Niederzissen/Kaisersesch, November 29, 2022. Approximately 12 months after the groundbreaking ceremony, HC Plastics GmbH opened one of Germany’s most modern plastic recycling plants yesterday at its Niederzissen site. In the future, approximately 15,000 tons of plastic waste per year will be processed here for further use in industrial processes. By recycling polypropylene packaging film—which was previously mainly incinerated—the company is setting new standards in plastic recycling. Mayor Petra Kalkbrenner and other representatives, including officials from the Federal Ministry for the Environment, were enthusiastic about the development.

HC Plastics GmbH is a joint venture between two family-owned companies. Hündgen Entsorgungs GmbH & Co. KG, already based in Niederzissen, is a recycling expert that developed this innovative sorting technology and machinery in collaboration with specialists from CLASSEN. The group’s production company based in Kaisersesch, Akzenta Paneele + Profile GmbH, benefits from the secondary raw materials generated by recycling, which it uses for its CERAMIN® material to manufacture robust, PVC-free wall and floor coverings.

Approximately 100 interested parties gathered in Niederzissen for the plant’s commissioning yesterday, Monday. Managing Director Christian Hündgen welcomed partners, machine suppliers, members of the press, as well as official representatives from the Federal Ministry for the Environment, the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK), other trade associations, and, last but not least, Mayor Petra Kalkbrenner. In her speech, Kalkbrenner praised the forward-looking concept of the new recycling plant: “Extending the recycling chain actively promotes environmental and climate protection; this is exemplary. I am delighted that our community is home to such a forward-looking (joint venture).”

HC Plastics GmbH is a joint venture between two family-owned companies. Hündgen Entsorgungs GmbH & Co. KG, already based in Niederzissen, has, as a recycling expert, subsequently, the guests in attendance were able to gain an overview of the modern recycling processes during a tour of the HC Plastics plant, where ten full-time employees are currently working. Many waste products, such as yogurt cups or gummy bear packaging, were likely very familiar to visitors from their everyday lives. Until now, PP film was considered more or less unsuitable for recycling due to its soft and loose material properties. As a result, the film was typically incinerated—with the consequence that the raw material was no longer available for the recycling cycle after disposal.

HC Plastics’ new sorting technology now enables the material to be processed into a secondary raw material, which in turn forms a major component of the CLASSEN CERAMIN® flooring and tiles. In this way, supposedly worthless plastics are upcycled into a durable, robust, and environmentally friendly product that is itself 100 percent recyclable. A prime example of the circular economy. The innovative sorting technology and machinery were developed in collaboration with experts from the CLASSEN. The group’s production company based in Kaisersesch, Akzenta Paneele + Profile GmbH, benefits from the secondary raw materials generated by the recycling process, which it uses for its CERAMIN® material to manufacture robust, PVC-free wall and floor coverings.

Approximately 100 interested parties gathered in Niederzissen for the plant’s commissioning yesterday, Monday. Managing Director Christian Hündgen welcomed partners, machine suppliers, members of the press, as well as official representatives from the Federal Ministry for the Environment, the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK), other trade associations, and, last but not least, Mayor Petra Kalkbrenner. In her speech, Kalkbrenner praised the forward-looking concept of the new recycling plant: “Extending the recycling chain actively promotes environmental and climate protection; this is exemplary. I am delighted that our community is home to such a forward-looking (joint venture).”

As a modern, family-owned business, Hündgen Entsorgungs GmbH & Co. KG offers the highest degree of operational flexibility. Adjustments to changing environmental or economic conditions can be implemented immediately. This ensures, on the one hand, high environmental standards in the interest of environmental protection. On the other hand, in line with the company’s objectives, excellent customer service is ensured through targeted, personalized communication and consultation on all waste management issues.

In addition to the transport of waste, recyclables, and mixed recyclables, the company’s scope of activities includes their sorting as well as the marketing and recovery of secondary raw materials in international trade. The planning and development of innovative waste management and recycling concepts for commerce and industry, as well as consulting and cooperation with national and international institutions and local authorities, round out the company’s broad range of services.

The Cradle to Cradle principle aims to design products so that they can be fully recycled without generating waste. CERAMIN from recycled and recyclable polypropylene (PP) and, at the end of its service life as a flooring material, can be reintroduced into the production cycle. Thanks to its material properties, it is suitable not only for reuse in new flooring but also for use in other products. This contributes to resource conservation and supports a sustainable circular economy.

With the Cradle to Cradle Material Health certification, the CLASSEN is sending a strong signal in support of sustainable innovation in the flooring industry. “This certification is another milestone for our company and demonstrates that sustainable business practices and high-quality product solutions can go hand in hand,” explains Sebastian Wendel, who is responsible for strategic business development at the CLASSEN.