STF Group — a Germany-based manufacturer of plastic recycling and washing machinery, mainly for polyethylene terephthalate (PET) post-consumer bottles — has made available in North America its Dry Label Removing Machine for removing labels from post-consumer PET for recycling. Recycled PET polymer is the basis for various downstream applications including recycled-content polyester fibers and yarns.

According to the company, the machine removes more than 95 percent of labels - including all full bottle sleeves and other plastic or paper labels - with minimal damage, and is adjustable for various bottle sizes. STF reports the machine's durable knives do not require frequent changing, providing for easy maintenance; and that the machine works best when mounted in combination with a ballistic separator for 2-D and 3-D separation.

The Dry Labeling Machine is available through Spartanburg-based textile machinery distributor Zimmer America Corp., STF's exclusive agent in North America.

March 12, 2013