In our latest exhibitor interview, we caught up with Ross Tuneberg, Sales Manager at RUNI Recycling Machinery, a leader in size reduction and compaction equipment for over 50 years. Known for compacting materials like EPS/Styrofoam and dewatering applications, RUNI helps businesses reduce waste and cut costs.

Ross discussed the latest trends in the recycling industry, highlighted a successful case study, and shared insights into RUNI's future goals.

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

We are a longtime manufacturer (51 years and counting) of size reduction and compaction equipment for various industries and applications. For nearly three decades our bread and butter has been compacting EPS/Styrofoam, but we’ve since branched into many other materials such as EPE, EPP, PUR, XPS, dust, and airlaids.

We also have a strong presence with dewatering - in which we can squeeze and separate the contents of food and beverage containers such as PET bottles, HDPE cosmetics containers, reject streams, and many other materials. We have also found a strong presence in LDPE wash lines, in which we use an energy-efficient screw compactor instead of a centrifuge or thermal system for drying the wet material.

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

We’re seeing many companies and customers realize that the push for recycling is actually a 2-for-1 benefit: not only keeping items out of the landfill, but decreasing the cost for waste hauling and transportation to recyclers. This ultimately adds to their bottom line, proving to be a valuable investment.

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

One of our big box store customers has kept approximately 150,000 pounds of EPS (Styrofoam) out of the landfill since purchasing a densifier for their distribution center one year ago. They have calculated that with both selling the compacted foam blocks and the decreased number of waste hauls that they are making $0.54 per pound of Styrofoam!

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

We’ll have one of our smaller EPS (Styrofoam) compacting machines on display at the booth in addition to the fan favorite Lego densifier. But more importantly, we’ll have four different sizes of densified EPS blocks at a 50:1 ratio. We’ve found that prospective customers like to “kick the tires” first!

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

Continue our environmental stewardship by way of high-quality equipment and unparalleled service and support. In addition to our innovative and constantly evolving product lines, we find ourselves uncovering new applications with abstract materials day by day.

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

As the (unofficial) networking party foosball champs, we’re looking for a repeat win this year!

RUNI Recycling Machinery will be exhibiting at the Plastics Recycling World Expo. Visit them at booth R638.