Revolutionary progress in aluminium recycling:

In view of global environmental problems and the increasing scarcity of resources, 
effective recycling is now more important than ever.

Skapa Recycling GmbH has made significant progress in aluminium recycling in collaboration with REDWAVE. By using state-of-the-art technologies and optimised processes, they maximise the recyclability of aluminium cans while reducing their environmental impact.

 

The importance of aluminium recycling

Aluminium is an extraordinary material: It can be reused almost indefinitely without losing quality. Recycling an aluminium beverage can saves enormous amounts of resources and energy compared to new production, as only around five percent of the energy required for production from bauxite is needed. However, of the 12,000 tonnes of used aluminium beverage cans (UBCs) on the Austrian market, only around 6,000 tonnes are officially recycled, and these are often only processed into low-grade alloys.

 

Skapa's commitment to sustainable recycling

Skapa has been actively campaigning for change in the recycling sector since 2011. They process collected used drinks cans in a modern processing plant in eastern Austria. The end product, cleaned and briquetted UBC, is tied up on pallets and delivered to specialised can alloy manufacturers throughout Europe. Skapa endeavours to ensure that every can finds its way back into recycling - from can to can. 

„We are ready for the future and will continue 
to do everything we can to increase 
the recycling rate and optimise 
our processes.“
 

Anton Skalnik
Managing Director of Skapa

Efficient recycling thanks to innovative technology

The recycling process for used aluminium beverage cans is complex and requires thorough cleaning and the removal of impurities. The heavy metal fraction posed a particular challenge, as manual sorting was impractical due to the large quantities involved. Anton Skalnik, visionary owner and managing director of Skapa Recycling GmbH, recognised the need for an innovative solution early on and found it in the REDWAVE XRF sorting machine.

This state-of-the-art technology not only separates various heavy metals such as copper, brass and zinc, but also sorts aluminium cans according to their chemical composition. This enables precise and efficient processing, which significantly improves the recycling process and maximises the recovery of recyclable materials. "The can waste we receive is first shredded, then divided into different fractions and thoroughly cleaned of impurities," explains Skalnik. "The integration of the REDWAVE XRF sorting machine into our operational processes marks a significant step forward. This innovative technology enables us to significantly increase the efficiency and precision of our recycling process and thus substantially increase recycling rates."
Partnership and technological innovation

The partnership between REDWAVE and Skapa Recycling GmbH shows how advanced sorting technologies can revolutionise aluminium recycling. "Our collaboration with REDWAVE and the use of the REDWAVE XRF sorting machine takes the recycling of aluminium to a new level," says Skalnik. This co-operation is an important step towards a more sustainable future.

Flexibility and sustainability in operation The modular concept of the REDWAVE XRF sorting machine makes it possible to start with a narrow sorting width at lower capacities.
At a later date, this width can then be extended to a larger width with minimum effort in order to process higher throughputs. Mr Skalnik also runs a large part of his machine technology with electricity from his photovoltaic system in order to minimise the plant's CO₂ footprint.

Motivation and vision for the future

Motivated by a strong environmental awareness and the endeavour to increase added value in Austria, Skapa decided to integrate the REDWAVE XRF sorting machine. Despite initial scepticism, the company took the plunge and today the production plant processes up to 15,000 tonnes per year, with the prospect of increasing this capacity to 20,000 tonnes. "Next year we'll have the deposit, which is no problem at all for me," explains Skalnik. "Our aim was to reduce the finished product and instead process semi-finished products that contain valuable materials. We export worldwide, from Saudi Arabia to Korea and Malaysia."

A success story of progress

Skapa first came across REDWAVE in 2015, but at the time the company was still considered too small. Today, Skapa produces over 1,000 tonnes of material containing heavy metals and relies on the precision of REDWAVE technology. "The machine has now been running for almost six months and the product is really impressive," says Skalnik enthusiastically. "Fine adjustments have been made to copper and brass extraction, and the plant will pay for itself in two to three years."

Skapa's collaboration with REDWAVE is a prime example of successful cooperation in the recycling sector. The flexibility and quality of the machine, combined with Skapa's own innovative spirit, have created a milestone in aluminium recycling. With the introduction of the deposit system and the continuous improvement of recycling processes, Skapa is ideally equipped for the challenges ahead. "We are ready for the future and will continue to do everything we can to increase the recycling rate and optimise our processes," says Skalnik.