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W. Müller’s ReCo3 system at K 2022 coextrudes a three-layer parison with a PCR core. Two vertical extruders for the thin virgin inner and outer layers are mounted over the head. Particularly interesting is the more compact and energy-saving barrel heating system with aluminum heating tapes instead of ceramic heaters. (Photo: W. Müller)

In line with the show’s emphasis on sustainability and the circular economy, W. Müller will be highlighting its experience with processing post-consumer recycle (PCR) at K 2022 this month in Düsseldorf. The company will present a ReCo3 system designed specifically for processing PCR in the core of a three-layer coextrusion sandwiched between thin layers of virgin resin.

An interesting feature of this system is a energy-saving barrel heating/cooling system supplied by Austrian heating specialist (also exhibiting at K). The system uses standard air-cooling fans plus special heating tapes made of aluminum instead of the usual ceramic. The metal tapes are said to be more stable, and to distribute heat energy more quickly. This modified heating/cooling combination saves around 2000 W in this application, according to W. Müller, and the energy is distributed over the entire area, but the unit does not get hot on the outside, enhancing worker safety. What’s more, it is considerably more compact than conventional heating tapes, the company states.