STADLER and Krones launch North America’s first plastics circular economy loop

STADLER Anlagenbau GmbH, in partnership with Krones, has ushered in a new era with the creation of the Republic Services Polymer Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. This groundbreaking facility is the first of its kind in North America, dedicated to processing plastic bottles, jugs, and containers, transforming them into recycled plastic materials suitable for new packaging.

A Pioneering Facility: Closing the Loop

Republic Services, a leader in the U.S. environmental services industry, has boldly opened North America’s inaugural vertically integrated plastics recycling facility. In this unique venture, Krones, as the general contractor, collaborated closely with STADLER, overseeing mechanical sorting on the PET and PO lines. The Polymer Center plays a crucial role in managing the entire plastics recycling stream, from curbside collection to the production of high-quality recycled resins ready for use in sustainable packaging.

Advanced Processing Lines: A Marvel of Technology

The Polymer Center stands as the largest Dual Line plastics recycling plant in the USA, boasting a capacity of 5t/h for each line. With an annual contribution of over 100 million pounds to the circular economy, the facility incorporates cutting-edge technology for mechanical separation, sorting, and cleaning. The PET line features a STADLER STT2000 ballistic separator, Near-Infrared (NIR) sorters, and a Krones washing line, producing high-quality rPET flakes. Simultaneously, the Mixed Plastics line utilizes mechanical separation and sorting to categorize different Polyethylene (PE) and Polypropylene (PP) products.

Extending Success: A Testament to Collaboration

The successful collaboration between STADLER and Krones in the Las Vegas Polymer Center project has positioned Republic Services for further success. Pete Keller, Vice President of Recycling and Sustainability at Republic Services, emphasizes, “Our strong partnership with STADLER and Krones, the design and quality of equipment, and successful implementation in Las Vegas has given us the confidence to purchase systems 2 and 3 for our centers under development.”

Towards Nationwide Sustainability: A Visionary Approach

The Polymer Center in Las Vegas is a pivotal step in Republic Services’ visionary plan to establish a nationwide network, promoting a genuine plastics circular economy. The company aims to build three additional Polymer Centers, addressing the increasing demand for recycled plastics and playing a critical role in closing the gap between supply and projected demand by 2025.

Conclusion: Transforming Waste into a Sustainable Future

The Republic Services Polymer Center, driven by innovation and collaboration, is not just a recycling facility; it’s a testament to the transformative power of sustainable practices. This initiative is set to revolutionize recycling in North America and pave the way for a more environmentally conscious future.

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