Products

IR-CLEAN®

Infrared technology

Technology for the decontamination of rPET flakes for food packaging according to FDA and EFSA criteria

The IR-CLEAN® system is a technology for the decontamination of rPET flakes for food packaging that meets the criteria and limits of the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) and EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) for 100% recyclate content in direct food contact. It offers a cost-effective and efficient solution for the direct processing of post-consumer PET flakes, without vacuum technology, and is suitable as a retrofit solution for existing extrusion lines.

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The key to success lies in the operating principle of the infrared rotary drum, which reaches high temperatures in a few minutes through continuous material movement and direct infrared light exposure. With a final finisher unit, the IR-CLEAN® reaches moisture levels below 50 ppm.

The IR-CLEAN® system meets the FDA/EFSA limits for up to 100 % recycled material even before the extruder, which enables easy retrofitting and thus FDA/EFSA approval of existing single-, two- or multi-screw extrusion lines. In addition to the IR-CLEAN®, the system solution includes conveyor technology, complete process monitoring and documentation of process parameters.

Advantages of IR-CLEAN® technology

High-performance decontamination

Efficient decontamination of recycled PET for re-use in direct food contact packaging.

According to FDA & EFSA criteria

FDA Letter of Non-Objection granted
EFSA thresholds attained for up to 100% recycled material

Continuous process from the product feed to extruder inlet.
Drying up to 50 ppm

Crystallization and drying in a single process

First-in / First-out

Rotary drum with internal helix guarantees a defined flow of materials

No vacuum system required

No maintenance-intensive and expensive vacuum system is required

Easy retrofitting A problem-free upgrade of a non-EFSA or -FDA-approved extrusion line is possible
Easy start-stop process No long pre-heating processes necessary - direct start with cold material possible
Easy & cost-effective maintenance

Maintenance is uncomplicated and not time-consuming

High energy efficiency through direct heat input
Small footprint Horizontal system layout does not require high plant ceilings