Edvanced Recycling also includes companies that actively push plastics recycling forward. One of them is LH Plastics in Germany. In this interview, CEO Heinz-Henning Seute shares his perspective on the current market situation, explains how his company produces high-quality post-consumer recyclates, why he continues to invest in new technology despite challenging times, and how social media helps him build transparency and trust.
Mr. Seute, how do you perceive the current situation in the recycling industry?
The situation is tense. Many companies have been struggling for months to survive. Capacities are being reduced, employees laid off, and investments put on hold. The reasons are well known: high energy costs, low virgin material prices, and overall weak demand. On top of that, Asian virgin material is flooding the market at low prices, often falsely declared as post-consumer recyclate. For companies producing under strict European standards, this creates a significant competitive disadvantage. In the end, it all comes down to price, and that threatens the entire European recycling infrastructure. I believe we need fair framework conditions and strict controls here.
At the same time, I also see great potential. Sustainability cannot work without the plastics recycling industry. We, as European companies, need to be bold and take action now if we want to maintain our position in the global market – waiting until 2030 is not an option.
How do you address this situation at LH Plastics?
We have deliberately specialised in niche strategies and a flexible mix of post-industrial and post-consumer recyclates. Together with contract granulation, this allows us to navigate the crisis with stability. We produce high-quality LDPE recyclates from collected film waste, which we mix or sort manually depending on requirements. For example, we collect used, single-grade compressed packaging films from various industries, such as stretch film previously used for load securing in the beverage sector. These films are almost clean, except for a few labels and minor contaminants that occur during pressing or storage. We effectively filter out these small impurities during the recycling process. As a result, we produce high-quality PCR recyclates even without washing. The recyclates are then used in new films for load securing and product protection, thereby closing the loop and decreasing the CO₂ footprint. Our approach is: tailor-made solutions instead of one-size-fits-all.
With EREMA as our partner, we have access to machinery that allows us to produce top-quality regranulate. Recyclates can do far more than they were long given credit for, and that’s exactly what we aim to demonstrate.
Heinz-Henning Seute, CEO & Owner LH Plastics
What are your customers asking for today, and how has this changed?
Expectations have risen significantly. In the past, recyclate was mainly required to “blend in”. The key requirement was to not have specks in the film. Today it’s different. Recyclates are promoted openly and even used in applications that would have been unthinkable a few years ago. Converters are looking for the perfect recyclate, which for us means highest quality, verified properties, and certified products. Achieving this needs the right technology. With EREMA as our partner, we have access to machinery that allows us to produce top-quality regranulate. Furthermore, we share the mindset of believing in the potential of recyclates from the very start. Recyclates can do far more than they were long given credit for, and that’s exactly what we aim to demonstrate.
In times when many companies are putting investments on hold, you are investing in a new recycling line. Why are you taking this step?
Because we are convinced that standing still is not an option. EREMA has been accompanying us on our journey towards sustainable plastics recycling for almost 25 years. I still remember my first visit in 2006 with my father, when we ordered our first EREMA TVE line, which is still running smoothly today.
It is close collaboration along the value chain that drives plastics recycling forward. Innovative technologies enable us to produce even higher-quality recyclates and expand our capacities. Our customers benefit directly from this. We believe in the future of recycling and want to be prepared when demand picks up again.
We are convinced that standing still is not an option. We believe in the future of recycling and want to be prepared when demand picks up again.
Heinz-Henning Seute, CEO & Owner LH Plastics
What is your wish for the future of plastics recycling in Europe?
I wish that plastics are consistently treated as a valuable resource. If recyclates had a higher value than virgin material, collection would be worthwhile. Currently, prices are far too low due to weak demand. If we integrate recycling right from the start – in design, collection, and processing – we can make significant progress. It is crucial that Europe protects its recycling capacities, creates fair competition, and fosters innovation.
You are very active on social media and regularly share insights about recycling and LH Plastics. What motivates you to be so engaged?
For a long time, many companies considered social media a waste of time. I see it differently. For me, it is an important way to represent LH Plastics and to provide insights into how we think and work. Transparency and trust are key in our industry, whether with business partners, customers, or employees. Through social media, I can show what happens behind the scenes and to make our passion for high-quality recycling tangible. It provides another channel to build and strengthen trust with the people we work with and those we want to reach in the future.
Want to get a closer look at LH Plastics and their recycling process? This short film provides an insightful overview of their operations, including the EREMA machinery in action.
