 "Circular Economy | ENGEL")
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Circular Economy in injection molding
Efficient plastics recycling - sustainable production
Together with other companies in the industry, ENGEL has been actively involved in the area Circular Economy and the reduction of the CO2 footprint for years. This goal requires close cooperation across the entire value chain. For ENGEL, supporting our customers along the entire product life cycle is a key concern: from component design and sampling to production, maintenance & service.
Each participant in the value chain has a specific role. As an injection molding machine manufacturer and system supplier, ENGEL takes responsibility for three areas: The overall efficiency of the injection molding production cell, the digitalization of injection molding processes and processing technologies.
Whether servo-hydraulic, hybrid or all- electric: ENGEL injection molding machines are among the most efficient in their size and performance class. Servo-hydraulic machines already consume less than 60% of a hydraulic injection molding machine with a fixed displacement pump. Compared to that, the power consumption of all-electric injection molding machines can be reduced by more than half on average. Furthermore, with a precisely matched temperature control solution, there is even more potential for energy savings.
The self-optimizing injection molding machine is a key driver of Circular Economy. The aim is to avoid scrap and increase energy efficiency. Digital solutions from our inject 4.0 program help compensate for changes in material quality or other factors that influence the process. This also means that recyclates can be used for a broader range of applications than before.
The processing of plastic waste usually requires less energy than when starting from fossil resources. The use of recyclate, therefore, has a direct positive effect on the CO2 balance sheet. This is why ENGEL's in-house development focuses on solutions for recycling and upcycling. Successful examples include the skinmelt and foilmelt technology with up to 100% pelletized recycled material or the two-stage process in which plastic waste is processed as regrind directly after grinding.
ENGEL offers retrofits and supports with the appropriate disposal of the machine. Our goal is to develop sensible concepts to upgrade dated machines with more energy-efficient drive or control systems, for example. This way, inefficient machines can be refurbished, and the service life of the equipment can be extended.
Molding complex products and processing recycled material can be challenging. Training is an important measure to ensure efficiency. ENGEL's Circular Economy training courses cover topics like reducing of wear on materials or correctly using and handling recyclates. ENGEL also offers analyses and consultations, especially for recycled materials, which have higher variations in their properties.
Whether servo-hydraulic, hybrid or all- electric: ENGEL injection molding machines are among the most efficient in their size and performance class. Servo-hydraulic machines already consume less than 60% of a hydraulic injection molding machine with a fixed displacement pump. Compared to that, the power consumption of all-electric injection molding machines can be reduced by more than half on average. Furthermore, with a precisely matched temperature control solution, there is even more potential for energy savings.
The self-optimizing injection molding machine is a key driver of Circular Economy. The aim is to avoid scrap and increase energy efficiency. Digital solutions from our inject 4.0 program help compensate for changes in material quality or other factors that influence the process. This also means that recyclates can be used for a broader range of applications than before.
The processing of plastic waste usually requires less energy than when starting from fossil resources. The use of recyclate, therefore, has a direct positive effect on the CO2 balance sheet. This is why ENGEL's in-house development focuses on solutions for recycling and upcycling. Successful examples include the skinmelt and foilmelt technology with up to 100% pelletized recycled material or the two-stage process in which plastic waste is processed as regrind directly after grinding.
ENGEL offers retrofits and supports with the appropriate disposal of the machine. Our goal is to develop sensible concepts to upgrade dated machines with more energy-efficient drive or control systems, for example. This way, inefficient machines can be refurbished, and the service life of the equipment can be extended.
Molding complex products and processing recycled material can be challenging. Training is an important measure to ensure efficiency. ENGEL's Circular Economy training courses cover topics like reducing of wear on materials or correctly using and handling recyclates. ENGEL also offers analyses and consultations, especially for recycled materials, which have higher variations in their properties.
 "Gerhard Dimmler | ENGEL")
Circular Economy involves all market participants. For the process chain to function seamlessly, it is important that each individual step within the overall process is economical. At this point, the circle closes to the optimization of energy consumption, CO2 balance and costs. The plastics industry must act quickly and take advantage of the opportunities opened up by innovative technologies.
100% recyclable e-bike frames, Frisbees made from old collected caps, and transport boxes made of over 50% recycled core material: We develop Circular Economy solutions for and together with our customers that are ready for everyday use.
 "Klaus Fellner | ENGEL")
Our experts are happy to share their expertise on Circular Economy and plastics recycling.
ENGEL Circular Economy
Plastics recycling - showing your colors and closing material cycles
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![Image shows podcast participants]( "Podcast Circular Economy | ENGEL")
PodcastsListen on spotifyInnovative concepts for recycling in injection moldingListen to Bianca Gubi and Günther Klammer, our plastics recycling and plasticizing experts, in the SKZ podcast interview on sustainability and innovative concepts for circular economy in injection molding.
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![Picture shows lecture by Günther Klammer]( "Lecture by Günther Klammer | ENGEL")
Individual solutions for sustainable successIn this exciting presentation, Günther Klammer, Head of Plasticizing Systems and Recycling, will provide insights into future challenges in processing recyclates and current solutions at ENGEL in the field of Circular Economy.
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![Picture shows injection molding machine for recyclate processing]( "Injection molding machine for recyclate processing | ENGEL")
High recycling quality processing plastic flakesJune 22, 2022With a new process, ENGEL makes it possible to injection mold plastic waste in the form of flakes directly after grinding.
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![Picture shows component made from recyclate]( "Component made of recyclate | ENGEL")
Processing rPET in thin-wall injection moldingJune 17, 2022At K 2022, ENGEL and partners ALPLA Group, Brink and IPB Printing will present a quantum leap for the packaging industry.
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![Picture shows CTO of ENGEL]( "CTO Gerhard Dimmler | ENGEL")
CO2 footprint: an opportunity for the plastics industryJune 15, 2022Rising energy and raw material prices are presenting plastics processors with new challenges.
 "Podcast Circular Economy | ENGEL")
 "Lecture by Günther Klammer | ENGEL")
 "Injection molding machine for recyclate processing | ENGEL")
 "Component made of recyclate | ENGEL")
 "CTO Gerhard Dimmler | ENGEL")
ENGEL's two-stage process means that a complete process step can be saved when processing plastic flakes, because the recyclate is molded without granulation. The company AVK Plastics BV uses this technology to produce new pallets from recycled material. This technical innovation increases production efficiency and saves valuable energy.
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