Supplier News

Austria-based Lindner-Recyclingtech GmbH says it has installed three Lindner Micromat shredders that are helping convert polyethylene terephthalate (PET) scrap into recycled-content fibers for textile applications at a facility in North Carolina.

The installation at the Yadkinville, North Carolina, plant operated by Unifi Inc. helps it convert scrap, consisting mostly of postconsumer PET bottles, into its Repreve high-performance synthetic and recycled fibers product line.

“Three shredders from Lindner’s Micromat series work 24/7/365 to ensure that the plastics are optimally shredded for the downstream processes,” Lindner says.

Lindner says Unifi, based in Greensboro, North Carolina, has converted some 35 billion plastic scrap bottles into Repreve fiber as of the end of August.

“Unifi’s process ensures that plastics are returned to the consumer goods cycle as a valuable raw material and promote a more circular and sustainable economy,” Lindner says.

As of this year, three Lindner Micromat 2000 models prepare plastic and textile scrap for its journey to extrusion, spinning and finally winding the fibers used by brands such as Williams-Sonoma Inc., Levi’s and Toms Shoes.

Scott Trivette, operations manager of the Repreve scrap-fed manufacturing plant in North Carolina, describes the relationship with Lindner as “a great partnership, which we require because of our 24/7/365 operating model.”

“A provider who can only be there for us between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. just doesn’t work for us,” Trivette adds. “We need answers within hours, not days, and Lindner, with its hub in Statesville, North Carolina, is always there for us.”

The Lindner Micromat series shredders are designed for postcommercial and postconsumer plastics recycling, and the company says the Micromat models have strong, high-torque motors for powerful shredding that optimize uptime and streamline maintenance tasks.

“The lightning-fast safety clutch offers optimum machine protection, and easy access to the rotor means that nonshreddables can be removed quickly and easily,” Trivette says. “Lindner’s machines have enabled us to minimize downtime and maximize the throughput of the entire plant, which is essential with an average production of 1.5 million pounds [750 tons] of resin per week.”

Waga Energy system coming to Iowa landfill

Waga Energy Inc., a France-based landfill gas-to-renewable natural gas (RNG) systems maker, has signed a commercial agreement with the Waste Commission of Scott County, Iowa, to collaborate on an RNG production facility at the Scott Area Landfill in Davenport, Iowa.

As part of the agreement, Waga Energy will fund the construction of one of its patented Wagabox systems, which is designed to upgrade landfill-generated methane gas into pipeline-quality RNG.

Waga Energy will operate the plant for an initial 20-year term, sharing revenue with the Waste Commission of Scott County and Linwood Mining and Minerals Corp., a limestone producer that owns the property where the landfill is located.

“Thanks to our unique and innovative Wagabox technology, the energy contained in the waste stored at the Scott Area Landfill, which was flared until now, will be injected directly into the local pipeline to supply homes and businesses,” Waga Energy CEO Guénaël Prince says.

The plant is expected to start commercial operation in 2025, after which the Wagabox will be able to deliver more than 200,000 million British thermal units of RNG per year, which is equivalent to about 60 gigawatt hours of energy.