When recycling machinery continues delivering reliable performance more than a decade after installation, it says a lot about the technology behind it.

For Retech Recycling, that has been the experience with its Lindner Micromat shredders.

The family-run recycling business has been operating for more than 20 years, specialising in the recovery and processing of plastics including PP, acrylic, PVC, PS and ABS.

Retech also holds an important place in the history of Mach Tech Services.

In 2007, Retech became Mach Tech’s first customer to invest in a Lindner shredder, beginning a relationship that has continued for more than a decade.

Today, Retech continues to operate both a Lindner Micromat 2000 and a Lindner Micromat 1500, processing different plastic waste streams into controlled fractions ready for further granulation and recycling.

Retech Recycling: Over 20 Years of Plastic Recycling

Retech Recycling began as a hobby for Managing Director Andrew Connors before developing into an established recycling business.

Today, the company specialises in the recovery of a range of plastic materials, including:

• ABS
• PP
• HDPE
• Acrylic
• PVC
• PS

The company’s focus on plastic recovery requires machinery capable of delivering consistent size reduction while operating reliably over long periods.

For Retech, the Lindner Micromat range has become an important part of that process.

The First Lindner Customer for Mach Tech Services

Retech’s relationship with Mach Tech goes back to 2007.

After working together on several engineering projects, Retech became the first customer to invest in a Lindner shredder supplied by Mach Tech.

The first installation was a Lindner Micromat 2000, followed shortly afterwards by a Lindner Micromat 1500i at Retech’s Halifax site.

More than a decade later, both machines were still delivering the performance Retech required.

That longevity is one of the strongest aspects of the case study.

Lindner Micromat 2000 for ABS Recycling

Retech uses its Lindner Micromat 2000 to process ABS.

The machine achieves approximately 2.2 tonnes per hour, reducing the material to a fraction size of less than 30mm before it moves on to granulation, bagging and sale.

This demonstrates the importance of selecting a shredder based on the material being processed and the required downstream specification.

The shredding stage needs to produce a suitable and consistent fraction for the subsequent granulation process.

Processing PP and HDPE with the Micromat 1500

Retech’s second machine, the Lindner Micromat 1500, is used to process dry PP and HDPE.

The machine reduces the material to approximately 40mm, before further granulation reduces the material to around 10mm.

Using different Micromat configurations for different plastic streams demonstrates the versatility of the platform.

Rather than treating all plastics as the same, the equipment can be selected and configured around the characteristics of the material and the desired output.

Why the Lindner Micromat Works for Plastics Recycling

Plastics recycling can present a number of challenges.

Different materials have different characteristics.

ABS, PP and HDPE don’t necessarily behave in the same way during size reduction, meaning that the shredder needs to be appropriately configured for the application.

A reliable plastic recycling shredder needs to provide:

• Consistent size reduction
• Reliable throughput
• Efficient material processing
• Controlled output size
• Robust construction
• Straightforward maintenance
• Long-term reliability

The Micromat platform has been developed to meet these kinds of demanding recycling requirements.

Built for Long-Term Reliability

For Retech, one of the biggest advantages of the Micromat machines has been their durability.

After approximately 12 years of operation, Managing Director Andrew Connors said both machines had exceeded expectations.

He attributed this in large part to how robust and well-built the Micromat machines are.

Long-term reliability is particularly important for recycling businesses because machinery downtime can have a direct impact on production.

A shredder that continues operating reliably year after year can help provide greater confidence in the overall recycling process.

Less Maintenance and Less Downtime

Reliability isn’t just about whether a machine starts and stops.

For a recycling operation, maintenance requirements and unplanned downtime can have a major effect on productivity.

Retech reported that both Micromat machines required relatively little maintenance and had not experienced major faults resulting in prolonged periods of downtime.

That’s a significant consideration when investing in industrial recycling machinery.

The true cost of a shredder isn’t simply its purchase price.

Operators also need to consider:

• Maintenance costs
• Wear parts
• Energy consumption
• Downtime
• Labour
• Throughput
• Machine longevity

A machine that continues performing over many years can deliver considerable value throughout its working life.

Why Plastic Shredder Reliability Matters

Plastic recycling plants often operate continuously or for extended production periods.

If a shredder stops unexpectedly, the disruption can affect the equipment that follows it.

A typical plastics recycling process may involve:

Plastic waste → Shredding → Granulation → Separation → Processing → Finished recycled material

The shredder is therefore an important part of the wider production chain.

Reliable size reduction helps keep material moving through the process and provides a consistent feed for downstream equipment.

The Importance of the Right Output Size

Output size is another important consideration when selecting a plastic shredder.

Retech’s two Micromat machines demonstrate how different applications can require different output specifications.

The Micromat 2000 processes ABS to below 30mm before granulation, while the Micromat 1500 reduces PP and HDPE to approximately 40mm before further size reduction.

The correct configuration depends on what happens after shredding.

Rather than simply asking “How small can the shredder make the material?”, recyclers should consider:

“What size does the downstream process require?”

This approach can help ensure the complete recycling system works efficiently.

Mach Tech Services and Retech Recycling

The Retech story isn’t only about the machines.

It also demonstrates the importance of having experienced technical support behind the equipment.

Mach Tech had already worked with Retech on engineering projects before supplying its first Lindner shredder in 2007.

That relationship has continued alongside the machines.

For industrial recyclers, having access to technical expertise, genuine spare parts, maintenance and engineering support can be just as important as selecting the right machine.

More Than a Machine Supplier

Mach Tech Services supports customers throughout the life of their shredding equipment.

This includes:

• Machine selection
• Application advice
• Installation
• Commissioning
• Maintenance
• Repairs
• Genuine spare and wear parts
• Precision engineering
• Welding
• Hardfacing
• Machine rebuilds

This provides customers with support beyond the initial equipment purchase.

What Makes the Micromat a Long-Term Investment?

Retech’s experience demonstrates several factors that can make a shredding machine a successful long-term investment.

Robust construction

Industrial recycling equipment needs to withstand demanding operating conditions.

Application-specific configuration

The machine needs to be correctly specified for the material being processed.

Consistent performance

Stable throughput and output size are important for downstream processes.

Low maintenance requirements

Reducing unnecessary maintenance can help maximise machine availability.

Technical support

Access to experienced engineers and genuine parts can help maintain machine performance throughout its working life.

A Proven Plastic Recycling Solution

More than a decade after Retech first invested in Lindner technology, the company’s Micromat machines continue to play an important role in its plastics recycling operation.

The Micromat 2000 processes ABS at approximately 2.2 tonnes per hour, while the Micromat 1500 handles dry PP and HDPE.

Both machines have demonstrated long-term reliability and have helped Retech maintain an efficient recycling process.

For a business that relies on consistent plastic recovery, that kind of performance matters.

Standing the Test of Time

The name of this case study is particularly appropriate.

The Retech story isn’t about a machine performing well for a few months.

It’s about Lindner Micromat shredders continuing to perform after more than 12 years of operation.

For Mach Tech Services, it’s also a relationship that stretches back to the company’s first Lindner installation in 2007.

That combination of proven machinery, engineering expertise and long-term customer support is at the heart of what Mach Tech provides.

Reliable machinery. Reliable engineering. Reliable support.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Lindner Micromat 2000?

The Lindner Micromat 2000 is a single-shaft industrial shredder designed for demanding recycling applications, including plastics processing.

Is the Lindner Micromat 2000 suitable for plastic recycling?

Yes. The Micromat 2000 can be configured for a variety of plastic recycling applications. Retech Recycling uses its Micromat 2000 to process ABS at approximately 2.2 tonnes per hour.

What plastics can a Lindner Micromat shred?

The Micromat platform can be configured for different plastic waste streams. Applications can include materials such as ABS, PP, HDPE, PVC, PS and other plastics depending on the machine configuration.

What is the Lindner Micromat 1500?

The Lindner Micromat 1500 is a single-shaft industrial shredder designed for recycling applications. Retech uses its Micromat 1500 to process dry PP and HDPE.

How much ABS can a Micromat 2000 process?

In Retech Recycling’s application, the Lindner Micromat 2000 achieves approximately 2.2 tonnes per hour when processing ABS.

Actual throughput varies depending on the material characteristics, feed method, machine configuration and required output.

What output size can the Micromat 2000 produce?

Retech’s Micromat 2000 reduces ABS to a fraction size of less than 30mm before the material moves on to granulation.

Can the Micromat 1500 process PP and HDPE?

Yes. Retech uses its Micromat 1500 to process dry PP and HDPE, reducing the material to approximately 40mm before further granulation.

How long can a Lindner Micromat last?

Machine lifespan depends on the application, operating conditions, maintenance and material being processed. In this case study, Retech reported that both its Micromat machines had been operating for approximately 12 years and had exceeded expectations.

Why is machine reliability important in plastics recycling?

Reliable shredding equipment can help reduce unplanned downtime, maintain consistent throughput and provide a dependable feed for downstream granulation and recycling processes.

How important is maintenance for an industrial plastic shredder?

Regular maintenance is essential for protecting performance and identifying wear before it becomes a major problem. Retech specifically highlighted the relatively low maintenance requirements of its Micromat machines.

Who supplies Lindner shredders in the UK?

Mach Tech Services is the sole UK and Ireland distributor for Lindner Recyclingtech shredders, providing machine sales, installation, servicing, repairs, spare parts and engineering support.

Looking for a Plastic Recycling Shredder?

If you’re processing ABS, PP, HDPE or other plastic waste streams, selecting the right shredder can have a significant impact on throughput, output quality and long-term operating costs.

Mach Tech Services can assess your material, required throughput and target particle size before recommending the most suitable Lindner plastic recycling shredder.