Challenge
AVK Plastics uses raw materials made from recycled plastic to produce innovative, functional products that can be recycled again. In this way, the company contributes to reducing global plastic pollution and supports the circular economy. Their production process is designed to be as sustainable as possible, ensuring a minimal carbon footprint. All electricity used comes from 100% renewable energy sources.
At their production facility in Balk, the Netherlands, AVK Plastics processes tons of plastic waste every day through automated injection molding processes. A chilled water system cools both the production machines and the molds. In addition to its own primary chiller plant, AVK Plastics supplements capacity with rental cooling.
Jacob Veldstra of AVK Plastics: “We receive raw material—everything from shampoo bottles to garden chairs—already shredded. Our machines melt those chips. Then, with some dye and neutralizer, the material is injected into molds that are quickly cooled. We make everything from plastic plates weighing just a few grams to plastic pallets of 28 kilos. And we’re constantly expanding with larger machines. That’s why additional rental cooling was needed.”
From the first phase of their ongoing expansion, AVK was already benefiting from a smaller Trane rental chiller located some distance from the main chiller plant.
To support further increases in production, AVK Plastics needed even more rental cooling capacity and also wanted the units grouped together.
Solution
The small unit was conveniently returned to the Trane Rental warehouse. Two Trane CXAF 100 air‑to‑water rental heat pumps were added to the main cooling system. Thanks to this integrated solution, the entire piping network can now be supplied from a single source.
A temporary solution was attractive because AVK Plastics, as a circular injection molding company, has ambitious plans to make its process cooling even more sustainable in the future—possibly with a thermal energy storage system.
Results
At AVK Plastics, Trane Rental’s reliable and energy‑efficient solution has been successfully expanded. All rental cooling is now centralized, connected to the main cooling system, and can be controlled as one. Having everything in one place also simplifies maintenance. AVK Plastics now has sufficient cooling capacity to maintain production—even on hot summer days.
Jacob Veldstra, maintenance technician at AVK Plastics: “We have used Trane rental cooling for years, and Trane also maintains the main cooling system we own. Our experience is that Trane gives good, tailored advice, and their technicians are knowledgeable.”
