Coperion
Open navigation
Coperion and Holcim have signed an agreement for the design and installation of an advanced in-house recycling line at Holcim's roofing membrane manufacturing facility in Heinsberg, Germany. Building on a long-standing and successful relationship between the two companies, the project marks a milestone in the evolution of sustainable roofing membrane production and industrial recycling.
The Challenge
Roofing membrane manufacturing generates production scrap that varies widely in formulation, making efficient recycling a persistent industry challenge. To close this loop, a solution was needed that could process a wide range of TPO and PIB formulations with maximum flexibility, while maintaining consistent product quality and keeping energy consumption low.
For Holcim, finding a way to fully reuse edge trim waste from its roofing membrane production was not only an environmental priority, but also a step toward greater material efficiency and long-term circular manufacturing.
The Solution
Coperion's integrated recycling system for production waste combines state-of-the-art material handling with its proven ZSK twin screw extrusion technology.
The complete recycling system ensures:
- 100% reuse of waste and transfer to high-quality recyclate
- Proven ZSK twin screw technology for short residence times, gentle product handling, outstanding dispersion and degassing performance
- Consistent high output quality
- High energy efficiency
- Great process flexibility, to handle a broad range of TPO and PIB formulations
Together, these capabilities allow the new recycling line to transform 100% of Holcim's TPO and PIB edge trim waste into valuable raw material, ready to be reintroduced into production.
Setting a New Industry Benchmark for In-House Recycling
As the first application of its kind, the Heinsberg installation establishes a compelling business case for in-house recycling – demonstrating that complete waste reutilization and high-quality output can go hand in hand.
The project is expected to set a new benchmark within the roofing membrane and recycling industries, paving the way for broader adoption of circular manufacturing solutions across the market.
"We are proud to support Holcim in taking this important step toward fully circular roofing membrane production. This project shows what's possible when in-house recycling is approached with the right combination of technology, flexibility, and energy efficiency. My congratulations to the entire Holcim team on this milestone! We look forward to continuing our successful partnership and to seeing the positive impact this installation will have across the industry", says Jochen Schofer, Head of Sales Recycling at Coperion.
A Shared Commitment to Circularity
The collaboration between Holcim and Coperion reflects both companies' shared commitment to technological leadership and the development of innovative solutions that drive the transition toward a more circular economy.
By turning production waste into a resource, the Holcim facility in Heinsberg, Germany, is not only improving its own environmental footprint. It is offering the wider industry a proven model for how circular manufacturing can be achieved without compromising on efficiency or quality.
