As a leading supplier of metal separation solutions for the plastics industry, Bunting once again made its mark at the K-Show. This year’s exhibition was particularly significant as the Bunting stand expanded in size compared to previous years, drawing a large number of international visitors and generating interest from across the globe.

The team on display included members from the U.S., UK, and Italy, reflecting the global nature of the company. It was also Robert Bunting’s first international trade show since being appointed President and CEO of the global Bunting Group, making it a milestone event for the company.

A Changing Plastics Industry

The plastics sector is undergoing a major transformation driven by environmental concerns. There's a growing global movement to reduce single-use plastics, especially in packaging, with many companies switching to more sustainable alternatives like cardboard. However, plastic remains a critical material in various industries, from automotive parts to consumer goods.

With the push towards a circular economy, manufacturers are rethinking product design and production methods. This shift is creating new opportunities for innovative technologies that support sustainability and efficiency throughout the plastics lifecycle.

From Primary Production to Recycling

Primary plastics producers are increasingly focused on minimizing waste. Any by-products are typically reclaimed and recycled for reuse. However, recycling post-consumer and industrial plastic waste presents greater challenges due to contamination and mixed materials.

To address this, a multi-stage separation process is essential. At K-Show 2022, Bunting showcased a range of advanced metal separators designed to improve efficiency and purity in both production and recycling operations.

Focused on Metal Separation

Bunting’s exhibit centered around solving the issue of metal contamination in plastic processing. Metal particles can cause serious damage to machinery and lead to product defects, resulting in unnecessary waste. The solution lies in using a combination of magnetic separators and metal detectors.

On display were full-scale models of equipment such as Easy-to-Clean FF Drawer Magnets, which are commonly used above injection molding machines to remove ferrous contaminants from raw and recycled plastic beads. Metal detectors then target non-ferrous metals, ensuring a complete cleaning process.

Additionally, the Eddy Current Metal Separator demonstrated at the event successfully separated aluminum and ferrous metals from shredded PET, highlighting Bunting’s comprehensive approach to metal recovery in recycling systems.

An Evolving Future for Plastics

“Our stand was busy from the very start,” said Alan Why, Bunting’s European Sales Manager. “The plastics industry is definitely changing, and this is increasing the demand for reliable separation technology. Both primary producers and recyclers are looking for proven solutions that maximize metal removal efficiency.”

“K-Show 2022 gave us the perfect platform to showcase our products and demonstrate their real-world effectiveness. Seeing the technology in action really helps customers understand the value it brings to their operations.”