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Plastic Recycling, Inc. Transforms Plastic Purge with WEIMA Shredder

Success Stories 10. January 2024

In the heart of Cowpens, South Carolina, Plastic Recycling, Inc. is making a significant impact on the environment and the world of recycling. Their story is one of resourcefulness, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of sustainable solutions. At the core of their success lies a WEIMA shredder, a key component in their mission to recycle plastic purge sourced from the southeastern United States.

01

Plastic Recycling, Inc.: A Sustainable Journey

Plastic Recycling, Inc. has been a vital player in the recycling industry for a decade, with their headquarters in Indiana boasting 35 years of experience. The corporate vision statement is “to be the leading resin recycler and provide the greatest environmental impact for future generations by inspiring a circular economy where plastic never becomes waste.”

The South Carolina plant, sprawling across 64,075 square feet, houses a dedicated team of 12 employees who work tirelessly to transform plastic purge into reusable raw material. This location was created in January of 2021 on a 21-acre lot. They are the driving force behind the company’s eco-conscious endeavor in the southeastern United States.

About the company:

01
1988
Company founded
02
1.36
Billion pounds recycled by PRI since 1988
03
12
Employees at SC location
04

Overcoming Initial Hurdles

The journey towards sustainability was not without its challenges. Initially, Plastic Recycling, Inc. utilized a different brand of shredder to process the tough plastic purge. However, they quickly encountered a significant issue – the knives on the original shredder were prone to breaking under the strain of this robust material. The need for a more heavy-duty solution became evident, prompting them to explore alternative options.

Purge is abrasive and requires a robust shredder.

05

The WEIMA Shredder: A Heavy-Duty Solution

The WEIMA WLK 18 Jumbo has revolutionized Plastic Recycling, Inc.'s operations. The WEIMA shredder, known for its unmatched durability and precision engineering, seamlessly handles the demanding task of shredding plastic purge, ensuring an efficient process with minimal downtime. Its versatile design and numerous optional features, including an extended hopper and protective cover for enhanced safety, efficiently processes post-industrial purge.

The WEIMA WLK 18 Jumbo is robust enough to handle tough applications.

With robust construction, a powerful 180 horsepower motor, V-rotor technology with a 500 mm diameter rotor and three rows of knives, and a hydraulic lift-up screen for easy maintenance, it plays a pivotal role in Plastic Recycling, Inc.'s commitment to sustainable recycling practices.

Learn more about the WLK 18 Jumbo Click here
06

Enhancing Purity with Metal Detection

But that's not all. Plastic Recycling, Inc. understands the importance of maintaining the purity of their recycled material. Since their plastic purge originates from various locations, they've taken a proactive step to prevent potential contamination. Their infeed conveyor to the WEIMA shredder is equipped with a metal detector, ensuring that metallic debris is effectively screened out before it reaches the shredder's cutting chamber. This attention to detail demonstrates their commitment to providing a product that is of the highest quality and free from impurities.

A cross-belt metal detector keeps foreign objects from entering the material stream.

07

"The WEIMA machine is rated for 8,000 to 10,000 pounds per hour, and we've actually seen that happen, which is one of the biggest impacts of us purchasing this machine. It does what it says it's supposed to do. WEIMA is durable, productive, and a beast of a machine."

Cedric Fernanders
Plant Manager

08

Shaping a Sustainable Future

The journey of Plastic Recycling, Inc. serves as an inspiration to all who strive for sustainability and environmental responsibility. With their South Carolina plant making a profound impact, they continue to lead the way in recycling innovation. As they work tirelessly to shred, granulate, extrude, and pelletize plastic purge, they're not just creating raw materials – they're building a greener future, one lump of purge at a time.

An infeed conveyor moves purge into the shredder.

The purge is shredded using V-rotor technology.

An extended hopper keeps materials from bouncing out of the machine during the shredding process.

The shredded material fills gaylords quickly for easy transportation.

Each gaylord is weighed and moved to another area for transportation.

The shredded material is shipped to the Indianapolis headquarters for further processing.

The granulated purge is then sold to a manufacturer to be made into something new.

From the southeastern U.S. to the heartland of Indiana, Plastic Recycling, Inc. remains committed to their mission of recycling plastics and transforming them into something new and valuable. With the WEIMA shredder as their trusted partner, they're writing a story of progress, resilience, and a better world for generations to come.

Contact

Marketing

WEIMA Maschinenbau GmbH

Bustadt 6-10

74360 Ilsfeld

Tel. +49 7062-9570-0 media@weima.com

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