ImpulsTec and Hansgrohe Launch World's First Electrohydraulic Recycling Facility for Coated Plastics
Germany: Hansgrohe Group, in collaboration with ImpulsTec GmbH, has launched the world's first electrohydraulic shredding and material separation facility designed to recycle galvanized plastic components at high purity levels of over 99.8%. The Offenburg-Elgersweier-based facility, operational since early 2024, processes 100,000 kilograms of chrome-plated plastic annually. David Zapf from Hansgrohe noted, “The chrome-plated ABS plastic parts used to be a particular thorn in our side,” as previous recycling methods were unable to separate the thin galvanic coating efficiently. The new technology, which includes preshredding, shockwave treatment, and magnetic separation, allows Hansgrohe to reuse 98% of raw materials from production scrap, a significant step toward its circular economy goals. ImpulsTec Managing Director Stefan Eisert commented, “As this facility is a completely new concept, in the course of development we had to thoroughly try out and optimize all process steps." The technology may also expand into automotive and electronics sectors for recycling end-of-life product components.
Source: Recycling Today