Alfa Laval is turning circularity into action with the launch of ThinkCircularity, a take-back programme that recycles materials from its ThinkTop valve control units. The pilot project has been well received by customers and partners, and the company has already received its first returned products for recycling.
ThinkCircularity initially focuses on plastic recycling. Each ThinkTop contains 500 grams of plastic, and the pilot project has demonstrated that this material can be recycled to produce new units without compromising quality. Tests confirm that the mix of reused and virgin plastic in future units meets all performance standards – from tensile strength to durability.
Furthermore, other materials and components from the ThinkTops – such as valuable metals and electronics – are responsibly recycled.
In the food, dairy, and pharma industries, there is an ongoing focus on process optimization and resource savings. For instance, by upgrading their existing ThinkTop control units, which can save 90% on water and energy used for cleaning-in-place. This is also the case in Norway, where Skala, the Alfa Laval Master Distributor, specializes in servicing hygienic industries. They recently introduced the ThinkCircularity take-back scheme to their customers and have already sent back several hundred units.