The parent company was the brainchild of three engineers who, in 1983, developed the first prototype of an Erema recycling machine. Today, Erema has over 3,000 systems in use on five continents, recycling over 12 billion pounds of plastic annually.

As Erema North America co-CEO Tim Hanrahan points out, “Plastics have had an image problem when it comes to sustainability and recycling.” Even though all plastics can be recycled, challenges such as contamination and cost-effectiveness have sometimes impeded the process.

That’s where Erema, with its dedication to providing customized solutions to plastics recycling challenges, can really make a difference. From small systems that process 75 pounds of plastic per hour, to systems with the capability of processing 5,000 pounds per hour, Erema North America can create a system to fit almost any manufacturing need, including meeting FDA standards for processing food-related containers.

“Until recently, the U.S. was behind other countries in plastics technology generally and recycling specifically. In the past five years, we’ve seen a dramatic increase in post-consumer recycling – up from 10 percent to about 50 percent.” Hanrahan said. “For example, we have installed approximately 150 million pounds of annual capacity in the U.S. for post-consumer soda bottles.”

Hanrahan cites several reasons for this growth, including increased consumer awareness and government regulation. “There are still only eleven states that have a redemption bill – that should and will grow in the future. In California, they have the CRV program and their recycling rate is higher than the rest of the country. California has also devoted significant grant money to encourage the purchase of recycling equipment. Everyone wants to use a higher percentage of reclaimed plastic – industry is encouraging it and consumers are encouraging it.”

Drawing upon its international network for global expertise, Erema North America’s team has a comprehensive knowledge of the region’s plastics industry. “We have so much experience that no one else even comes close,” Hanrahan says. In his case, that experience includes 25 years in plastics recycling and another 7 in plastics machinery. “I’ve seen a lot of change over the past 32 years,” he said. “We are always learning something new, but between us and our colleagues around the world, there’s very little we haven’t seen. We have over 3,000 machines in place – that’s 3,000 stories to be told.”

The company provides local support, parts and service from its Ipswich, Massachusetts headquarters, often offering same-day shipping of parts to customers from its 10,000 square-foot facility, and on-site demonstrations of its recycling systems. “We just received new equipment last week,” Hanrahan notes. “We’re able to quickly test products for our customers, many of whom visit the plant to watch the process.”

One of Erema’s latest developments is a new technology for converting recycled plastic bottles into PET strapping. Produced in conjunction with Techno Plastic, the system saves money by reducing both input and energy costs. With PET strapping use growing at a rate of 15% per year, the Erema system offers the opportunity to supply a critical market need, while also creating a cost-effective recycling solution. “I was at our plant in Europe the week after this technology was introduced,” Hanrahan said. “I was observing private customer demonstrations, and they were really excited about the potential for their businesses.”

Erema North America is committed to this type of innovative collaboration and problem solving. Part of this commitment involves personal contact with customers at venues such as Techtextil North America in Las Vegas, where the company will be exhibiting. “With the environmental and financial challenges facing the plastics industry, the need to recycle is greater than ever,” Hanrahan says. “We look forward to meeting with our colleagues to discuss their recycling challenges and opportunities, and how Erema can provide solutions that help ensure success.”  And that will create a greener future for all of us.