Film waste from the food and agricultural sectors, fibers, or foamed plastics: The new recoSTAR dynamic art recycling system which Starlinger recycling technology is presenting at K processes a wide range of used plastics and scores with its increased throughput and ease of operation and maintenance.
“We have technically optimized the components of our new recoSTAR dynamic art recycling systems in such a way that production output and system efficiency have increased significantly,” explains Paul Niedl, Commercial Head of Starlinger recycling technology. "For example, the SMARTfeeder has been made larger, and we use more powerful drive motors with a low energy class. At the same time, we significantly simplified and shortened machine maintenance. Together with the optionally available starLOGGER software which ensures accurate data recording and our “Dynamic Automation Package plus” which now features a convenient automatic on/off function, the new system is easier and more user-friendly to operate than ever."
Starlinger's recoSTAR dynamic art recycling systems are particularly suitable for heavily contaminated post-consumer plastic waste that has a high moisture content due to storage or after washing, and produce high-quality regranulate that can be used in demanding applications.
Sophisticated, efficient, user-friendly
Special features of the new recoSTAR dynamic art recycling systems include the spin-feed technology and the Dynamic Automation Package (DAP). Technically sophisticated design elements such as the newly conceived ribs in the SMARTfeeder, where the input material is prepared for extrusion, and the special geometry of the cone bushing and the feed zone of the extruder ensure that the material is held longer and enters the extruder with more pressure and spin. This so-called “spin feed” leads to a significant increase in system performance.
The DAC package ensures maximum production efficiency by detecting fluctuations in the input material due to differences in bulk density, size, or moisture content, and regulates the extruder speed accordingly. It also responds to interruptions in the material feed by automatically putting the system into standby mode and restarting it when production resumes.
The new underwater pelletizing unit, which Starlinger recycling technology will present for the first time at the “K” trade fair, can be ideally integrated into the highly automated production process: It works particularly efficiently at high throughput rates and allows the processing of a wide variety of input materials.
The large multi-touch panel ensures convenient and clear operation; the circuit diagrams for the respective system and the operating instructions are stored there and can be viewed as needed. The entire system can be started easily with the one-button start/stop function.
Validated decontamination performance
Bottle-to-bottle recycling is Starlinger's second focus at the trade fair—an area in which the company is one of the leading technology providers. At the end of June 2025, Starlinger received a positive “Scientific Opinion” from the EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) for the recoSTAR PET art recycling process, which is based on the new EU Regulation 2022/1616 and confirms the high decontamination performance of the Starlinger process. The new regulation significantly simplifies the approval process, as Starlinger can license the process directly to PET recyclers once the official approval has been granted and the “Recycling Process Authorization Number” (RAN) has been received.
The machines of the recoSTAR PET art series consume 25 % less energy and have a 15 % higher output compared to the previous model. With the newly added extruder size of 265 mm they cover a throughput range from 1000 kg/h to 4,500 kg/h.
Virtual insights into the recycling process
Another highlight at the Starlinger booth in Hall 9 will be the virtual presentation of the components of a recoSTAR dynamic art and a recoSTAR PET art recycling system via video animation on screens. From material feeding to the extruder and control panel, filter, degassing, and pelletizing to the post-treatment of the recyclate, visitors can follow the individual process steps and learn about the special features of the individual system components.
Starlinger recycling technology at K 2025: Hall 9, Booth A28