Food waste depackaging equipment
The purpose of depackaging technology is so that food waste processors can accept packaged food onto their sites and process them through composting and anaerobic digestion after removing the outer packaging. Operators may find that using this technology could allow them to take packaged food waste as an input to their process.
WRAP has commissioned a report into to find the different technologies available for this purpose.
The full report can be downloaded via the link below:
Report - Review of food waste depackaging equipment (287 kb) ![]()
Below is a list of companies which have provided general contact and technical information about their products, please click on the manufacturer to find out more about their products.
All information about the technology has been taken directly from data provided by the technology manufacturer, please contact the manufacturer directly if you have any questions about the information or the technology described. WRAP cannot be held responsible for any of the information provided by these companies (please refer to full disclaimer).
Other companies can also be included on these pages, to have your information listed please download and fill in the following form, and return to the contact details provided on the form.
Atritor
Contact details
Atritor Limited.
P.O. Box 101,
Edgwick Park,
Coventry CV6 5RD,
UK.
Telephone: +44 (0)2476 662266Fax: +44 (0)2476 665751
web: http://www.turboseparator.co.uk/
Contact: Mark A. Hulme
mhulme@atritor.comCountry of origin: UK
Technical Specification
Typical applications include
- Beverages
- Biscuits
- Baby Foods
- Cereals
- Coleslaw
- Coffee
- Custard
- Food Tins
- Gravy Granules
- Household Products
- Pasta
- Pet Foods
Operating principle: The materials to be separated are introduced into the unit via a flanged inlet and cycled through the Turbo Separator’s bladed shaft. The variable speed, along with the design features of the beater blades and breaker bars, separate the product from its packaging. The materials are routed through a central discharge where the product is screened out. Various screens are available depending upon the product’s size and consistency. The packaging material continues through the cylinder to the end discharge for disposal or recycling.
Available models: Turbo Separator
Throughput capacity: (m3/h) 1-20tph
Separation efficiency (%): Up to 99%
Speed (rpm): 200 - 2500
Power requirements (kW): 11Kw up to 37Kw depending on Model
Dimensions (mm): From 400x1800 to 760x2440
Base package includes: Machine, support and controls
Fabrication: Carbon steel or 304 stainless steel
Layout: Not specified
Anticipated delivery time: 12 – 20 weeks depending on system
Guarantees provided by the supplier: 12 months on none wear parts
Price range (£): £50,000 upwards depending on Model
Annual operating costs for maintenance and consumables (%): Less than 5%
References: Not permitted due to restrictions placed on us by our clients. There are 50 operating machines of which 95% are in the UK
Estimated Maintenance cost £/a or % of purchase price: Minimal as long as rogue objects are removed prior to the process
Required service Intervals (monthly or annually): Check bearings regularly & keep them lubricated (every 2 months)The above information has been provided by Atritor, WRAP cannot be held responsible for any information provided here. please refer to full disclaimer
Baader Food Processing Machinery

Contact details
Address:
Baader UK Ltd
Suite 3 - Nautilus House
Prospect Point
35 Waterloo Quay
Aberdeen
AB11 5 BS
Telephone: 01224 597 320
Fax: 0 1224 597 321
Mobile: 0 7850 091 956
Contact: Anders Lorentzen
Country :Germany
Technical Specification
Typical applications include:
- Partly damaged goods
- Shelf life expired articles
- Packages of commercial size and geometry made of cardboard, paper, plastics, aluminium foil composite film with pasty to liquid contents
Operating principle: Flexible squeezing belt takes the pre-crushed packages towards a rotating perforated drum. The soft contents penetrate the perforation and the residues of the packages are scraped off the outer drum shell.
Available models: Baader 600,601,603,605, 607
Throughput capacity (m3/h)
Values vary considerably depending on the hole size in the perforated drum, the type of feeding, the product and its pre-treatment.
Separation efficiency (%): Approx up to 97%
Speed (rpm): Not provided
Power requirements (kW): 2.2 -9.2kW depending of type of machine
Dimensions h x l(mm): 1595 x 1170 to 1870 x 1685
Base package includes: Machine, feeding unit and spare parts
Fabrication: BAADER
Layout: Customer made on request
Anticipated delivery time: 1 to 3 month
Guarantees provided by the supplier: 12 months
Price range (£): 30.000 - 200.000 EURO
Annual operating costs for maintenance and consumables (%)
Approx 5%, depending on working hours and raw material
References
World wide by the biggest companies
Estimated Maintenance cost £/a or % of purchase price
The approx. 5% is estimated cost for maintenance, and calculated out from the purchase price of the Machine.
Required service Intervals (monthly or annually)
You need to take care of the machine on a daily basis, recommended service every 6 month at approx. 8 hours production per day.
The above information has been provided by Baader, WRAP cannot be held responsible for any information provided here. please refer to full disclaimer
BioPrePlant AB

Contact details
Address:
Skeppsgatan 19
Malmo
Sweden
211 19
Tel: +46 735 822 955
web: www.biopreplant.com
Contact person: David Borjesson
Country of origin : Sweden
Technical Specification
Typical applications include
All types of mixed food waste including those packaged in:
- Plastic
- Tins
- Glass bottles
Operating principle : The non segregated materials to be separated are presented to the BioSep® unit via screw elevator. They are subjected to a batch process of rotary action within the main housing where substrate passed through sieves and the plastic fraction is washed before passing through an eject hatch aided by a pulsating compressed air blast. No recalibration is needed to deal with varying product sizes or consistencies. The washed packaging material contains <1% organic fraction.
Available models: BioSep®
Throughput capacity (m3/h): 7.5 to 10 tonnes per hour
Separation efficiency (%): Up to 95% for mixed packaged waste
Speed (rpm): 450
Power requirements (kW): 22kw
Dimensions (mm): 3260 X 2130 X 3910 High
Base package includes: BioSep® and support: Total pre plant supplied to order
Fabrication: Carbon steel
Layout: Provided with quotation
Anticipated delivery time: 12 to 16 weeks
Guarantees provided by the supplier: Based on hours used or months in agreement with client.
Price range: c. €250,000 (exchange rate dependant)
Annual operating costs for maintenance and consumables (%): < 3%
References: Operating plant in Oslo, Norway
Estimated Maintenance cost £/a or % of purchase price: Minimal but recommend to budget 2% of purchase price
Required service Intervals (monthly or annually): Total overhaul every 8,000 hours with regular greasing of bearings the only routine maintenance required
Komptech
Contact details:
Komptech UK Ltd
Forge End
Lodge Farm
Kineton
Warks
CV35 0JH
Telephone:
+44 1926 64 29 72
Fax:
web: www.komptech.com
Contact person: Paul Carley
Country of origin: England
Technical Specification
Typical applications include:
- Prepackaged food waste
- Out-of-date food waste
- Packaging waste
Operating principle: Packaged, non-homogenous or lumpy waste necessitates
pre-shredding. Slow-running shredders which break down the material thoroughly are used. The next stages are the dissolution of the organic materials in the pulper and the subsequent separation of the contaminants. All contaminants such as plastics, metal, glass and sand are separated off from the fermentation substrate. An inert fraction or compostable material may also be present (depending on the input material).
Available models: CRAMBO – dual shaft shredder
Throughput capacity (m3/h): (15,000 tpa)
Separation efficiency (%): 90-95% in conjunction with Hydro-pulper
Speed (rpm): 0-38rpm
Power requirements (kW): 160kW
Dimensions (mm): 2.5m x 2.3m x6.4m
Base package includes: All units special build no standard base unit
Fabrication: Steel
Layout: Via this link
Anticipated delivery time: 14-16 weeks
Guarantees provided by the supplier: 1000 operating hours or 12 months; Komptech GmbH Austria
Price range (£): €200,000-€250,000
Annual operating costs for maintenance and consumables (%): €20,000
60% Consumables
References: Plants in Frankfurt, Austria prior to AD/IVC
Digestion Plant with Pre-Treatment MBE
Marchfelder Bioenergie GmbH, Rastenweg 2, A-8130 Markgrafneusiedl, Austria
Estimated Maintenance cost £/a or % of purchase price: €8,000
Required service Intervals (monthly or annually): Every 250 operating hours is approx 6 services per year
The above information has been provided by Komptech, WRAP cannot be held responsible for any information provided here. please refer to full disclaimer
Brand Gmbh
Contact details
Äußere Speicherstr. 1 01587 Riesa Germany
Telephone: +49 (0)35 25 5130 873web: http://gebraucht-maschinen-handel.de/
email: info@handel-gebraucht.de
Country of origin : Germany
Technical Specification
Typical applications include:
- Plastic packaging
- Tins
- Glass
Operating principle: The food waste depackaging equipment comprises a feed hopper, 2 screw conveyors, 2 shredders and a separating screen. The feed material is conveyed from the feed hopper to the first shredder where the material is reduced to a size chosen by the client. The material is then conveyed to a second shredder, further reducing its size for the subsequent separation process. The elevated solid/liquid screw conveyor comprises an inner and an outer working area separated by a mesh screen. The incoming material is sprayed with water whilst being transported upwards. The liquidised food waste runs back down into a hopper, the solid waste is transported upwards and discharged at the top into a container.
Available models: One model built to size
Throughput capacity (t/h): 4-8
Separation efficiency (%): Up to 99
Speed (rpm): 0-500
Power requirements (kW): 12-15/t
Dimensions l x w (mm): 12500 x 6500
Base package includes: Feed hopper, 2 screw conveyors, 2 shredders, separating screen, control panel
Fabrication: Steel, Stainless steel (upon request)
Layout : link
Anticipated delivery time: 6 months
Guarantees provided by the supplier: machines
Price range (£): 300,000-500,000
Annual operating costs for maintenance and consumables (%): 3-5€/t
References: Energiepark Bruck, Austria ~20,000tpa; mainly food waste from supermarkets
Munich; plant with similar capacity under construction;
The above information has been provided by Brand Gmbh, WRAP cannot be held responsible for any information provided here. please refer to full disclaimer
Kufferath
Contact details
Andreas Kufferath GmbH & Co. KG
Andreas-Kufferath-Platz 1
52353 Düren
Germany
Telephone: +49/2421/801-104
web: www.kufferath.com
Contact person:
Birgit Schmauss
Country of origin Germany
Technical Specification
Typical applications include:
- Mixed supermarket waste
- Liquid and pasty foodstuffs in cans
- Tetra-Pack products
- Beverages in PET bottles
- Tinned packaging
- Dairy and ice cream products
Operating principle: The material to be unpacked is fed to the screw press via filter chute and transported by the screw towards the outlet of the press. The conical outlet remains closed until the internal pressure exceeds the working pressure. The working pressure is set pneumatically. The internal pressure is built up by the screw during depackaging. The screw shaft is enclosed in a screen basket. The internal pressure drives the free liquids/ pasty stuff of the treated material through the perforated screen discharging the separated foodstuff into a hopper beneath the screen. Packaging is retained and discharged via the exit at the far side of the press.
Available models: Akupress AS, 4 sizes (AS20, 315, 500, 650)
Throughput capacity (t/h): AS250: 1-3t/h, AS650: 8-12t/h
Separation efficiency (%): 70 – 95%, depending on material
Speed (rpm): 9-22
Power requirements (kW): 18.5 – 45 (or 20-60Hz with frequency transformer)
Dimensions dia x h (mm): 315 x 84 to 800 x 215
Base package includes: Screw press, control cabinet,
Fabrication: Basic frame: galvanised steel, rest stainless steel
Layout: Follow link
Anticipated delivery time: 3-4 months from order
Guarantees provided by the supplier: Mechanical: up to 2 yrs &
Throughput
Price range (£): 50,000 (AS250) - 200,000€ (AS650)
Annual operating costs for maintenance and consumables (%): Annual (approx.) change of gearbox, sieve baskets and shaft axle; otherwise little maintenance required
References: 10-15 Food waste depackaging machines in Germany, Belgium, and Holland
The above information has been provided by Kufferath, WRAP cannot be held responsible for any information provided here. please refer to full disclaimer
Meltog
Contact details
Unit B, Copley Hill Trading Estate
Whitehall Road
Leeds
LS12 1HE
Telephone: 0113 243 8290
Fax: 0113 248 2796
web: www.meltog.com
Contact person: Julian Heyworth
Email: j.heyworth@meltog.com
Country of origin: United Kingdom
Technical Specification
Typical applications include
- All liquid filled containers
- Dairy products
- Biscuits
- Cereals
- Granules (e.g. coffee, sugar, salt and gravy),
- Pasta,
- Tinned Foods
- Cosmetic Items
- Pharmaceuticals
- Plasterboards, industrial cake or filter cake
Operating principle: Materials are fed into the LB series Pulveriser via an infeed hopper. The system comprises twin ‘breaker’ shafts comprising multi-blade breaker knives which contra-rotate, pulverising the packaging and releasing the contents against an interchangeable breaker bar grille. The product can be collected in a number of ways dependent upon the process requirement.
The LB Series Pulveriser is designed, manufactured and assembled in the UK. All systems are fully supported and maintained from Meltog’s factory in Leeds.
Available models: LB11, LB22, LB44
Throughput capacity (m3/h): Up to 25 tonnes per hour (dependent upon mix)
Separation efficiency (%): Up to 99%
Speed (rpm): Variable 20 – 80 rpm
Power requirements (kW): 11kW – 44kW – Bespoke machines can be designed and supplied to suit application
Dimensions (mm): From 546 x 732 to 1210 x 1650 (Pulverising area)
Base package includes: LB Series Pulveriser, mounting frame and control system – hoppers and stands can be designed and supplied to suit requirements
Fabrication: Mild Steel construction with either steel or stainless steel lining plates
Layout: To suit process – an application can be seen by watching the web site video (4 mins & 7 secs in) at the following address: http://www.mmco.uk.com/products1.html
Anticipated delivery time: 6 – 12 weeks (dependent upon model and ancillary equipment etc)
Guarantees provided by the supplier: Standard 12 month warranty based upon single shift operation covering non-wear parts
Enhanced warranty packages are available
Price range (£): From £ 15,000 to £ 100,000
Annual operating costs for maintenance and consumables (%): Providing operating and maintenance procedures are followed, maintenance and consumables costs are minimal. Whilst specific costs will depend upon usage and application for budget purposes a figure of up to 5% should be considered
References: Can be provided on specific request
Estimated Maintenance cost £/a or % of purchase price: Approximately 5% of purchase price, specific costs will depend upon usage and application.
Required service Intervals: Basic regular maintenance is required, as defined in the operating manual. Meltog recommend a minimum service interval of 6 months.
The above information has been provided by Meltog, WRAP cannot be held responsible for any information provided here. please refer to full disclaimer
MeWa Recycling Machinery

Contact details
3 Gultlinger Strasse
Gechingen
D-75391
Telephone: UK Office 01473 745769
Fax: UK Office 01473 745769
Contact person: Trevor Roberts
Email: trevor.roberts@mewa-recycling.de
Country of origin: German Built – Sales office in the UK
Technical Specification
Typical applications include:
- Mixed Food Waste
- Packed food waste
- Unpacked food waste
- Slaughter house waste
- Food waste and Green waste mixed
- Energy Crops
Operating principle
The operating principle of the machine is to accelerate the material within the chamber which results in one material hitting another, thus releasing contents from the packing. This process involves no cutting just acceleration resulting in low operating costs.
The materials can be feed via grab or conveyor into the core machine dependant upon the feedstock; the material is batch processed for just a few seconds and is then emptied from the machine automatically via a discharge door. The packaging and contraries are then removed using a number of specialist systems.
The processed organic fraction due to the action of the machine is completely broken down with maximum surface area thus increasing the yield in the Anaerobic Digesters.
Available models: QZ900, QZ1200, QZ1600
Throughput capacity (m3/h): 4 – 20 tonnes per hour
Separation efficiency (%): Up to 99% dependant upon the down stream
Speed (rpm): Circa 400 rpm dependant on motor size etc.
Power requirements (kW): 60kW to 120kW
Dimensions (mm): Circa 5 x 5 meters without infeed
Base package includes: Machine, Control Panel, Cooling System
Fabrication: Heavy Tool Steel
Layout: Please contact for drawings, infeed and separation options
Anticipated delivery time: Circa 16 weeks
Guarantees provided by the supplier: 2000 operating hours or 12 months
Price range: 150k Euros upwards dependant upon ancillaries and options
Annual operating costs for maintenance and consumables (%)
Less than 1% of the purchase cost
References
Many in Germany and Austria processing Biomass fractions, 15 QZ’s operating in the UK processing other materials.
Estimated Maintenance cost £/a or % of purchase price
Minimal; the machine was originally designed to process metal fractions so resistant to unshredables etc. Will not be affected by cans etc.
Required service Intervals (monthly or annually): Fill the automatic greasing; check acceleration tools
Puhler
Contact details
Pühler GmbH
Dörspestraße 22
51702 Bergneustadt
Germany
Telephone: +49-2261-4093 0
Fax: +49-2261-409317
web: www.puehler.de
Contact person: Bianca Peters
Country of origin: Germany
Technical Specification
Typical applications include:
- Filled drinks cans
- Creamy spray cans
- Preserving cans/ tins
- Soft packaging
- PET packaging
Operating principle: The one-way packaging presses operate electro-hydraulically by means of various hydraulic cylinders.
The material is either fed manually into a supply funnel which is installed on the press or fully automated via conveyors if requested.
The separated liquid is collected in a large-volume collection trough and then discharged by a separate level-controlled pump.
Available models: Packaging Press type EVP (for filled one way packaging), available in 5 sizes
Throughput capacity (m3/h): 2.4 – 17,8
Separation efficiency (%): 99
Speed (rpm) ./.
Power requirements (kW): 4.5 -18.5
Dimensions l x w x h (mm): 4335 x 900 x 1700
Base package includes: Screw press, control panel, motor, pump, connections
Fabrication: Stainless steel
Layout: Attached as link
Anticipated delivery time: 10 – 12 weeks
Guarantees provided by the supplier: 1-2 years
Price range (£): 47.176,00 £- 132.190,00 £
Annual operating costs for maintenance and consumables (%): 1 – 2 %
References: They have an extensive reference list across Europe and Worldwide
The above information has been provided by Puhler, WRAP cannot be held responsible for any information provided here. please refer to full disclaimer
Rothenburg
Contact details
Am Harweh 7
24513 Neumünster
Germany
Telephone:
+49 (0) 4321 - 97 78 10
Fax:
+49 (0) 4321 - 97 78 20
Contact person: Konrad Lienau
Konrad.lienau@rothenburg-gmbh.de
Country of origin: Germany
Technical Specification
Typical applications include: The installation removes foods from their packaging. This unpacking technology handles both cans and plastic packs.
Operating principle: The unpacking installation consists of two stages. The packaging is opened and pressed flat in a continuous operation during the first stage. The pressed out contents is conducted via a product line from the side of the installation.The package material is cleaned in the second stage. The residues are rinsed off with water nozzles in a sieve drum. The rinsing water is recirculated to keep water consumption as low as possible. The solids in the rinsing water circuit are removed, while the packages are ejected at the end of the sieve drum. Depending upon the prevailing requirements, the installation can be combined with a feeding and discharging facility
Available models: Unpacking Installation for Foods E6
Throughput capacity (t/h): 1-7 (tins)
Separation efficiency (%): 90-98 depending on feedstock
Speed (rpm): 15/22
Power requirements (kW): 16.1
Dimensions l x h x w (mm): 3080 x 1280 x 710
Base package includes: Separation unit & control cabinet
Fabrication: Steel/Stainless steel
Layout: Attached as link
Anticipated delivery time: 2 month
Guarantees provided by the supplier: 2 years on mechanical kit
Price range (£): 55.000-72.500
Annual operating costs for maintenance and consumables (%): 1,5
References: Danone, Spain
The above information has been provided by Rothenburg, WRAP cannot be held responsible for any information provided here. please refer to full disclaimer
Sebright
Contact details
127 N. Water Street
Hopkins Michigan 49328
Telephone: 616-897-5668;
1-800-253-0532
Contact person: Dennis Sprick
Country of origin: USA
Technical Specification
Typical applications include:
- Paper
- Plastic,
- PET
- Aluminium
- Tin/ Steel
Operating principle: The Xtractor is highly specialised piece of equipment that is designed specifically for de-packaging applications in the food industry.
The unit removes the liquid content from the package and contains the solid and liquid material for a controlled and clean removal
Available models: XTRACTOR – The Complete Liquid Depackaging Solution
Throughput capacity (m3/h): 6 - 9
Separation efficiency (%): tbc
Speed (rpm): tbc
Power requirements (kW): 7.5
Dimensions l x w x h(mm): From: 7544 x 2438 x 3505
Base package includes: Feed hopper, conveyor, solid/liquid separator, discharge chute, control panel
Fabrication: Stainless steel
Layout: Attached as link
Anticipated delivery time: tbc
Guarantees provided by the supplier: tbc
Price range (£): tbc
Annual operating costs for maintenance and consumables (%): tbc
References: tbc
The above information has been provided by Sebright, WRAP cannot be held responsible for any information provided here. please refer to full disclaimer
Sepamatic
Contact details
Modernpack Hoppe GmbH
Zum Kreuzbusch 3
51429 Bergisch Gladbach
Telephone: 0049 (0)2204 9859-0
Fax: 0049 (0)2204 9859-59
web: www.sepamatic.de
Contact person: Tim Gray
Telephone: 07768 257707
Country of origin: Germany
Technical Specification
Typical applications include
- Plastic packaging
- Liquid wastes
- Vegetable wastes
- Tins
Operating principle: TBC
Available models: 4 basic models
Throughput capacity (t/h): 0.25t – 6
Separation efficiency (%): Up to 95% depending upon material
Speed (rpm): tbc
Power requirements (kW): tbc
Dimensions (mm): tbc
Base package includes: tbc
Fabrication: tbc
Layout: tbc
Anticipated delivery time: tbc
Guarantees provided by the supplier: tbc
Price range (£): €25k to €200k.
Annual operating costs for maintenance and consumables (%): tbc
References: tbc
The above information has been provided by Sepamatic, WRAP cannot be held responsible for any information provided here. please refer to full disclaimer





