 million in expanding its plastic recycling capabilities. Situated in Ystad, the recycler is gearing up its operations with the addition of a fresh plastic compactor and cutting machine, marking a substantial boost in the facility's processing capacity by a whopping 4,000 tonnes annually. This infusion of technology equips Rondo Plast to handle a broader spectrum of low-density materials, encompassing various shapes and forms.

The newly acquired machinery has the versatility to manage fibres, ropes, as well as non-woven textiles like diapers, dust, and shavings crafted from a range of materials including PA6, PA66, PBT, PC, and PP. Particularly noteworthy is the functionality of the new cutting machine, designed to tackle longer or tangled segments of fibre and rope, such as polyamide fibres derived from apparel or carpet manufacturing. Previously, such materials may have been relegated to the status of combustible waste; however, with this innovative technology, Rondo Plast can now repurpose and incorporate them into their production processes to yield high-quality recycled plastic compounds.

This strategic move by Rondo Plast comes at a pivotal moment when numerous plastic recyclers across Europe are scaling back their production capacities or, in some instances, shuttering their operations altogether. This downturn can be attributed to a confluence of factors including diminished demand, soaring energy prices, and the challenge of competing with imported feedstock. Against this backdrop, Rondo Plast's investment signals a commitment to fortifying its position in the market and seizing opportunities for growth and innovation.

A significant portion of the investment is allocated towards acquiring an additional cutting machine, specifically engineered to handle elongated or entangled fibres and ropes. This enhancement not only widens the pool of material sources that can be efficiently processed within the compactor but also bolsters the overall capacity and streamlines the recycling operations undertaken by Rondo Plast. Through strategic investments in advanced technology and infrastructure, Rondo Plast aims to solidify its foothold in the recycling landscape while contributing to the broader goals of sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Rondo Plast provides high-quality recycled plastic raw materials suitable for injection molding and extrusion processes, ensuring top-notch quality with fully or partially recycled content as the foundation. Established in 1980, Rondo operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of Polykemi AB, adhering to a business concept centered around delivering quality-assured recycled plastic raw materials.