If you produce, or receive and wish to pre-treat an organic waste such as food waste and are interested in de-packaging equipment, then you are in the right place. In this article, we will discuss how de-packaging equipment can benefit your business. If you are considering investing in de-packaging equipment, you need to consider several factors. In addition to the equipment's performance, it's also important to consider the cost and maintenance. Below are some of the key merits of de-packaging equipment plus we list a selection of manufacturers.

Hammermill-based De-packagers

The first de-packaging machines were based on the hammermill that is often used in wood-processing operations. This process separates the packaging from the food by smashing it up under that action of the rotating hammers in the mill. Newer models are designed to separate packaging while using minimal force. They use fine adjustments to the angle of small paddles or plates mounted on a rotating shaft. Once separated, the separated packaging is conveyed out of the machine in two output streams. These are the organic fraction or "pulp" which has the consistancy of a thick soup, and the reject stream.

Paddle Based De-packagers

Other models use paddles but these can also berak up the various materials of the packaging very small especially when combined with a shredder. Inevitably this also creates a lot of small plastic pieces known as microplastics. Microplastics are increasingly being recognised as a hazard to the environment, and are also getting into our bodies and are found in human blood.

Food-waste De-packaging Machines Large and Small

Food-waste de-packaging machines all provide a process that separates organic and inorganic waste from packaging. The types of packaging processed and the rates of generation of this waste vary enormously. Although the manufacturers supply a range of depackager sizes the rate of processing may vary depending on the exact nature of the organic waste. Despite being available in many types and capacities the manufacturer may suggest configuring their machines with special modifications and many suppliers offer modular systems enabling the addition of further process units for subsequent settlement, for sand and grit removal, and/ or for example a strainer/ dewatering stage.

Scott Equipment Company

For example, one de-packaging machine, the Scott Equipment Company's model T42 Turbo Separator, can process anywhere from 10 to 30 tons of packaged food waste per hour. It has 56 flat paddles that work together to split, separate, and convey the waste. Organic materials are collected and conveyed to holding areas, while inorganic wastes are pumped into a compactor. These machines use rotating paddles and flails to break open packages. The MEGA-THOR has a capacity of 40 tons per hour.

TWISTER De-packagers and Separators

These models allow for the separation of organic materials from packaging and Twister has been credited with supplying one of the best de-packaging systems on the market. They are capable of recovering 90% or more of the materials inside the packaging and may satisfy the Swedish inert content standard. They can even separate sticky solids, which are difficult to remove from the packets and wrappers. An optional screw press can dewater the rejected packaging. The best model to choose depends on the size of your project. And be sure to check with the manufacturer for any warranties and technical support.

Atritor Turbo Separators

The Atritor TS3096 is capable of separating wet and dry materials, handling both wet and dry waste. Avoiding the need to add water can be essential for an efficient waste-to-energy-plant. Customer feedback has attested to the fact that the Atritor they bought enabled the company to expand its vehicle fleet bring in more organic waste and invest in an even bigger de-packaging system.

Tiger DePack Machines

Designed for efficient and productive operation, Tiger DePack machines are ideal for processing food waste. They are the front-end of the AD process and offer excellent throughput capabilities. Blue Group, the supplier of Tiger Depack machines, has an excellent support network. They are also available from stock in the UK, making it a crucial part of your de-packaging plant's uptime and efficiency.

Brask Xtractor

An advanced piece of waste-management equipment, the Brask Xtractor depaks packaged liquids. It is good at separating the liquid from the solid materials and is also described as highly durable and maintenance-free.

The Dominator

The Dominator is credited with being able to handle wet or dry metal tin can products. It can even separate plastic bottles.

Mavitec

The Mavitec depackaging machine is a horizontal shaft-based machine with paddles and flails mounted on it. The angle of the paddles can be adjusted to accommodate the feedstock. The machine rotates at approximately 800 rpm. The capacity of the Mavitec depackaging machine depends on the complexity of depackaging. This equipment will remove 99.9% of the organic material from the packaging and will be a great benefit to the county.