Extrusion International 5-2025

38 Extrusion International 5/2025 К 2025 Xtender Technology Revolutionizes rPET Film & Sheet Production A t the K 2025, MEAF Machines will launch its new Xtender technol- ogy. This polymer melt co-processing technology, with exceptional mixing and degassing properties, was devel- oped by MEAF in collaboration with an Italian partner and increases the intrinsic viscosity (IV) value of rPET using an innovative, patented pro- cess. The Xtender technology can be (retro) tted on both single-screw and twin screw extruders, and revo- lutionizes the production of rPET lm and sheet. The Xtender technology allows the IV to be increased in the liquid state of the polymer by means of polycon- densation, also known as LSP. Lo- cated directly downstream of the ex- truder, the melt is transported axially through a disc processor consisting of several wedge-shaped discs, where contaminants and unwanted gases are extracted from the polymer by means of a vacuum. The temperature of the melt is regulated by heating el- ements and a core cooling element, while the setup includes two inline viscometers to detect and control the IV, as well as an adjustable feed for additives to accelerate the condensa- tion reaction. An important distinguishing fea- ture of the Xtender technology is that the design allows a speci c ow rate, due to repeated passages of the melt over the wedge-shaped discs. The melt surface area achieved with the discs is more than 72 times larger than twin-screw extruders, resulting in highly controlled conditions for the polycondensation reaction. “There is great emphasis in the EU to increase the proportions of recy- cled rigid packaging material in new products. This new technology allows PET processors to convert low IV Post Consumer Recycled (PCR) and Post In- dustrial Recycled (PIR) material - from both in-house and external sources - into a high quality sheet,” says Ar - djan Houtekamer, Technical Director at MEAF Machines. “The next step in the development of the Xtender tech- nology is to obtain FDA and EFSA ap- proval for food grade PET production using 100% recycled material, with - out the necessity for barrier layers of virgin material.” The Xtender technology was de- veloped with MEAF’s core manufac- turing values in mind, providing a cost-effective solution that can be modularly integrated into (existing) extrusion lines for both recycling as well as lm and sheet production. The Xtender technology will be available to customers globally, starting in Q4 2025 and the rst unit will be on dis - play at the K-show in Düsseldorf. MEAF www.meaf.com K 2025: Hall 17, Stand A22 At the K 2025 MEAF Machines will launch its new Xtender technology, a polymer melt co-processing technology with exceptional mixing and degassing properties (Source: MEAF) Business Strategy with Recycled-Based Metal Replacement Materials Expanded On the occasion of the K2025 plastics trade fair, LEHVOSS is pre- senting its expanded business strat- egy under the theme of “Smart Resourcing.” The company is sup- plementing its established port- folio of high-performance plastics with intelligent solutions for metal replacement materials based on re- cycled resources. With this strategic expansion, LEH- VOSS responds to evolving market demands and increasing procure- ment pressures in the plastics indus- try. “LEHVOSS stands for high perfor-