KraussMaffei and the IKK - Institute of Plastics and Circular Economy of Leibniz University Hanover - intensify the cooperation for the research and development in the recycling of plastics. Dr. Michael Ruf, CEO of the KraussMaffei Group, Dr. Volker Nilles, Executive Vice President for New Machines Business at KraussMaffei, and Prof. Hans-Josef Endres, Head of the IKK, confirmed this during a visit to the campus in Garbsen near Hanover. There is an optimal interplay of the respective competencies of the partners: The IKK focuses on the analytical and application-oriented research as well as process and material development and the manufacturer of plastics machines KraussMaffei will ensure the implementation of the research results in sustainable industrial recycling, extrusion and injection molding machinery.
Plastics that have already been used can no longer be considered waste, but a recyclable material. New processes and technologies must make it possible for the plastics industry to achieve marketable recycling of post-production and also contaminated post-consumer plastic waste. The researchers and students at the IKK examine the entire value chain of plastic recycling from sorting, shredding, washing, melting, mechanical recycling and compounding through to the optimization of the resulting recycled materials and their further processing into a new component.
KraussMaffei delivers multivariable extrusion and recycling system to the IKK
With a clear focus on extrusion, a tandem EdelweissCompounding line for basic tests is to be installed in spring 2022. By means of a newly created doctoral position, the cooperation will focus on the development of premium quality recycling processes in order to remove odors or contamination as efficiently as possible and to optimize the resulting properties of the recycled materials.
KraussMaffei has been assisting the first practical tests in the TechCenter of the IKK in Garbsen with comprehensive machine technology since the move to the new location in September 2019. The initial joint research work in the area of mechanical plastic recycling has already been conducted and at the same time the students at the institute can be offered highly qualified and practical education.
Cooperation prepares students for practical applications
"Through the cooperation with the IKK we can acquire young talent and accompany them in the training and education process. The students who work in our company, e.g., in the course of their bachelor or masters, are fully integrated in the processes from the start. This practical experience prepares them for the requirements of their future career. Ideally we can offer the students prospects in our company following the completion of their studies", says Michael Ruf, CEO of the KraussMaffei Group.
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