We recently interviewed Farrel Pomini, a global leader in continuous mixing equipment. With a rich history dating back to 1848, Farrel Pomini has evolved to address the evolving needs of the polymer processing industry.

The company shared insights on the latest trends in the plastics industry, including their focus on sustainability and recycling solutions, which will be highlighted at the upcoming Compounding World Expo.

Can you provide a brief overview of your company and the products/ services you'll be showcasing at the event?

Farrel began as a foundry in 1848 and evolved into an equipment manufacturer for the rubber industry. In 1963 the versatile and efficient FCM™, Farrel Continuous Mixer was introduced and originally developed for rubber processing. Ultimately, the FCM™ found its niche in the plastics industry.

Farrel Corporation was acquired by Harburg Freudenberger GmbH in 2008. HF MIXING GROUP was formed in 2010 and is comprised of Harburg Freudenberg GmbH, Pomini Rubber and Plastics Srl, and Farrel Corporation. The FARREL POMINI business unit was established to focus strictly on continuous mixing equipment. Today, FARREL POMINI is a global leader in the research, design, and manufacture of compounding equipment for the polymer processing industry with an emphasis in converting abrasive, high fill level, and temperature-sensitive materials.

For Compounding World Expo in Cleveland, we are pleased to showcase our latest application developments including processing biodegradable plastics as well as our mechanical and chemical recycling solutions.

What recent trends or developments in the industry are you most excited about, and how do your products/ services align with them?

It is an exciting time in the plastics industry. Biodegradable plastics present significant opportunities for both new companies and existing organizations as they pivot to more sustainable materials. We have completed, and continue to focus on, development work with biodegradables including PLA and PHA, biopolymers including wood pulp as well as projects with recycled materials such as Recovered Carbon Black.  

The FCM™ excels at processing biodegradable materials by meeting the challenges of temperature and shear sensitivities, volatile and moisture build-up, and molecular weight retention.

We offer a complete mechanical recycling solution that integrates enhancements to the continuous mixing platform and addresses numerous processing challenges including irregularly sized, shaped, and low bulk density materials, excessive moisture, volatiles, and contaminants.

FARREL POMINI is an investor in WF Recycle-Tech, a UK company with a patented pyrolysis system for end-of-life tires. The solution utilizes the FCM™, Farrel Continuous Mixer as its primary stage of heating and melting tires.

The FCM™ is an essential component of the Lummus Technology pyrolysis system to recycle PE and PP flexible film packaging material.

Could you share a success story or case study demonstrating how your products/ services have benefited a customer?

Please see attachments on PLA and PHA processing studies.

Will you be conducting any demonstrations or interactive activities at the event? If so, what can attendees expect?

No.

What are your company's goals for the future, and how do you see yourselves contributing to the evolving industry landscape?

As we become more immersed in a circular economy, the recycling of polymer streams will persistently increase.  We also expect the use of biopolymers and biodegradables as partial replacement of some traditional polymers will occur as their availability increases and cost is reduced.  This is all positive news for FARREL POMINI.  Recycled materials tend to be irregularly sized; the Continuous Mixer can process a wider range of feed materials than other technologies.  Recycled materials also have a prior heat history.  The Continuous Mixer’s low processing temperature is a benefit because it contributes less additional heat to the material.

We are excited to bring to market a complete recycling solution for mechanical recycling and provide an integral piece of equipment for chemical recycling systems. We anticipate a large demand for recycling equipment and are excited to now operate in this space.

What are you most looking forward to at this year’s show?

We look forward to presenting about the benefits of processing PHA with a FCM™, Farrel Continuous Mixer.  The conference provides an exceptional format to learn about market trends and innovations.

The exhibition provides an excellent opportunity to see existing customers and meet potential customers.  

Farrel Pomini will be exhibiting at the Compounding World Expo. Visit them at booth C1221.