Netherlands-based plastics recycling firm QCP has selected technology providers for the first phase of its 100,000-metric ton capacity plant to be built at the Chemelot campus in the Netherlands.
QCP (Quality Circular Polymers) says its mission is to provide brand owners and plastics converters with recycled-content polymers of high and consistent quality.
According to QCP, B+B Anlagenbau of Germany will provide equipment for the process of incoming bales of postconsumer plastic being converted to sorted clean flakes. KraussMaffei Berstorff of Germany will supply the extruders that transform the flakes into polypropylene and polyethylene compounds. And AZO of Belgium will connect the material flows by providing material handling and transport systems.
According to QCP, engineering has been in progress and construction is expected to start in January 2015, in advance of the expected fourth quarter 2015 plant startup. Huub Meessen, CEO of QCP, says that with SITA as a strategic partner of QCP, continuity of raw material supplies is secured.
“Apart from B+B, which has a long track record in the circular polymer industry, it is good to see that leading players from the virgin polymer industry, like KraussMaffei Berstorff and AZO, are very determined to step into the world of sustainable polymers,” says Meessen of the technology providers chosen.
Marc Houtermans, chief operating officer of QCP, adds, “This partnership will combine the best of both worlds: new technology from the upcoming circular polymer industry with proven technology and extensive experience from the traditional compounding industry.”
Achim Ebel, managing director of B+B Anlagenbau, comments, “This plant will enable QCP to produce high quality flakes with state-of-the-art grinding, hot washing and (color) sorting technology. Our team will follow up this project with great motivation and commitment.”
Adds Ralf J. Dahl, a vice president with KraussMaffei Berstorff (KMB), “Involved very early already, we were immediately intrigued by QCP’s progressive idea and approach. In combination with KMB’s increasing involvement and experience in high quality recycling and compounding we could offer a state of the art configuration for the two lines. These lines consist of two ZE twin screw extruders in cascade arrangement with all related equipment of which a sophisticated continuous melt filtration system. We are convinced that this unique recycling installation represents the most modern of its kind worldwide, offering highest flexibility and economy. It will largely contribute to QCP’s growing success.”
Frank Opdebeeck, director AZO Benelux, adds, “I am very confident that the clear QCP strategy in combination with the experienced team, will lead the company to a new success in the polymer industry. For AZO Benelux this is an opportunity to join the circular polymer industry with our capability to handle complicated product flows. It is exciting to play a leading role in this upcoming industry.”
Concludes QCP’s Meessen, “With these leading technology partners and the selected equipment, QCP will be able to produce consistent high quality PE and PP compounds.”
QCP says it is starting its pre-marketing activities and is developing sustainable products for the packaging, automotive, building and electronics industries, together with brand owners and polyolefins converters.