While traditional strand granulation typically results in irregularly shaped and sized granules, underwater granulation produces spherical granules of consistent shape and size. This not only enhances the appearance of the granules but also ensures a more uniform processing experience. Whether it's through injection molding or extrusion, the key factor is that the granules are consistently shaped and sized.
For example, in the case of PET recycling, this condition is crucial as the granules need to be maintained at a high temperature for an extended period to achieve the desired crystallization. Econ systems are capable of processing all thermoplastic materials, including those with high filler content or high melt flow rates. Stable processes allow for the processing of even the most complex plastics.

The key element: thermal insulation
Econ’s unique advantage lies in the details: the patented thermal separation system.
The hot melt is forced through the die, while the cold water is on the other side. It is important to note that the two temperature zones are separated by an air gap – air, as a natural insulator, reliably prevents the melt from freezing in the die. This exclusive system, based on Econ’s patented technology, is a significant departure from traditional production lines. To date, no other system has reached this level of quality.
Econ's competitors have heating that runs almost 24 hours a day. Econ's heating only runs for five percent of the time. This saves energy.

From the first sieve change devices to market leadership
Since its founding, the company has been committed to setting new standards in the field of plastics processing through innovative technology. The focus has always been on developing customer-centric solutions that combine the highest quality, sustainability and efficiency.
What started as a shared vision of a small group of founders has grown in recent years into an internationally recognized company. The first patent was filed for a reverse-wash sieve change device. However, it quickly became clear that the future of the company lay in the technology of granulation. The company decided to enter the underwater granulation market in order to expand its capabilities. It decided to develop a system using its own method, rather than copying existing solutions.
Since then, one development has followed another: ceramic dies, wear-resistant materials, and new drying concepts. The die is the heart of any underwater granulation process. If it doesn't work, nothing works. The company has been perfecting this over the years, laying the foundation for the current level of technology.
An important milestone in the company's history was the development of an innovative laboratory setup with a capacity of 1 to 35 kg/h. This model allows for small-scale experiments, providing an advantage in research and specialized applications. To date, no competitor offers anything like this. Our portfolio includes both small research facilities and large-scale systems with a capacity of up to 15 tons per hour. Numerous patents and awards confirm Econ's innovative potential and passion for technology.

Custom-designed systems and services as a unique selling proposition
No two Econ systems are the same. Every machine, from the melt pump to the dryer, is designed to meet the specific requirements of the customer. The customized 3D design of the machine provides customers with planning confidence, thanks to its robust construction and maximum flexibility. This flexibility is particularly important in the recycling sector, where materials with unstable properties are processed.
Currently, the only practical method for recycling PET is through underwater granulation. This is because the plastic needs to cool down slowly in order to continue crystallizing.

Global Presence – Strong in Asia
Econ is present all over the world. The company has achieved market leadership in India, and also holds a leading position in Japan – one of the most demanding markets in the world – where its fully automated system significantly exceeds industry standards. Sales have also grown in the US. Long-term customer support and uncompromising quality are the main priorities. Econ’s global popularity is no coincidence.

Innovation as a mandatory program
In the company's own technical center, as well as directly on the sites of individual customers, prototypes are refined and tested, often in close cooperation with universities and research institutes. Modeling helps to optimize the flow of the melt and drying, as well as to improve the efficiency of the processes. It is crucial for Econ to be able to provide customers with a reliable prediction of the behavior of their materials in advance, which allows for further improvements in quality.
One example of Econ's innovative potential is the Econia automation concept, which uses fully automated controls to optimize the operation of more than 10 production lines simultaneously without requiring additional staff. This offers significant advantages in markets with a shortage of skilled workers or high safety requirements.

A successful practical example: the development of TPU
An example from Germany clearly demonstrates how important Econ's patented technology is. In this case, the production of a specific brand of TPU was only possible using the Econ system. All attempts to use other methods had previously failed. The customer summarized the situation accurately: "Without Econ, this TPU material would not have existed."

The focus is on technological efficiency
Econ should not be reduced to the definition of a company that produces recycling equipment, as its technology has a much broader range of applications. These systems are highly efficient and energy-saving. Waste recycling is just one of the possible applications, and the technology has a much wider range of applications worldwide. The high energy efficiency of Econ systems significantly reduces operating costs, by several thousand euros per year, depending on the size of the system.
In addition to underwater granulation, Econ has developed air granulation for the processing of wood-based composites (e.g., WPC) and bioplastics, as well as PVC. Air is used for cooling and transporting the granules.