WEIMA Announced as Official Recycler for NPE2024: Leading the Charge Towards Sustainability in the Plastics Industry
In a significant stride towards promoting sustainability in the plastics industry, WEIMA has been proudly named an Official Recycler of NPE2024, the highly anticipated tradeshow produced by PLASTICS. The event is scheduled to take place from May 6-10, 2024 at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) in Orlando, Florida.
Sustainability in Focus
NPE2024: The Plastics Show, a triennial gathering of industry leaders and professionals, will mark a triumphant return after its cancellation in 2021 due to the pandemic. The anticipation surrounding this year’s event is further amplified by the fact that despite missing a show cycle, the exhibit space on the show floor has already been completely sold out, underlining the industry’s resilience and eagerness to come together.
The collaboration of industry pioneers – Commercial Plastics Recycling, Inc. (CPR), Erema North America, Conair, PLASTICS, and Freeman Co. – is set to transform NPE2024 into an immersive experience of sustainable plastic manufacturing. The highlight of this endeavor is the creation of a mini-manufacturing center behind the show floor, providing attendees with a firsthand look at plastic recycling in action.
Seeing is Believing
The innovative manufacturing area will allow visitors to safely traverse through a simulated “plant,” where machinery from WEIMA and other key players will process plastic scrap generated during exhibitor demonstrations. CPR will employ 60 individuals who will make it possible for this scrap to be meticulously collected, sorted by type, and then shredded, granulated, and extruded on-site.
This transformative process effectively reduces the bulk of plastic waste, making it easier for transport to CPR’s facility in Tampa. Once there, the recycled plastic material will be repurposed into new, valuable products, effectively diverting it from landfills and contributing to a greener future.
Participation Makes it Possible
Exhibitors participating in NPE2024 will have the opportunity to join this recycling initiative by having their scrap collected and delivered to the recycling center. By filling out a simple form in the exhibitor dashboard, exhibitors can play an active role in reducing their environmental footprint and championing sustainability within the industry.
Sustainability at NPE2024 is a top priority. We're committed to helping our exhibitors conduct their business in a way that drives value for society, the environment, and the industry.
The commitment to sustainability extends throughout the tradeshow. WEIMA’s substantial booth presence in the Sustainability Zone, alongside their operational WLK 15 single-shaft shredder and two LM 600/1000 granulators, showcases their dedication to the cause. Erema will contribute to the recycling effort with an extruder processing plastic film in the same zone. Meanwhile, Conair’s recycling demonstration will focus on transforming PET bottles into space-efficient flake within the South Hall near the Bottle Zone.
NPE2024: From 89% to 100% Plastic Recycling
Building on this success, NPE2024 sets an even more ambitious target of achieving 100% plastic recycling, encompassing materials like the plastic coverings used for booth carpet protection during setup.
Highlighting the innovative spirit of the event, the Circularity Zone in the Tangerine Ballroom will demonstrate how post-consumer resin and recycled plastics can be ingeniously transformed into new, sustainable products. Attendees will witness firsthand the process of turning discarded materials into valuable assets, solidifying the industry’s commitment to a greener, cleaner world.
Transformation through Sustainability
From live recycling demonstrations to dedicated sustainability zones, NPE2024 is poised to be a trailblazing platform that exemplifies the potential of sustainable practices within the plastics industry. With WEIMA’s participation as an Official Recycler, the event promises to inspire transformative change and set a precedent for a more environmentally conscious future.
