Future-Proof Production in Focus: Labotek Showcases Energy-Efficient Innovations at K 2025
Press Release
Wuppertal, July 29, 2025
At K 2025 in Düsseldorf, Labotek will unveil a suite of energy-efficient, cost-effective solutions for plastics processing. Highlights include advanced drying and control systems, External Heat Recovery (EHR), and digital tools for process optimization. Managing Directors Thomas Ringheim and Lukas Pawelczyk emphasise that Labotek’s technologies are designed to reduce energy consumption and operating costs while ensuring transparency and traceability through the Labo-Net control system.
Precision Meets Drying: Labotek and Movacolor Present the MDS Balance Drydose
In collaboration with Movacolor, Labotek introduces the MDS Balance Drydose—a compact unit that combines efficient material drying with precise additive dosing. This innovation addresses rising demands for bio-based and high-performance plastics by drying additives directly at the machine feed, eliminating the need for separate drying units. The result is improved product quality, reduced scrap, and enhanced production efficiency.
Bottle-to-Bottle Concept
With only 10–20% of the 500–600 billion PET bottles produced annually being recycled, crystallization is critical. Labotek’s new continuous PET crystallization system transforms amorphous PET flakes into heat-resistant material suitable for thermal drying and reprocessing. Compact, stable, and flexible, this solution supports the circular economy by enabling efficient bottle-to-bottle recycling.
To carry out this essential process efficiently, energy-optimally, and reliably, we are presenting our new solution for continuous PET crystallization at K 2025.
External Heat Recovery (EHR): Harnessing Waste Heat
Labotek’s EHR system captures waste heat from external sources like compressor cooling systems and channels it into drying processes via air-to-water heat exchangers. This can yield electricity savings of up to 85%, significantly cutting CO₂ emissions and operating costs. EHR integrates with Labotek dryers via PLC or Labo-Net and can also function as a stand-alone, manufacturer-independent unit.
NEW LCD: Compressed Air Drying for Small Applications
The Labotek Compressed Air Dryer (LCD) is tailored for smaller-scale needs, such as injection molding. Available in 5- and 15-liter volumes, it offers energy efficiency below the break-even threshold for compressed air use. The LCD features user-friendly microprocessor controls, adjustable airflow, and over-drying protection. A new Android app enables intuitive, mobile configuration.
Gravi-Dryer®: Intelligent, Energy-Optimized Drying
Labotek’s DFD series dry air systems, paired with Gravi-Dryer® bins, deliver stable, material-specific drying with minimal energy input. Gravimetric control adjusts drying time based on actual throughput, preventing over- or under-drying. Individual airflow control and frequency-regulated blowers further enhance efficiency. Full process documentation via Labo-Net supports modern quality management standards.
Modular Control Concept: Streamlined System Integration
Labotek’s new control concept simplifies setup and expansion across DFD, DH, SVS, and EHR modules. A central 10-inch touch panel manages up to 14 units, each with its own 7-inch panel, connected via ProfiNet. Load cells beneath drying hoppers provide weight data, and SVRs are integrated through dedicated control units. The system’s modularity allows seamless expansion, with full compatibility to Labo-Net, which can manage up to three DFDs, five SVS stations, and 40 DH bins.
Explore Labotek’s innovations in Hall 10, Stand B12, and discover how intelligent drying and control systems are shaping the future of plastics production.
