As a leading provider of metal separation solutions for the plastics industry, Bunting made its presence felt at the K-Show once again. With a continuously expanding product line, this year's booth was larger than ever before, drawing considerable attention from attendees around the globe.

Our team was truly international, representing not only the UK but also the US and Italy. This marked the first major international trade show for Robert Bunting since taking on the role of President and CEO of the global Bunting Group.

Shifting Dynamics in Plastics

Concerns about the environment are propelling significant shifts within the plastics sector. Globally, there is a push toward reducing dependence on single-use plastics, such as those used in packaging, prompting many companies to transition away from plastic altogether or explore alternative materials like cardboard. However, plastic remains indispensable due to its versatility, utilized in everything from high-performance automotive parts to everyday items like bottles.

With the global push toward a circular economy fueling innovations in plastic design, equipment manufacturers are stepping up their game. The challenge lies in balancing sustainability with functionality while ensuring minimal environmental impact.

From Production to Recycling

Like most industries, primary plastic producers are laser-focused on minimizing waste. Any unavoidable waste is recovered and repurposed as raw material. However, managing plastic waste generated by consumers—both households and businesses—is significantly more complex.

This requires a series of stages involving material separation, showcased at K-Show 2022 through numerous cutting-edge technologies.

Focused on Eliminating Metal Contamination

The centerpiece of Bunting's K-Show exhibit was addressing the issue of metal contamination in plastic production. Rogue metal can damage machinery and cause product defects, leading to unnecessary waste. This can be mitigated effectively with the use of magnetic separators and metal detectors, both of which were prominently displayed and demonstrated on-site.

The placement of these devices depends heavily on the layout of each facility. For instance, Easy-to-Clean FF Drawer Magnets, often installed directly above injection molding machines, efficiently remove ferrous contaminants from virgin and recycled plastic beads without wasting product. Subsequent steps involve using different types of metal detectors to eliminate non-ferrous contaminants. A combination of an FF Drawer Magnet and gravity-fed metal detector ensures complete removal of all metallic impurities from plastic beads or granulated internal waste.

When it comes to processing plastic waste, optimal metal separation becomes even more crucial. During the exhibition, the Eddy Current Metal Separator successfully separated ferrous and small aluminum particles from shredded PET. The synergy between high-intensity Drum Magnets and Eddy Current Separators plays a vital role in metal separation processes worldwide.

A Brighter Future for Plastics

"Our booth was bustling right from the opening day," remarked Alan Why, Bunting’s European Sales Manager. "The plastics industry is undoubtedly transforming, creating a higher demand for advanced technology. Manufacturers and recyclers alike need reliable separation solutions that maximize efficiency. Participating in K-Show 2022 allowed us to showcase the capabilities of our equipment firsthand—seeing is believing."