The demand for high-performance solutions in bottle-to-bottle recycling is surging globally. In response to this trend, specifications for PET recycling machines capable of handling greater capacities are evolving. EREMA’s VACUREMA® technology stands out as a proven solution that achieves throughput rates of up to six tonnes per hour.
“While the bottle-to-bottle market initially gravitated toward 3-tonne machines, we’ve observed a rising demand for PET recycling solutions with throughputs exceeding three tonnes per hour over the past three years,” states Christoph Wöss, Business Development Manager for the Bottle segment at EREMA. Since 2020, EREMA has installed and commissioned a dozen VACUREMA® machines with capacities ranging from four to six tonnes worldwide. “Collectively, these large-scale recycling machines produce nearly 350,000 tonnes of rPET each year, indicating that such capacities are now standard in the industry,” Christoph Wöss adds.
Achieving High Throughput Capacities with Maximum Flexibility
EREMA’s VACUREMA® technology is designed for versatility, offering throughputs from 600 to 6000 kilograms per hour. This innovative system excels in efficient decontamination and gentle intrinsic viscosity (IV) treatment, meeting the stringent standards set by European and North American food safety authorities. Even the basic configuration produces food-grade rPET, laying the groundwork for a diverse range of end applications in food and drink packaging. Depending on the needs, pellets may undergo SSP for IV adjustments aimed at both bottle-to-bottle and high IV applications. Furthermore, an upstream vacuum treatment allows for direct integration into preform production, or the material can be processed inline into sheets or fibers. The VACUREMA® technology is a versatile all-rounder with food-grade certification. “This adaptability enables users to respond flexibly to market shifts and demand fluctuations, providing a significant edge in a dynamic market landscape,” notes Christoph Wöss.
Advanced VACUNITE® Technology for Exceptional rPET Quality
For applications that demand superior material quality, EREMA presents the advanced VACUNITE® technology. This innovative system combines the established VACUREMA® framework with integrated vacuum-assisted SSP in a nitrogen atmosphere. Such a combination enhances material properties significantly while drastically reducing yellowing of the pellets—an essential quality consideration in bottle-to-bottle recycling. Additionally, the closed nitrogen cycle and optimized process control facilitate lower nitrogen consumption, leading to a particularly efficient and environmentally friendly operation. VACUNITE® technology is available on machines capable of throughputs up to 2500 kilograms per hour while maintaining low energy consumption and compact design.
EREMA at Chinaplas 2025
“Several markets, particularly in Latin America, are showing a distinct trend toward larger PET recycling machines. We anticipate a similar market evolution in China to fulfill the rising demand for high-quality rPET suitable for sensitive applications like food and drink packaging,” Christoph Wöss remarks. EREMA has already implemented over 50 VACUREMA® and VACUNITE® systems in China, though only a limited number exceed four tonnes per hour in throughput. Christoph Wöss envisions great potential here: “For Chinese recyclers, the versatility and flexibility of VACUREMA® and VACUNITE® systems can accommodate a wide variety of applications. We look forward to exploring these options in more detail at Chinaplas.” You can find EREMA in Hall 10, Stand B41.
Visit EREMA at Chinaplas 2025: Hall 10, Stand: B41
