Bunting, a leading provider of metal separation solutions for the plastics industry, once again showcased its expertise at K-Show 2022. With an expanding range of products, the Bunting booth was the largest it had ever been, drawing significant interest from visitors across the globe.

The team on display included representatives from the U.S., UK, and Italy, highlighting the company’s global presence. This event marked Robert Bunting’s first international trade show since his appointment as President and CEO of the global Bunting Group.

A Changing Plastics Industry

The plastics sector is undergoing a major transformation driven by environmental concerns. There's a growing push to reduce single-use plastics, especially in packaging, with many companies switching to more sustainable alternatives like cardboard. However, plastic remains a vital material used in everything from automotive parts to everyday bottles.

As the world moves toward a circular economy, innovation in both product design and recycling processes is accelerating. Equipment manufacturers are responding with new technologies to support this shift.

From Primary Production to Recycling

Primary plastics producers are increasingly focused on minimizing waste. Any leftover material is typically reclaimed and recycled for reuse. However, recovering and processing post-consumer plastic is far more complex due to contamination and mixed materials.

This challenge requires advanced multi-stage separation systems, many of which were on display at K-Show 2022. These technologies help ensure that only clean, high-quality materials make it into the production cycle.

Focused on Metal Separation

At the heart of Bunting’s exhibit was the critical issue of metal contamination. Even small amounts of metal can cause serious damage to machinery and lead to defective products, resulting in costly waste. Bunting demonstrated how a combination of magnetic separators and metal detectors can prevent these issues effectively.

On display were full-scale models of their equipment, including the Easy-to-Clean FF Drawer Magnets, designed to remove ferrous contaminants from raw or recycled plastic beads. Metal detectors then target non-ferrous metals, ensuring thorough protection throughout the process.

For recycling applications, the Eddy Current Metal Separator was also featured, showing how it separates aluminum and other metals from shredded PET. The combination of a high-intensity Drum Magnet and Eddy Current Separator plays a crucial role in modern recycling operations worldwide.

An Evolving Future for Plastics

“Our stand was packed from the moment the doors opened,” said Alan Why, Bunting’s European Sales Manager. “There’s no question that the plastics industry is changing rapidly, and this is creating a strong demand for reliable separation technology. Both primary producers and recyclers are looking for proven solutions that maximize efficiency and minimize waste.”

“K-Show 2022 was the perfect platform to showcase our capabilities. Visitors were impressed by what they saw, and we’re confident that our solutions will continue to play a key role in the future of the industry.”