Krauss Consulting & Recycling GmbH

Consulting – the core of our business and roadmap for 2025

"Consulting" is not just the first word in our company name – it is the foundation of our identity. For years, we have helped businesses in plastics, recycling, digital trading platforms, and startups sharpen their vision, develop strategies, and achieve sustainable success.

With a clear structure, deep technical knowledge, and a global network, we support companies in navigating the challenges of the modern recycling industry, digital transformation, and startup ecosystem. Our consulting expertise extends from material trading to financing, healthcare, textiles, marketing, and mindfulness industries, with successful projects across Europe, the USA, and Asia.

At the same time, we believe in continuous learning and personal growth. With an active study program in psychology and an ever-expanding team of young professionals, we combine expertise in business, sustainability, digitalization, and human behavior to create meaningful change.

Our long-term goal? A 50-year vision that helps companies move toward a future-proof, sustainable, and human-centered economy.

The 4-Phase Plan for Your Success

1. Analysis & Potential Identification

We assess market opportunities, supply chains, and operational efficiency for plastics, recycling, startups, and digital platforms.

We identify growth strategies and funding opportunities for startups in various industries.

We evaluate compliance with REACH regulations, EU Green Deal requirements, and sustainability goals.

2. Strategy & Concept Development

We develop business models, financial strategies, and investor roadmaps for startups.

We optimize recycling, digital trade, and circular economy strategies.

We integrate long-term vision development, ensuring companies are prepared for the next 50 years.

3. Implementation & Change Management

We assist in setting up trading platforms, CRM systems, and business automation.

We integrate recycled plastics into existing production lines.

We guide startups in building sustainable growth strategies, funding applications, and investor pitches.

We help businesses develop leadership and organizational culture, incorporating human psychology and behavioral insights.

4. Evaluation & Scaling

We monitor KPIs for sustainability, cost efficiency, and startup growth.

We help businesses scale into international markets, expanding operations in Europe, the USA, and Asia.

We provide mentorship and ongoing advisory services for long-term success.

Your Competitive Advantage: Global Experience in Plastics, Recycling, Digital Trade, Startups & Human Behavior

Decades of industry experience in plastics, recycling, and B2B trading solutions.

Expertise in launching and consulting startups in finance, care, marketing, textiles, and mindfulness industries.

Proven track record in supporting digital trading platforms for plastics and other B2B materials.

Hands-on knowledge of regulatory requirements, including REACH, sustainability compliance, and investment frameworks.

Global network in recycling, startups, and digital trade across Europe, the USA, and Asia.

Active engagement in psychology studies, integrating behavioral insights, leadership psychology, and organizational development.

An expanding team of young industry professionals, ensuring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions.

A 50-year vision, guiding companies toward long-term success, sustainability, and digital transformation.

Consulting & Products – A Holistic Approach

We believe in synergies between consulting and product solutions. By analyzing your business needs, we provide tailored solutions for digital trading, circular economy strategies, and supply chain optimization.

Visit our Products page to see how our material expertise can support your business goals.

Let’s Build a More Sustainable & Future-Oriented Economy Together

Whether you need initial insights or want to launch a full-scale transformation project, we are here to support you. Consulting is more than just advice – it’s a partnership, where we create practical, data-driven solutions for sustainability, digitalization, and startup growth.

Schedule a Free Consultation

RECYCLING ABC

In the following sections you will find more information about different terms related to the processing of plastics and recycling.

We hope it will help you to understand the industry and improve your communication with your business partners.

Terms relating to plastics processing and recycling

Virgin Material

Virgin material refers to unused raw material that has not been subjected to any processing other than for its own production. In the context of recycling, it means plastic polymers in granulate or pellet form, produced directly from a chemical process based on gas or crude oil. It is also referred to as prime material.

Recyclate

All plastic materials obtained from the recycling of plastic waste. This includes regranulates, regrinds, agglomerates, regenerates, and recompounds.

Regranulate

Plastic recyclate in pellet form (lens- or cylindrical-shaped), obtained through a melting process. The material composition may have been altered during the process.

Regrind / Flakes

Shredded plastic recyclate obtained from plastic components through grinding, shredding, or milling. The shape is typically irregular.

Flakes are often associated with shredded film waste.
Regrind refers more commonly to shredded rigid plastics.

Agglomerate

Larger particles formed by joining or binding smaller particles, where the original form of the material may still be visible. Pellets, flakes, or powder can all form agglomerates. In the context of recyclate trading, agglomerate typically refers to an intermediate product, often resulting from the recycling of films.

Regenerate

Plastic recyclate obtained through a melting process with altered material composition, technically similar to regranulate. The term is often used by German companies for their in-house recycling products.

Compound

A compound is a mixture of one or more polymers in a molten state with additional ingredients such as fillers, plasticizers, catalysts, or colorants. A recompound is specifically based on recycled materials.

Contaminant / Impurity

Unwanted substances or materials, such as organic residues from household waste.

Filler

A solid material added to plastic to modify its mechanical, chemical, thermal, or optical properties, or to optimize processing and cost efficiency.

Lot / Batch / Charge

A defined quantity of recyclate produced under consistent conditions.

Virgin material is typically produced in large silo-sized lots.
Recyclate is often manufactured in single big-bag batches.

Post-Consumer Plastic (PCR – Post-Consumer Recyclate)

Plastic waste generated by households, businesses, industrial, or institutional facilities that can no longer be used for its intended purpose.

PCR/Household: Waste from private households.
PCR/Commercial: Waste from commercial sources.

🔎 Refer to DIN EN ISO 14021:2021 for detailed definitions.

Post-Industrial / Pre-Consumer Plastic (PIR – Post-Industrial Recyclate)

Material diverted during a manufacturing process but not reused in the same production line.

🔎 Refer to DIN EN ISO 14021:2021 for more details.

Recycled Material

According to DIN EN ISO 14021, recycled material refers to plastic that has been reprocessed from reclaimed material via a manufacturing process. A universally recognized term for this concept is still under development.

Purity Classifications for Recyclates

✔ Type-Clean: Only one plastic type from one raw material manufacturer with the same designation is processed.

✔ Single-Variety: Plastics with the same designation according to DIN EN ISO 11469 or VDA 260, potentially from different manufacturers, are processed.

✔ Similar-to-Type: Plastics with the same basic polymer structure but different specific properties, such as flame-retardant additives, are processed.

✔ Mixed: Different but chemically compatible plastics are processed. These plastics are homogeneously miscible in the melt and result in a material with satisfactory mechanical properties and an acceptable surface finish.

Recycled Content

The proportion by mass of recycled material in a product or packaging.

Quality levels of plastic waste

1️⃣ LDPE Film Grades (Low-Density Polyethylene)

LDPE films are among the most commonly recyclable plastics, especially from packaging materials. The classification is based on the proportion of transparent film to colored/contaminated film.

LDPE 99/1 → 99% transparent, 1% colored
Highest quality, nearly pure transparent film, ideal for high-grade recycling.
LDPE 98/2 → 98% transparent, 2% colored
Very high quality, minor color contamination allowed.
LDPE 95/5 → 95% transparent, 5% colored
Common quality for regranulation, often used in blends.
LDPE 90/10 → 90% transparent, 10% colored
Lower cost, but still recyclable.
LDPE 80/20, 70/30 → Increasing color contamination
Often industrial film waste, more heavily mixed.

Special cases:

LDPE film with paper: Contains paper-like impurities.
Agricultural films (e.g., silage or stretch film): Often contains organic residues.

2️⃣ HDPE Plastic Waste (High-Density Polyethylene)

HDPE is commonly used for bottles, canisters, and technical components.

HDPE 100% Natural: Pure, uncolored HDPE, highest quality.
HDPE 90/10: 90% natural-colored, 10% colored.
HDPE Mixed Colors: Mixture of various colors, lower quality and harder to recycle.
HDPE Post-Consumer (PCR-HDPE): Household waste such as shampoo or detergent bottles.
HDPE Post-Industrial (PIR-HDPE): Industrial production scraps.

3️⃣ PP Plastic Waste (Polypropylene)

Polypropylene is found in packaging, automotive parts, and household items.

PP Homo Natural: High-quality, pure PP with no color additives.
PP Homo White: White PP, often from big bags.
PP Mixed Colors: PP in various colors, more affordable.
PP Copo (Copolymers): Softer, impact-resistant PP, e.g., for automotive components.

4️⃣ PET Plastic Waste (Polyethylene Terephthalate)

PET is widely used in beverage bottles and packaging.

PET Clear Bottles (100% Clear): Highest quality, suitable for food-grade regranulates.
PET Green / Blue Bottles: Includes colored PET bottles, lower value.
PET Mixed Colors: Mixture of different colored PET bottles, more affordable but less versatile.
PET Trays: Food packaging made from PET, often with coatings.

5️⃣ PS Plastic Waste (Polystyrene)

Polystyrene is used in packaging, disposable products, and casings.

HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene): Impact-resistant PS, e.g., from refrigerators.
GPPS (General Purpose Polystyrene): Transparent PS, more brittle than HIPS.
EPS (Expanded Polystyrene, Styrofoam): Lightweight foam, challenging to recycle.

6️⃣ ABS, PC, and Engineering Plastics

ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene): Impact-resistant plastic for electronic housings.
PC (Polycarbonate): Transparent, impact-resistant plastic for CDs, glasses, etc.
PA6/PA66 (Polyamide): High-performance plastic for technical applications.

7️⃣ Mixed Plastics and Special Cases

Mixed Plastics: Plastic blends with poor recyclability.
PVC Waste: Difficult to recycle, often found in cables or flooring.
WEEE Plastics (Electronic Waste): Plastics from electronic devices, often containing flame retardants.

Summary of Classification Criteria

Plastic waste is classified according to the following quality grades:

GradeDescription99/1 | Very high quality, nearly pure
98/2 | Very recyclable, minor impurities
95/5 | Good quality, with some colored content
90/10 | More impurities, lower cost
80/20, 70/30 | Heavily contaminated, often industrial waste
Mixed / Colors | Mix of different plastics or colors, harder to recycle

Abbreviations and terms in the plastics and recycling industry

Analyses & Testing Methods

COA (Certificate of Analysis) – Certification confirming material properties.
DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry) – Method for analyzing thermal properties.
FTIR (Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) – Infrared spectroscopy for material analysis.
TGA (Thermogravimetric Analysis) – Determines material degradation and impurities.
XRF (X-Ray Fluorescence) – X-ray fluorescence analysis for chemical composition.
GC-MS (Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry) – Identifies chemical components in materials.
ICP-OES (Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy) – Elemental analysis of plastics.
ISO (International Organization for Standardization) – Global standards for testing methods.
ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) – U.S. standards organization for material testing.
DIN (Deutsches Institut für Normung) – German standards institute for standard testing procedures.

Recycling & Sustainability

PCR (Post-Consumer Recyclate) – Recycled plastics from household or commercial waste.
PIR (Post-Industrial Recyclate) – Recycled plastics from industrial production processes.
R-PET (Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate) – Recycled PET.
R-PP (Recycled Polypropylene) – Recycled PP.
R-PE (Recycled Polyethylene) – Recycled PE.
WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive) – EU directive on electronic waste management.
SVHC (Substances of Very High Concern) – Hazardous substances under REACH regulation.
REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) – EU regulation for chemical safety.
RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive) – Limits hazardous substances in electronics.
EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) – Manufacturer responsibility for waste management.

Plastics Processing & Technical Properties

MFI (Melt Flow Index) – Measurement of a plastic’s flow properties.
MFR (Melt Flow Rate) – Material flow rate under specified conditions.
MVR (Melt Volume Rate) – Volumetric measurement of plastic flowability.
HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) – High-density polyethylene.
LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene) – Low-density polyethylene.
LLDPE (Linear Low-Density Polyethylene) – Linear low-density polyethylene.
PP (Polypropylene) – Polypropylene.
PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) – Polyethylene terephthalate.
PC (Polycarbonate) – Polycarbonate.
PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate) – Polybutylene terephthalate.
PA (Polyamide, e.g., PA6, PA66) – Polyamide (e.g., PA6, PA66).
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) – Impact-resistant plastic.
PS (Polystyrene, HIPS, GPPS) – Polystyrene (HIPS = High Impact, GPPS = General Purpose).
TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) – Thermoplastic elastomer.
EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) – Ethylene vinyl acetate.

Manufacturing & Processing Methods

IM (Injection Molding) – Injection molding.
BM (Blow Molding) – Blow molding.
EBM (Extrusion Blow Molding) – Extrusion blow molding.
IBM (Injection Blow Molding) – Injection blow molding.
ISBM (Injection Stretch Blow Molding) – Injection stretch blow molding.
FM (Film Molding) – Film extrusion.
RIM (Reaction Injection Molding) – Reaction injection molding.
TSE (Twin Screw Extrusion) – Twin screw extrusion.
CSE (Single Screw Extrusion) – Single screw extrusion.
TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) – Thermoplastic polyurethane.

Logistics & Quality Control

TDS (Technical Data Sheet) – Document with material properties.
SDS (Safety Data Sheet) – Safety information for materials.
COA (Certificate of Analysis) – Certificate verifying chemical and physical properties.
CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) – U.S. regulatory framework for material approvals.
FDA (Food and Drug Administration) – U.S. agency for food and medical approvals.
BPA (Bisphenol A-Free) – Indicates BPA-free plastics.

Other Key Terms in the Plastics Industry

VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) – Gaseous emissions from plastics.
GWP (Global Warming Potential) – Measure of a material’s impact on climate change.
LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) – Analysis of a product’s environmental impact.
GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) – Quality standards in production.
ISO 14001 – Environmental management system certification.
ISO 9001 – Quality management system certification.
UL (Underwriters Laboratories) – Certification body for material safety.
DIN EN ISO 14021 – Standard for classifying recycled materials.

Successful Consulting Projects

Poly-IQ GmbH

Poly-IQ GmbH is a German company with over 40 years of expertise in the plastics industry. Based in Overath, the company specializes in the trade of polymers (prime material, off-grade, regranulates, and grind), as well as the development and production of masterbatches and compounds. With a strong engineering background, Poly-IQ combines commercial know-how with technical solutions, offering consulting services to optimize raw material selection and ensure tailor-made results for its customers.

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Healix BV

Healix is a Dutch recycling company dedicated to tackling plastic pollution from the fishing and farming industries. Using advanced purification technology, Healix transforms used ropes and nets into certified circular plastics for the global supply chain. By retrieving waste from traceable sources, recycling it into high-quality materials, and returning it to the economy, Healix helps reduce marine pollution, lower carbon footprints, and accelerate the shift towards a circular plastics future.

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Taurus Umwelttechnik GmbH

Taurus Umwelttechnik GmbH is an experienced recycling partner with over 30 years in plastics recycling. Through its modern facility in Piatra Neamț, Romania, the company processes up to 1,500 tons of plastic waste per month into high-quality LDPE regranulates. Taurus covers the entire recycling cycle – from collection, sorting, and washing to extrusion and worldwide distribution of recycled raw materials. With a strong commitment to sustainability, Taurus helps reduce landfill waste and promotes a circular economy in Europe and beyond.

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CLEAN PLASTICS FINLAND OY

Clean Plastics Finland Oy is a Finnish recycling company specializing in the processing of post-consumer and post-industrial plastics. With a strong focus on sustainability and innovation, the company develops high-quality recycled raw materials that help reduce dependence on virgin plastics. By combining advanced technologies with reliable logistics and customer-oriented solutions, Clean Plastics Finland Oy supports the transition towards a more circular plastics economy in Northern and Central Europe.

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K&L SYSTEMS GROUP

K&L Systems, based in Gaggenau, Germany, is an innovative engineering company specializing in patented drying solutions for plastic recyclates. With its SUSTAINEX® technology, K&L sets new standards in the field of recyclate processing – offering energy-efficient, compact, and low-maintenance systems that ensure consistently high output quality. Whether for films or rigids, K&L stands for resource efficiency, cost reduction, and a future-proof circular economy.

As a commercial representative, we support K&L Systems in building cross-industry connections within the plastics and recycling sectors. We advise potential partners and customers on sales-related matters, identify relevant application areas, and use our deep market knowledge to build strong bridges between cutting-edge technology and industrial needs.

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KASKADA LTD.

Since 2022, Krauss Consulting & Recycling GmbH has been working closely with Kaskada, a trusted partner in the recycling industry.

Kaskada is a leading company specializing in the processing and recycling of plastic waste. Utilizing advanced technologies and processes, Kaskada transforms plastic waste into high-quality raw materials, which can be used in the production of new products. The company places a strong focus on hard-to-recycle plastics and develops specialized methods to recover valuable materials even from these challenging waste streams.

Through close collaboration with local and international partners, Kaskada is committed to driving the circular economy forward and making a significant contribution to environmental protection. Their mission extends beyond reducing plastic waste—it also includes raising awareness about the importance of recycling and resource conservation within the global community.

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Priroda Konsult Ltd.

Priroda Konsult Ltd. is a Bulgarian consultancy specializing in environmental management and the licensed trade of engineering plastic waste. The company supports enterprises in complying with national and EU environmental regulations by providing expert guidance, documentation, and representation during inspections. With a licensed capacity of 2,000 tons per year for plastic waste collection and trading, Priroda Konsult combines regulatory expertise with practical solutions to help clients reduce risks, ensure compliance, and advance sustainable business practices.

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PreOne Australia

PreOne's mission is to eliminate plastic waste from the environment. They develop circular partnerships with waste collectors and off take partners to establish customized globals specifications. Using patented processing technology they are able to process waste plastics, such as rigid containers and flexible films into new packaging films to meet brand owner sustainability goals.

HYDRODYN RECYCLING GMBH

HydroDyn® is a specialized supplier and operator of recycling plants. The company covers the entire spectrum - from retrofitting individual components to complete turnkey plants. The focus is on the processing of materials such as bottle-to-bottle PET, PE-LD and PE-HD.
All consulting projects were successfully completed in 2023.

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CYRKL

CYRKL is an international technology and consulting company specialising in circular waste management. Thanks to advanced technological solutions, Cyrkl helps companies turn waste into resources and thus into revenue with Europe's largest digital marketplace for waste and residuals.

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HORNBERGER GMBH

Hornberger GmbH is a commercial agent for measuring and control systems for the optimization of film extrusion.

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LOWAPOL GmbH

Lowapol was founded in 2022 as a young start-up by three engineers of a well known German plastics institute with a focus on tailor-made compounds. One of Lowapol's specialities is styrene-based polymer compounds (e.g. HIPS, ASA, ABS, PC/ABS, etc.) with a very good ratio of mechanical properties and flame retardancy V0-V2 for a reasonable price.

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OCEANIC ENVIRONMENTAL CABLES GMBH

OEC is a company specialized on the recovery and recycling of submarine telecommunication cables. OEC buys out of service submarine cables, lifts them and recycles 99% of the materials.

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MASCULOGUE®

Fitness & streetwear for men with heart.
Masculogue® is more than just a fashion label.

For men who train because they have lived through something.
For men who not only shape their body in the gym, but also their story.
No poses. No toxic pressure. No talking.
Just honest clothes for real guys - who are completely natural.

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Ambio Oy

Ambio Oy is an innovative company specializing in the development and production of sustainable material solutions. With a strong focus on environmental friendliness and resource efficiency, Ambio Oy offers a range of products and technologies designed to minimize the ecological footprint of its customers.

The company is particularly committed to renewable energy, bio-based plastics, and the recycling of industrial waste, actively contributing to the green economy and the transition toward a more sustainable future.

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