Despite numerous challenges, PET to PET Recycling Österreich GmbH in Müllendorf has recorded a new recycling record for 2022: 32,900 t of PET material from around 1.3 billion bottles were successfully kept in the bottle-to-bottle cycle. This corresponds to a 20% increase in the volume processed compared to the previous year (2021: 27,300 t). In 2023, the company is continuing to focus on renewable energy and is installing a 6,400-square-meter PV system with an output of 1.2 MWp on the roof of its storage areas.

The year 2022 was also characterized by economic challenges for the recycling industry in Austria. While the restrictions and burdens of the Corona pandemic gradually receded over the course of the year, other dramatic developments occurred: Russia's war against Ukraine resulted in extreme energy price developments with unprecedented price spikes - combined with uncertainty as to whether enough gas would be available for the winter months. Waves of inflation, lack of raw material availability and disrupted supply chains put enormous strain on the industry for months.

"We are very pleased that we were able to close 2022 so successfully, despite all the challenges. At this point, special thanks go to our employees, who with their great support have contributed significantly to the implementation of the new record amount of recycled PET material", explain DI Christian Strasser and Mag. (FH) Thomas Billes, managing directors of PET to PET.

Anniversary celebration and property expansion

Last year, the company celebrated its 15th anniversary. Numerous guests from politics and business as well as long-standing partners attended a big celebration on September 23 at the company premises in Müllendorf. In the afternoon, the residents were treated to an open day with a colorful program and exciting tours of the recycling plant.

In addition, PET to PET 2022 implemented further expansion steps. The site area was expanded by around 19,000 m2, and in the course of this exciting archaeological finds from the Bronze Age came to light, which were presented to the public for the first time at the anniversary celebration. In the recycling plant, a number of improvements - such as the gradual conversion of the dosing control system in the two granulating lines - and an expansion of the silo plant to include a third loading silo were successfully implemented.

Focus remains on solar energy in 2023

As early as 2022, the Burgenland showcase company announced the installation of a photovoltaic system. Now the implementation is to take place. "By the middle of the year, the installation of the roofing for the new storage areas and the assembly of the PV modules are planned. The photovoltaic system will cover an area of 6,400 m2 with an output of around 1.2 MWp. All the renewable electricity will be used 100 percent in our recycling plant. Commissioning is planned for this summer", says DI Christian Strasser.