Image: Bekum, XBLOW100
Fries invests in state-of-the-art extrusion blow molding machine for drums made with recycled material
This year, we plan a major investment in a new extrusion blow molding machine for plastic drums. The machine makes it possible to integrate recycled material into food-safe drums. We look forward to further strengthening our ambitious sustainability goals.
A successful 2023 financial year made the investment possible
A successful 2023 financial year made it possible to expand the manufacturing of our L-ring drums. The Group (together with subsidiary Cup Concept) was able to generate sales of EUR 41 million. It immediately invested EUR 2.4 million in the purchase of the nine co-extrusion blow molding machines in order to continue to meet the high demand for bung drums.
Sustainable improvement of proven extrusion process through the use of recycled plastic
We have been using extrusion blow molding for years, and now are also integrating recycled material into the plastic used for our food-compliant 220 L drums. We are already switching our production to PCR (post-consumer recyclate) at an accelerating rate. With our extrusion blow molding machine, we are focusing on innovation as well as sustainability and the responsible use of resources.
The new machine increases our production capacity, while reducing the use of fossil raw materials, lowering CO2 emissions and reducing the amount of waste. The use of recycled material supports our vision of a sustainable circular economy.
Packaging used in connection with food must be food compliant in accordance with Regulation (EC) 1935/2004 of the European Union. Among other things, recycled material must not come into contact with the food. For our food-safe packaging we use materials such as HD-PE (high-density polyethylene), PP (polypropylene) and PE (polyethylene).
>> More information on food conformity
The co-extrusion process allows us to combine three plastics, and as a result combine properties that could not be achieved individually. To ensure food conformity, the recycled material is embedded between high-quality inner and outer layers.
