How GEA technology helps the environment
In the PET bottle recycling process, used products are first shredded into small pieces of two to three millimeters. Hot and cold washing, followed by caustic water, is then used to remove contaminants such as sand, solids, stickers and adhesive residues.
In order to avoid having to constantly replace washing water and expensive alkaline solutions, or to avoid clogging the equipment and machines required in the subsequent process, all contaminants must be removed from the water circuit during the cleaning process. GEA sludge Decanters with very high G-force and torque handling capabilities are used in the recycling industry. The cleaned wash water can be returned to the process cycle. This protects the environment and reduces production costs. An efficient separation system thus makes an invaluable contribution to maintaining the water cycle.
The cleaned PET flakes are then available for further use and can be processed into sports shoes, functional clothing, cushion filling, reusable bags, binders, or for processing the polyester in hygiene products such as wet wipes, or for "bottle-to-bottle" recycling, which requires a very laborious process of cleaning used PET bottles.

A reduced footprint for PET recycling and rPET

Downloads
GEA Insights

The breakthrough that changed spray drying
In 1976, NIRO engineers responded to a competitive challenge by rethinking what spray drying could do. Their idea became the multi-stage dryer MSD. Fifty years later, the same fundamental principle helps turn liquids into the powders used in essential nutrition products and important medicines around the world. Refined through decades of engineering expertise, customer insight and continuous development, MSD is a story of innovation with lasting impact.

Beyond the machine: unlocking better plant performance
An efficient machine does not automatically make an efficient factory. Real improvement often starts by looking beyond individual equipment and understanding how processes, energy systems and operating decisions affect one another. It’s a holistic approach designed to uncover opportunities that might otherwise be missed.

How a valve reshapes the way food and drinks are made
In food and beverage plants, valves are commonly operated using compressed air. GEA Hydract® Actuation Technology moves valves with water instead, in a closed, digitally controlled circuit. The result is a valve that can be held exactly in place and steered in fine-tuned steps. This results in lower energy use and greater control.

