As a leading provider of metal separation solutions for the plastics industry, Bunting once again made its mark at the K-Show. This year, the Bunting booth was larger than ever, reflecting the company’s expanding product range and growing global presence. The stand attracted a wide range of visitors from across the world, all eager to learn about the latest in metal detection and magnetic separation technology.

The Bunting team at the event was a truly international group, with representatives traveling from the United States, United Kingdom, and Italy. It was also the first time that Robert Bunting, newly appointed as President and CEO of the global Bunting Group, attended an international trade show, marking a significant milestone for the company.

A Changing Plastics Industry

Environmental concerns are reshaping the plastics industry on a global scale. There is a strong push to reduce the use of single-use plastics, especially in packaging, with many companies exploring alternative materials—like Amazon switching to cardboard instead of plastic. However, plastic remains a vital material in manufacturing, used in everything from automotive parts to consumer goods.

The drive toward a circular economy is fueling innovation in both product design and processing technologies. As a result, manufacturers are increasingly looking for advanced solutions to improve efficiency and sustainability throughout the production lifecycle.

From Primary Production to Recycling

Like other industries, primary plastics producers are focused on minimizing waste. Any byproducts generated are typically reclaimed and recycled, serving as valuable raw materials. However, recycling post-consumer waste—whether from households or industrial sources—is far more complex.

This is where multi-stage material separation plays a crucial role. At K-Show 2022, Bunting showcased a range of separators designed to handle these challenges, helping customers achieve higher purity and efficiency in their processes.

Focused on Metal Separation

Bunting’s K-Show 2022 display centered on solving the issue of metal contamination in plastic production. Metal debris can cause serious damage to equipment and lead to product defects, resulting in costly waste. By using a combination of magnetic separators and metal detectors, this risk can be effectively minimized.

On display were full-scale models of Bunting’s systems, including the Easy-to-Clean FF Drawer Magnets, which are commonly placed above injection molding machines to remove ferrous contaminants from both virgin and recycled plastic beads. Metal detectors then target non-ferrous metals, ensuring a clean final product.

For plastic waste processing, Bunting demonstrated the Eddy Current Metal Separator, which efficiently separated ferrous metals and small aluminum pieces from shredded PET. Combined with a high-intensity Drum Magnet, this system provides a powerful solution for metal removal in global recycling operations.

An Evolving Future for Plastics

“Our booth was packed from the very first hour,” said Alan Why, Bunting’s European Sales Manager. “It’s clear that the plastics industry is undergoing major changes, and this is increasing the demand for reliable separation technology. Producers and recyclers alike are looking for proven solutions that maximize efficiency and minimize waste.”

“K-Show 2022 gave us the perfect platform to showcase our capabilities. Our systems are not just effective—they’re essential for modern plastic processing. And seeing it in action really makes the difference.”