13.06.2024
Efficient cleaning granules made in Germany: Introducing new ALBIS partner Granula Polymer
With their GranaClean® series, Granula Polymer produces ready-to-use cleaning granules that allows plastics processors to contribute to a strong circular economy. What concept drives this new ALBIS partner based in Groß-Umstadt near Darmstadt, Germany? We met Dr. Eva-Maria Langhammer, Co-Managing Director of the company and PhD chemist, for an interview.
„If it has a screw and rotates, we can clean it” – has this always been Granula Polymer's guiding principle?
Dr. Langhammer: This sentence originates from my father, Dr. Hubert Christ, who founded the company in 1996. Back then, Granula Polymer was a specialist for powder-coatable plastics. Ever since, we have always been confronted with the issue of cleaning plastic-processing machines. As a result, we have carried out intensive research on the subject, obtained a patent for ready-to-use cleaning granules, and have granted licenses. Since 2021, we have been active as a producer of our own GranaClean® brand.
What makes GranaClean® so special?
Dr. Langhammer: We offer ready-to-use cleaning granules that, unlike cleaning concentrates or liquid cleaners, do not have to be mixed or otherwise prepared for use. Because they do not require exposure time, GranaClean® cleaning granules can be seamlessly integrated into the injection molding process. The product is easy to dispense and, thanks to the expanding function of the granules, removes residue thoroughly with little material consumption. "This makes it as easy as possible for plastics processors to clean their twin-screw extruders, injection molding machines, or other equipment.
What other advantages are there compared to conventional cleaners?
Dr. Langhammer: When cleaning an injection molding machine, GranaClean® can be processed into parts of their own. This enables seamless color or material changes without major interruptions of the process, even by means of fully automatic robot removal. GranaClean® granules can be fed through the hot runner without hesitation and, unlike many competing products on the market, do not have an abrasive effect on the machine surface. Under the right conditions, the waste from the cleaning process can even be recycled. Overall, plastics processors save time, material and waste using GranaClean®, as well as the cost associated with each of these factors.
„If it has a screw and rotates, we can clean it” – has this always been Granula Polymer's guiding principle?
Dr. Langhammer: This sentence originates from my father, Dr. Hubert Christ, who founded the company in 1996. Back then, Granula Polymer was a specialist for powder-coatable plastics. Ever since, we have always been confronted with the issue of cleaning plastic-processing machines. As a result, we have carried out intensive research on the subject, obtained a patent for ready-to-use cleaning granules, and have granted licenses. Since 2021, we have been active as a producer of our own GranaClean® brand.
What makes GranaClean® so special?
Dr. Langhammer: We offer ready-to-use cleaning granules that, unlike cleaning concentrates or liquid cleaners, do not have to be mixed or otherwise prepared for use. Because they do not require exposure time, GranaClean® cleaning granules can be seamlessly integrated into the injection molding process. The product is easy to dispense and, thanks to the expanding function of the granules, removes residue thoroughly with little material consumption. "This makes it as easy as possible for plastics processors to clean their twin-screw extruders, injection molding machines, or other equipment.
What other advantages are there compared to conventional cleaners?
Dr. Langhammer: When cleaning an injection molding machine, GranaClean® can be processed into parts of their own. This enables seamless color or material changes without major interruptions of the process, even by means of fully automatic robot removal. GranaClean® granules can be fed through the hot runner without hesitation and, unlike many competing products on the market, do not have an abrasive effect on the machine surface. Under the right conditions, the waste from the cleaning process can even be recycled. Overall, plastics processors save time, material and waste using GranaClean®, as well as the cost associated with each of these factors.
Dr. Eva-Maria Langhammer holds a doctorate in chemistry and has managed Granula Polymer together with company founder Dr. Hubert Christ since 2014.
Speaking of recycling: How strongly do topics such as sustainability and the circular economy influence your day-to-day business?
Dr. Langhammer: Very much so – for example, we have been certified according to ISO 14001 environmental management since 2023. That same year, we also decided to develop sustainable alternatives to our universal cleaner GranaClean® UNI and our special products Grana-Clean® TPE/TPU and GranaClean® Clear. GranaClean® UNI Green is the counterpart to our UNI cleaner, consists of 80 percent bio-based ingredients and can easily be used as a drop-in solution. Our GranaClean® BIO consists of 100 percent biodegradable ingredients and was developed especially for processors of biodegradable plastics who no longer need to separate their waste from cleaning and production.
What is important to know for companies who want to switch to sustainable cleaning granulate?
Dr. Langhammer: A note in advance: Even if companies “only” switch from filled polypropylene to our conventional cleaning granules, they are already stepping up their game in terms of sustainability. The use of GranaClean® UNI is more environmentally friendly simply because less material is needed for cleaning, and the little waste that is produced can be reprocessed. Of course, we are delighted if customers also opt for a biobased or biodegradable product and are happy to issue certificates for the CO2 savings, which the customer can use for future audits.
Depending on the plastic and the process, the general framework that processors work with can differ drastically. How do you deal with individual customer requirements?
Dr. Langhammer: Our products already cover a wide range of processing scenarios, plastic types and temperatures. In addition, we can make various adjustments to tailor GranaClean® even better to customer requirements. For example, all our products are already food-compliant in accordance with the FDA and EU Regulation No. 10/2011, which is why numerous packaging manufacturers are already using GranaClean®. Furthermore, we can easily scale our production capacity of 500 kg of granulate per hour and respond very flexibly to individual requests. Thanks to our new distribution partner ALBIS, we now also have access to the know-how of their experts in plastics processing who, much like us, work very closely with their customers.
Are there any future developments or plans you can tell us about?
Dr. Langhammer: In 2024, we will expand our GranaClean® portfolio with a new granulate for cleaning machines that process plastics with abrasive ingredients such as glass fiber. We will also introduce GranaClean® COOL, a product designed for temperatures below 160 degrees. Unlike many of our competitors, we are also invested in keeping our production here in Germany, which is why we plan to expand our local production capacities to meet the growing demand. What ultimately drives us, is our goal to reduce plastic waste in the plastics processing industry with our granulates. That is why the continuous design of our products in accordance with sustainability remains at the top of our agenda.
Thank you very much for the interview.
Dr. Langhammer: Very much so – for example, we have been certified according to ISO 14001 environmental management since 2023. That same year, we also decided to develop sustainable alternatives to our universal cleaner GranaClean® UNI and our special products Grana-Clean® TPE/TPU and GranaClean® Clear. GranaClean® UNI Green is the counterpart to our UNI cleaner, consists of 80 percent bio-based ingredients and can easily be used as a drop-in solution. Our GranaClean® BIO consists of 100 percent biodegradable ingredients and was developed especially for processors of biodegradable plastics who no longer need to separate their waste from cleaning and production.
What is important to know for companies who want to switch to sustainable cleaning granulate?
Dr. Langhammer: A note in advance: Even if companies “only” switch from filled polypropylene to our conventional cleaning granules, they are already stepping up their game in terms of sustainability. The use of GranaClean® UNI is more environmentally friendly simply because less material is needed for cleaning, and the little waste that is produced can be reprocessed. Of course, we are delighted if customers also opt for a biobased or biodegradable product and are happy to issue certificates for the CO2 savings, which the customer can use for future audits.
Depending on the plastic and the process, the general framework that processors work with can differ drastically. How do you deal with individual customer requirements?
Dr. Langhammer: Our products already cover a wide range of processing scenarios, plastic types and temperatures. In addition, we can make various adjustments to tailor GranaClean® even better to customer requirements. For example, all our products are already food-compliant in accordance with the FDA and EU Regulation No. 10/2011, which is why numerous packaging manufacturers are already using GranaClean®. Furthermore, we can easily scale our production capacity of 500 kg of granulate per hour and respond very flexibly to individual requests. Thanks to our new distribution partner ALBIS, we now also have access to the know-how of their experts in plastics processing who, much like us, work very closely with their customers.
Are there any future developments or plans you can tell us about?
Dr. Langhammer: In 2024, we will expand our GranaClean® portfolio with a new granulate for cleaning machines that process plastics with abrasive ingredients such as glass fiber. We will also introduce GranaClean® COOL, a product designed for temperatures below 160 degrees. Unlike many of our competitors, we are also invested in keeping our production here in Germany, which is why we plan to expand our local production capacities to meet the growing demand. What ultimately drives us, is our goal to reduce plastic waste in the plastics processing industry with our granulates. That is why the continuous design of our products in accordance with sustainability remains at the top of our agenda.
Thank you very much for the interview.