Enhancing Waste Management with Orkel Hi-X Evo
"I think we found the solution to our problem" - was Rekogest’s machine operator Francesco's first words after seeing the Orkel Hi-X evo compactor in action. Managing 300 tons of household waste daily is no small task. Ecorek and Rekogest faced challenges with bale stability, logistics, and efficiency—until they discovered Orkel’s Hi-X evo. By switching to round baling technology, they improved compaction, eliminated metal ties, and enhanced sustainability.
300 Tons of Waste
Ecorek and Rekogest, subsidiaries of the LVS Group, are leading waste management companies based in Termini Imerese, Sicily, Italy. They specialize in collecting, sorting, storing, and recycling materials—mainly plastics—while promoting sustainability and the circular economy. Ecorek focuses on sorting plastics collected by municipalities, while Rekogest handles various dry fractions from separate waste collections and has processed "excess" materials from other plants since 2018.
Every day, Ecorek processes around 300 tons of household waste. This waste is sorted and shredded using a Hartner machine before baling. The baled mixed waste is then sent to waste-to-energy plants, ensuring efficient waste management and material recovery.
The Waste Management Challenges Before Orkel
Ecorek previously used square balers to compact post-treated household waste, securing the bales with metal wire before wrapping them in plastic film. However, the square bales often fell apart, making them difficult to handle and transport efficiently. The fine material size made it hard to maintain bale integrity, creating additional challenges for waste management operations.
By switching to Orkel’s round baling technology, Ecorek achieved better density and stability. Wrapping the bales with net or wide film inside the chamber improved their structure and eliminated the need for metal wires. This shift to an improved waste management system resulted in:
- More uniform and secure packaging, reducing material loss
- Easier logistics and storage, with a lower risk of fire
- Better handling, reduced contamination risks, and improved fuel consistency for cogeneration plants in Northern Europe
Ecorek Chose Orkel
Representatives from Ecorek and Rekogest traveled to Norway to see the Orkel Hi-X evo in action. They observed the machine baling agricultural film, sorted and shredded household waste, and wood chips of various sizes at a waste management facility. A tour in Orkel’s factory provided deeper insights into the Orkel's innovative technologies and customer-focused product development. Seeing this advanced waste management technology in action convinced them that the Hi-X Evo was the right investment.
A Perfect Fit
Paolo from Ecorek highlighted several key benefits of the Orkel round baler:
- Better compaction – denser and more stable bales
- More efficient wrapping – reducing waste and improving logistics
- No more metal ties – end users highly value this change
- Smooth baling of several materials - both fine and coarse materials, as well as wet and dry materials
With Orkel’s net-on-film wrapping, the bales can go straight into the kiln. The plastic wrap burns alongside the bale content, streamlining the process and supporting sustainable waste management practices.
Improved Waste Management With Full Traceability
Orkel Telematics provides Ecorek with valuable bale data, including material type, weight, date, location, pressure, plastic layers, operator details, ownership status, and even weather conditions at the time of baling. This information is available in the Orkel Telematics app and through detailed reports on their computer, ensuring full traceability and process optimization for improved waste management.
Conclusion
By integrating the Orkel Hi-X evo into their operations, Ecorek and Rekogest have taken their waste management processes to the next level—achieving better compaction, improved efficiency, and a more sustainable approach. This partnership highlights Orkel’s dedication to waste management innovation and providing tailored solutions that meet the evolving needs of its clients.
Camoter International S.R.L., a trusted distributor of high-quality industrial and waste management machinery in Italy, played a key role in this transition. As Orkel’s partner in the Italian market, Camoter—led by Luca Cairoli—introduced Ecorek and Rekogest to Orkel’s baling technology, helping them transition to a more efficient and sustainable waste management process.
If your plant is looking for an efficient and sustainable waste management solution, do not hesitate to reach out!