From PET bottle to PET flakes
PET flakes are a key component of our PET recycling process. At our sites in Hamm and Burgbernheim, we process PET bottles into high-quality PET flakes, which serve as the basis for numerous industrial applications. Through innovative technologies and strictly controlled processes, we ensure that our PET flakes meet the highest quality standards and are ideally suited for further processing.
What are PET flakes and how are they made?
PET flakes are purified, shredded pieces of plastic obtained from recycled PET bottles. The production process begins with the careful removal of foreign and unwanted materials to create the purest possible starting material. This is followed by precise sorting by colour before the bottles are mechanically shredded into flakes. In the next step, the PET flakes are further separated using modern density separation processes. Any remaining impurities are then reliably removed by a hot caustic soda wash. After drying, the flakes undergo an additional sorting process, which completes the fully automated recycling process. The result is a high-quality end product suitable for a wide range of applications.
Our PET flakes are used in a wide range of applications. They make a particularly important contribution to the circular economy in the field of bottle-to-bottle recycling, as they can be used to manufacture new PET bottles. Furthermore, they are suitable for the production of trays, blister packs and packaging straps. Our PET flakes are also used in the manufacture of polyester films and textile fibres.
The quality of our PET flakes is continuously monitored and ensured through comprehensive testing procedures. Among other things, we check particle size, intrinsic viscosity (iV), bulk density and residual moisture. We also inspect the material for foreign matter, colour defects and other impurities. Through these rigorous quality controls, we guarantee a homogeneous and high-performance recycled product. Our PET flakes are delivered according to individual customer requirements – either in big bags or by silo transport. Our products are available in both clear and coloured versions and meet the ‘Ready for Decontamination Output’ standard. This makes them ideally suited for further processing into food-grade PET granulate.
We will also be exhibiting at PRS Europe in Amsterdam on 5 and 6 May this year. You can find us at Stand J40 in the RAI Amsterdam. We very much look forward to speaking with you in person. You can find further insights into our PET recycling here.
