Extrusion International 5-2026

58 Extrusion International 5/2026 RECYCLING waste. Africa is some way behind in fourth place, but it is here that we will see the sharpest rise in the demand for plastic, and therefore for recycling solutions, in the coming years.” According to the OECD , the global demand for plas- tic will triple, from 460 million tonnes in 2019 to 1.2 bil- lion tonnes in 2060. If a greater percentage of this de- mand is to be met by recyclates, expansion of recycling infrastructure will be necessary, as will investment in high-performance recycling technology. Currently, the OECD estimates that in 2060 only 17 per cent of plastics will be recycled. Technology is ready for plastics recycling “Contrary to what is often believed, plastics recycling already works amazingly well for many applications,” Hackl says. “The key question for the future is how we can keep more, and more demanding, material ows in the loop while constantly maintaining high quality.” When input materials vary enormously, robust sys- tems are essential. Filtration, degassing and a thor- ough understanding of the process are central here. And it is precisely these that are the EREMA Group’s greatest strengths. Says Hackl: “Our recycling systems’ excellent decontamination performance guarantees the quality while their robustness ensures a consistent output. In addition, energy-ef cient solutions keep our customers’ operating costs to a minimum.” Ultimately, the circular economy is achieved when the material’s design, collection, sorting, washing and ex- trusion are compatible and the recyclate is subsequently used in new products of equal quality. Thanks to the engineering partnership between EREMA and Lindner Washtech, customers receive a complete solution that is fully integrated, from the secondary feedstock to the re- sulting recyclate. The perfect dovetailing of the process- es improves the quality, throughput and cost-ef ciency of the entire system. The EREMA Group is also beginning to focus on new lines of business. In October 2025, the company made an investment in BlockTexx®. The Australian pioneer has developed a process for extracting polyester and cellulose from blended fabrics – an important step to- wards recycling textiles. The PET bre industry is three times as big as the PET bottle industry. Currently, only around one per cent of polyester is recycled. Plastics recycling as part of a modern raw materials strategy To increase the role of recycling in meeting the ris- ing demand for plastic in future, a set of reliable rules is required that makes investment possible. Regulations such as those for packaging (PPWR) and end-of-life ve- hicles (ELV) in the European Union are important mile- stones. “The most important thing, however, is that the rules are clear, reliable and implemented consistently all over Europe,” says Hackl. “If they are not implemented consistently, no one will invest. We need a standardised system to make recyclates more attractive. Only then will recycling be able to establish itself as part of a long- term raw materials strategy.” Important growth regions like China and India are also beginning to recognise the importance of the cir- cular economy for supplying raw materials and staying competitive. Both countries are expanding their recy- cling industry with their own regulations and initiatives. The EREMA Group has been active in these markets for around three decades, founding a facility in Shanghai in 2001 and opening EREMA India together with Lindner Washtech in February 2026. The company also has sites in North America, South Africa and Thailand. With its presence on the international stage and on- going investments, the EREMA Group is well placed to pro t from this growth. EREMA Group www.erema.com Much More than a Business Partnership Following a major re, Plastika Kosovo is back in production – with double the recycling capacity and a new washing line from technology partner Lindner Washtech. A re brought Plastika Kosovo's recycling operations to a standstill in spring 2024. Equipment and stored ma- terial were destroyed, production came to a halt, and around 40 jobs at the site in the Drenas Industrial Park were affected.* The newwashing line has been running since December 2025 – and the plant is more capable than before. The foundation for this was the long- The washing line supplied by Lindner Washtech covers the entire recycling process at Plastika Kosovo – from shredding through washing and drying to extrusion (Images copyright © Lindner)