Exhibitor Interview: Bühler
In this Exhibitor
Interview we caught up with Bernhard Gabauer, Head of Plastics Segment at Bühler about the challenges of efficient recycling processes and successful outcomes after attending the Plastics Recycling World Expo in 2018.Bühler is a leading global supplier of optical sorting solutions to the food and non-food processing industries and has been at the forefront of pioneering optical sorting technology since 1947.
The Bühler optical sorting portfolio offers our customers a choice of precision-engineered innovative optical sorting equipment to meet today’s exacting optical sorting applications. As one of the world’s most trusted brands in optical sorting, Bühler are recognised for intelligent technology and engineering leadership.
What do you think is currently the biggest challenge facing your industry?
In the plastics industry, the biggest challenge we face has been the same for many years: we need to switch, at a global level, from land fills and incineration to a more efficient recycling process. In Europe, we are a step ahead of the rest of the world with around 70% of our plastics being recycled. When looking on a global scale, unfortunately, some countries such the USA are still recycling less than 15% of their plastics.
What do you think sets your company apart from your competitors?
We are offering a 2-machines solution for rPET flakes application: one is detecting and removing the color defects and the second one was specially designed for polymer sorting. By using one after the other, they achieve an exceptionally high reject concentration.
With our network of engineers and service stations, wherever our customer is in the world, we can guarantee that we will be able to provide the resources to help them achieve a close to virgin quality in rPET application.
Are there any new technology developments that your company is working on at the moment?
At the Bühler Optical Sorting headquarters, based in London, our Research and Development department is currently working on some exciting new technology to meet our customers‘ requirements. Some projects are already in the pipeline, but we will be able to share more information soon.
What are you most looking forward to at this years’ show? You attended the launch show in 2018, what did you gain from the experience?
The launch show in 2018 proved to be a very beneficial event for us at Bühler. As a result of our attendance at the exhibition, we are happy to say that we secured multiple machine closures with customers from Germany.
Bühler will be exhibiting at Plastics Recycling World Expo in Essen, Germany, 3 - 4 June at stand B912. Get your free ticket!