Krones Recycling GmbH, under the management of Dr. Michael Gotsche, began operations on 1 July 2024 with headquarters in Flensburg. The new company assumes all activities related to plastics recycling while continuing to leverage Krones’ global production, sales, and service network.
This spin-off underscores the growing importance of the recycling sector and Krones Recycling’s role in Krones’ sustainability goals. The global demand for recycled plastics is increasing due to heightened consumer awareness, ambitious corporate sustainability targets, and stricter recycling regulations from international governments.
Krones, with nearly 30 years of experience in plastics processing and 25 years in recycling, decided to consolidate its expertise into the independent subsidiary Krones Recycling GmbH. Christoph Klenk, Krones CEO, remarked, “The spin-off will enable Krones Recycling to develop faster and in line with market requirements. This division makes a decisive contribution to protecting the environment by returning plastic waste to the value-added cycle.”
The new subsidiary aims to enhance its flexibility and responsiveness to market changes. Michael Gotsche, Managing Director of Krones Recycling GmbH, stated, “The newly founded company offers us the necessary flexibility and scope for action to implement decisions in a customer-oriented, fast, and optimized manner.”
Despite its independence, Krones Recycling remains closely connected to the Krones Group. “Our clients appreciate Krones’ overall line expertise, which means they get everything from a single source. They can continue to rely on this in the future. The worldwide sales and service network is also available to us without restriction,” added Gotsche.
Krones Recycling already processes a variety of plastics, including PET, PE, PP, and PS, on its lines worldwide. Gotsche outlined the company’s vision: “Our vision is to make a daily contribution to a global circular economy for all plastics by offering our customers sustainable and profitable recycling solutions.” Krones aims to ensure at least 30% of the plastics processed on its lines are recycled.
The company will continue intensive research at its in-house Recycling Technology Centre, conducting tests on the recyclability of various plastics, including adhesives and colors, under real conditions on behalf of customers.