Bollegraaf installs baler at Smurfit Kappa site

The equipment company Bollegraaf, headquartered in the Netherlands, recently completed the installation of a baler system at a Smurfit Kappa recycling facility in Blackburn, U.K. “We are very happy with the final installation, and it stands us ready to grow the Blackburn business for many years to come,” says Simon Weston, managing director of Smurfit Kappa Recycling.

“We know there is no single specification for the composition of waste," says Andre Matula, operations manager at Bollegraaf UK Ltd. "This is why we believe versatility is key. It inspires us to engineer, build and deliver tailor-made solutions that are easy to use, have a low cost of ownership, perform to your specifications and offer an excellent return on investment.”

Matula says the company recently has introduced several innovations and upgrades to its existing line of HBC balers.

"One of the most prominent features of these next generation balers is our innovative Variable Frequency Drive, resulting in significantly less energy consumption and less noise during operation," says Matula. One such feature is the baler's automatic use of standby mode after 180 seconds, she explains. "Bollegraaf has truly gone one stage further by offering our customers the new Eco baler option,” Matula continues.

Weston says, “As part of its competitive purchasing process, the energy efficiency of the new baling machine was one of the main selection criteria for Smurfit Kappa. Bollegraaf was the only company that offered comprehensive control of the main power hydraulic pack through a frequency inverter. We are already seeing substantial energy savings since the installation was switched on. When the baler is idled and waiting for new material the power consumed is reduced, while ensuring the machine is ready at any time.

“Not only did we compare each potential supplier for energy efficiency, but Bollegraaf also is using an environmentally friendly paint finish on their baler. It is really important for Smurfit Kappa to select suppliers that are thinking of sustainable solutions in the design of their machines,” Weston adds.

Mark Montgomery, H&S and compliance manager at Smurfit Kappa Recycling, says, “Safety was a key element throughout the purchasing process. We wanted to supply our employees with the safest baler available that would also meet the requirements of BSEN 16252:2012. I believe we have done that with the Bollegraaf HBC 140. Working together, we identified additional safety features such as extra access platforms, interlocked access points, conveyor reverse, auto lubrication systems and conveyor pit indicators. All the features identified were aimed at minimizing working at height and the interaction between people and the machine. This includes employees and contract maintenance staff. Full training and support have been provided to all operators by Bollegraaf UK. I believe the end result is one of the most efficient and safest balers on the market to date.”