Skipway, is achieving up to 26 tonnes of mixed hard plastics in a 40ft container following the installation of a new twin-ram baler from Northern Ireland-based recycling equipment specialist REP-TEC.
The new baler is allowing Skipway to achieve an impressive 24–26 tonnes per container, which is around eight tonnes more than the average container load. This has significantly increased the amount of material that can be transported in each shipment.
The increased payload is delivering a range of operational and financial benefits, including lower shipping costs, reduced local transport and fuel costs, faster loading times and less operator time spent loading containers.
Skipway’s waste broker, Anthony Shortt from Vanden Recycling, says the difference the new baler has made to the operation has been significant.
“The container weights Skipway is achieving on hard plastics are among the best we are seeing in the market. They’re getting around eight tonnes more into a container than the average load, which makes a huge difference.”
The improvement follows a move by Skipway to take greater control of how it prepares its mixed hard plastics for transport. The company initially used a semi-automatic baler, but the process was intensive and produced relatively light loads of around 10–12 tonnes per 40ft container.
Skipway then invested in a refurbished twin-ram baler from REP-TEC, increasing payloads to around 18 tonnes while also producing better quality bales.
However, the larger bales created challenges during handling, including difficulties for forklifts and customers unloading the material at their facilities.
The decision was subsequently made to invest in a new REP-TEC twin-ram baler, designed to provide the payload and bale quality Skipway required while making the material easier to handle.
One of the advantages of working with a local supplier was the ability to make adjustments once the machine was in operation. When the initial bale size proved too large for Skipway’s handling requirements, REP-TEC was able to adjust the machine settings to produce a more suitable bale.
The change has made loading significantly quicker and easier for forklift operators.
“Being local was a big advantage for us,” said Trevor Heatrick, Owner of Skipway. “REP-TEC was able to make those tweaks to the bale size and it made loading so much quicker and easier on the forklift. Having that backup so close to home is great. Having worked with REP-TEC previously on a refurbished baler, we also knew the level of service and support we could expect.”
The new baler is also helping Skipway maximise payloads for deep-sea shipping, with the company now able to consistently achieve 24–26 tonnes per container.
The additional payload means more material can be moved in each container, reducing the number of shipments required and helping to lower the associated shipping, haulage and fuel costs.
The machine is also required to handle challenging grades of mixed hard plastics, which can place significant demands on baling equipment.
Colm Grimes, Managing Director at REP-TEC, said, “Skipway’s results demonstrate the difference that the right baling solution can make, not just to the baling process but to the wider logistics operation.
“Getting an additional eight tonnes into a container has a significant impact on the cost of transporting the material. It reduces the number of containers required, while also reducing loading time, local transport and fuel costs.
“It was also important that we could adapt the machine to Skipway’s specific requirements. Being able to make adjustments to the bale size and provide that local support is a big part of the service we aim to provide.”
Skipway’s progression from 10–12 tonnes per container with its original semi-automatic baler, to 26 tonnes with its new machine, demonstrates the significant improvement achieved in maximising the value and efficiency of every container shipped.
ABOUT US
REP-TEC designs and manufactures advanced recycling equipment and energy-efficient engineering solutions. Its range includes fully automatic twin ram balers, conveyors, refurbished equipment and service support.
REP-TEC’s Twin Ram Balers are engineered to deliver high compaction performance, consistent bale quality and reliable throughput across a wide range of recyclable materials.
Its ECO-DRIVE® control technology helps operators reduce power consumption without compromising machine performance.
ABOUT SKIPWAY
Skipway provides a wide range of Skips for hire all over Northern Ireland. Skipway Waste Management is an approved waste carrier and licenced waste management company giving customers peace of mind that their waste will be dealt with in a legal and environmentally friendly manner.
ABOUT VANDEN RECYCLING
Vanden exist to add real value to the recycled plastic supply chain. By working with waste producers, collectors, recyclers, and manufacturers, they match material with feedstock needs and manage the entire process end to end. This delivers certainty for every partner – and keeps plastic where it belongs”
