As a major provider of metal separation solutions to the plastics industry, Bunting showcased its latest advancements at the K-Show 2022. Expanding its product range, Bunting's booth this year was larger than ever before, drawing numerous visitors from across the globe with inquiries pouring in from various countries.

The team behind the Bunting exhibit represented multiple nationalities, traveling from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Italy. For Robert Bunting, who recently assumed the role of President and CEO of the global Bunting Group, this marked his first international trade show appearance.

A Shifting Landscape in Plastics

Environmental considerations are prompting significant shifts within the plastics industry. Globally, there is a push to reduce reliance on single-use plastics, often seen in packaging, with many companies transitioning to alternative materials like cardboard. Despite these changes, plastic remains a crucial material, utilized in everything from automotive parts to beverage containers. The global focus on creating a circular economy is fueling innovations in plastic product design, pushing equipment manufacturers to stay ahead with cutting-edge solutions.

From Manufacturing to Recycling

Similar to other industries, primary plastics manufacturers are concentrating on minimizing waste to nearly zero levels. Any waste generated is recovered and reused as raw material. Recovering and recycling consumer plastic waste—both household and industrial—is far more complex. The process involves multiple stages of material separation, many of which were highlighted at K-Show 2022.

Focused on Metal Contamination Control

Bunting’s exhibit at K-Show 2022 centered on addressing the challenge of metal contamination in plastic production. Rogue metal can damage machinery and cause product flaws, leading to unnecessary waste. These issues can be mitigated through the use of magnetic separators and metal detectors. Full-scale models of these systems were demonstrated on the Bunting stand.

The placement of these devices depends on the specific layout of each facility. Easy-to-clean FF Drawer Magnets, typically installed directly above injection molding machines, effectively remove ferrous metal contaminants from both virgin and recycled plastic beads without wasting product. Following this, metal detectors of various kinds eliminate non-ferrous metal contaminants from the same materials. A combined FF Drawer Magnet and gravity-fed metal detector ensures the removal of all metallic contaminants from virgin and recycled plastic beads or even internally generated plastic waste.

When it comes to processing plastic waste, optimal metal separation is equally vital. The Eddy Current Metal Separator, operational during the K-Show, successfully separated ferrous metals and small aluminum pieces from shredded PET. The integration of a high-intensity Drum Magnet with an Eddy Current Separator plays a critical role in metal separation processes worldwide.

A Brighter Future for Plastics

"Our booth was bustling from the very start," remarked Alan Why, Bunting’s European Sales Manager. "It’s evident that the plastics sector is undergoing a transformation, and this is increasing the demand for advanced technology. Both primary producers and recyclers require reliable separation technology that maximizes metal detection efficiency. The K 2022 trade fair provided the perfect platform to demonstrate the capabilities of our equipment. Seeing is believing."