Global technology company Coperion has started operations of the Recycling Innovation Center, its advanced test centre for plastics recycling applications.

Located in Niederbiegen near Weingarten, Germany, the new facility is equipped with the latest technology for testing every recycling process step, including material handling and feeding, extrusion, pelletising, compounding, material postprocessing, and deodorisation.

Some of Coperion’s new technological developments integrated into the system include the FLUIDLIFT ecodry flash drying process, MIX-A-LOT bulk solid mixer, Smart Weigh Belt feeder and ZS-B MEGAfeed side feeder.

The company said that its recycling systems can be modified to meet specific requirements of the recyclate to be produced.

First tests involving the development and testing of new sustainable products and recycling processes have already been performed at the centre.

Coperion claims that its process engineers can make adjustments to the available recycling technologies to produce improved and efficient compounds without compromising on product quality.

The Recycling Innovation Center is located adjacent to the company’s existing Test Center for Bulk Solids Handling.

The new facility will complement the Herbold Meckesheim Test Centre, which facilitates simulation and testing of mechanical pretreatment of plastic.

Coperion Recycling general manager Massimo Serapioni said: “With this new Recycling Innovation Center, we’re in a position where we can simulate the entire plastics recycling process.

“Our customers can test the complete process, from mechanical pre-treatment of plastics in Herbold Meckesheim’s Test Center up to compounding and pelletising, prior to making the investment. As a supplier of entire recycling systems, we are very proud to be able to offer our customers this enormous added value.”