Walter Kunststoffe: Austrian recycler and compounder invests millions

The European plastics and packaging industry is facing far-reaching changes. New regulatory requirements such as the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), the Waste Shipment Regulation and rising recycling quotas are changing the framework conditions for manufacturers, processors and waste management companies. Against this backdrop, Walter Kunststoffe, an Austrian recycler and compounder with sites in Gunskirchen and Wels, says it has made extensive investments in technical equipment, quality assurance and material development.

According to the company, it has invested more than EUR 5 million in expanding its circular economy activities. The focus is on modern recycling technologies for PCR LDPE films, processes for separation and processing, and hot washing. The measures have been complemented by expanded silo capacities, which are intended to enable improved homogenisation and loading.

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Further investments concern processing systems in the polypropylene segment. Here, Walter Kunststoffe is using, among other things, near-infrared technology and optical AI systems. The aim is to sort material streams more precisely and make recyclates usable for higher-value applications. At the same time, quality assurance has been further expanded. Sustainable material development is also one of the company’s key priorities.

A central element of the company’s strategy is the technical upgrading of recyclates through compounding and masterbatch technologies. In Walter Kunststoffe’s view, simply collecting and recycling plastic waste is not enough to meet the requirements of modern applications. Rather, the decisive factor is the targeted adjustment of recyclate properties and the ability to ensure reproducible qualities.

The company points to many years of experience in compounding and masterbatch development. The solutions used are intended to enable stable material properties, consistent quality assurance and improved processing, even with challenging input materials. These include materials affected by odour or moisture. By using additives and reinforcing materials, the properties of the recyclates can be further adjusted.

Walter Kunststoffe also considers itself prepared for the requirements of the PPWR. In the company’s assessment, the new European packaging regulation will lead to higher recycled-content shares, stricter recycling requirements, expanded documentation obligations and new material standards. Walter Kunststoffe sees itself as technologically, organisationally and strategically positioned for this and aims to support partners in implementing sustainable material concepts.

Another focus is on safeguarding international material flows. As cross-border movements of materials are becoming more complex due to regulatory requirements, the company says it relies on legally compliant processes, transparent documentation, international experience, partner networks and professional logistics solutions.

In the field of PCR film processing, Walter Kunststoffe processes more than 45,000 tonnes of film input annually. In addition, it has a compounding capacity of more than 40,000 tonnes. The family-owned company has been active in the recycling industry for more than 40 years and is now managed by the third generation.

More information: www.walter-kunststoffe.com

Walter Kunststoffe GmbH, Gunskirchen, Austria

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