Exhibiting at Propak Africa 2025

Starlinger & Starlinger Recycling Technology: Global Leader in Packaging and Recycling Machinery

Starlinger & Co. Gesellschaft m.b.H. is a world-renowned manufacturer of machinery and complete production lines for woven plastic packaging and plastics recycling technology. Headquartered in Vienna, Austria, Starlinger has been setting industry benchmarks for over 50 years, offering state-of-the-art solutions in extrusion, weaving, coating, printing, conversion, and recycling.

Company Overview and History

Founded in 1835, Starlinger has evolved into a pioneer in industrial textile and plastic processing technologies. By the 1960s, the company had specialized in manufacturing machinery for woven polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) packaging, becoming the global market leader in machinery for woven plastic bag production.

To address growing sustainability concerns, Starlinger Recycling Technology was established, focusing on PET and polyolefin recycling solutions. Today, Starlinger is recognized for its high-efficiency recycling equipment, contributing significantly to circular economy practices worldwide.

Core Business and Specializations

Starlinger operates through two main divisions:

1. Packaging Machinery

Starlinger is the leading provider of complete production lines for woven plastic sacks, offering equipment for extrusion, weaving, coating, printing, and conversion.

Key Packaging Machinery Products:

• Extrusion Lines – High-speed production of woven PP tapes.
• Circular Looms – High-efficiency machines for fabric weaving.
• Coating and Lamination Lines – For enhanced strength and barrier properties.
• Flexographic Printing Machines – Precision printing for woven sack branding.
• Conversion Lines – Complete bag-making solutions.

Industries Served:

• Cement & Building Materials Packaging
• Agricultural and Food Packaging
• Chemical & Industrial Packaging
• Consumer Goods Packaging

Starlinger is the inventor of the AD*STAR bag – a patented, environmentally friendly block bottom sack that is widely used for cement and bulk goods packaging.

2. Starlinger Recycling Technology

To combat plastic waste and support a circular economy, Starlinger developed high-performance recycling machines under its recoSTAR brand.

Key Recycling Machinery Products:

• recoSTAR PET – Specializing in food-grade rPET production.
• recoSTAR dynamic – Advanced polyolefin and mixed plastics recycling.
• recoSTAR universal – Comprehensive recycling for post-consumer and post-industrial plastics.
• recoSTAR direct – Direct processing technology for regranulation.

Key Applications:

• Recycling of PET bottles into food-grade rPET pellets.
• Processing post-industrial PP/PE waste into high-quality granules.
• Upcycling used woven PP bags into new packaging materials.
• High-barrier technology ensuring compliance with EU and FDA standards for recycled plastics.

Key Financial and Business Metrics

Starlinger is a privately held company, yet it remains one of the top global leaders in packaging and recycling technology. Key highlights include:

• Market share: Over 50% of global woven plastic bag production machinery.
• Installed recycling systems: More than 1,000 Starlinger recycling lines operational worldwide.
• Annual output of AD*STAR bags: Over 10 billion bags produced annually.
• Sales network spanning over 130 countries.
• Presence in Asia, Europe, North America, and Africa.

Technological Capabilities and Innovation

Starlinger integrates cutting-edge automation, AI-driven monitoring systems, and Industry 4.0 principles to enhance machine efficiency and reduce waste.

Technological Innovations:

• Circular Economy Solutions – Machines optimized for closed-loop plastic recycling.
• Starlinger’s PET Bottle-to-Bottle Recycling – Compliance with EU and FDA food-contact safety standards.
• Eco-Friendly AD*STAR Bag Production – Reducing carbon footprint by 30% compared to paper bags.
• Smart Factory Automation – AI-integrated monitoring for predictive maintenance and quality control.

Certifications and Compliance

Starlinger adheres to strict international standards for both machinery production and plastic recycling.

• ISO 9001:2015 – Quality Management System Certification.
• ISO 14001:2015 – Environmental Management System Certification.
• FDA & EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) Approval for food-grade rPET production.
• Ellen MacArthur Foundation Partner – Supporting global circular economy initiatives.

Sustainability and Circular Economy Commitment

Starlinger plays a crucial role in global sustainability efforts, with a strong emphasis on plastic waste reduction and resource efficiency.

• rPET Production – Enables brands to replace virgin PET with 100% recycled PET.
• Woven Bag Recycling Technology – Closing the loop for polypropylene-based packaging waste.
• Energy-Efficient Machinery – Starlinger’s latest models consume 20-30% less energy compared to conventional equipment.
• Reduction of CO₂ Emissions – AD*STAR bags lower CO₂ emissions by 15% per ton of cement packed.

Global Clientele and Market Presence

Starlinger serves a wide range of industries, including:

• Multinational Cement Companies (e.g., LafargeHolcim, HeidelbergCement).
• Food & Agriculture Leaders (e.g., Nestlé, Cargill).
• Recycling Plants & Sustainability Initiatives (e.g., Coca-Cola’s rPET projects).

International Shipments and Market Expansion

Starlinger supplies packaging and recycling machinery to over 130 countries, with key export destinations including:

• Europe – Germany, Italy, France, Spain.
• North America – USA, Canada, Mexico.
• Asia – China, India, Japan, Indonesia.
• Africa – South Africa, Egypt, Nigeria.
• South America – Brazil, Argentina, Chile.

Major Achievements and Recognitions

• Winner of the Global Plastics Recycling Award for recoSTAR PET Technology.
• Innovator in the Circular Economy Awards for Sustainable Packaging Solutions.
• Patented AD*STAR Bag Technology – Used worldwide in cement and bulk packaging.
• Recognized by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation for Sustainable Packaging Innovations.

Customer Testimonials

"Starlinger’s PET recycling systems have helped us reduce our carbon footprint significantly while maintaining top-quality rPET for our packaging needs."
— Sustainability Manager, Leading Beverage Company

"The efficiency and durability of Starlinger’s woven bag machinery have allowed us to optimize production and reduce material costs."
— Operations Director, Cement Industry

Future Roadmap and Expansion Plans

Starlinger is committed to furthering its global impact through innovative packaging and recycling technologies.

• Expansion of PET Recycling Solutions to meet the EU’s 2025 plastic packaging targets.
• Development of fully biodegradable and high-barrier woven sacks.
• Smart Digitalization Initiatives for predictive maintenance and AI-driven production monitoring.
• Increased global footprint in North America and Africa through strategic partnerships.

With a history of excellence, innovation, and sustainability, Starlinger & Starlinger Recycling Technology continues to lead the woven packaging and plastics recycling industry, driving the transition toward a circular economy and sustainable future.