Makron is engaged in the development of recycled cellulose fiber production technology that will help improve the durability of asphalt.

Makron will deliver a new production line to Lithuania-based Antrocelas, a major European asphalt additive manufacturer. Antrocelas produces asphalt additive from recycled cardboard and paper. Adding recycled cellulose fiber to bitumen results in stone mastic asphalt (SMA) that is more resistant to humidity, fluctuations in temperature, and wear and tear. The planned Makron production line encompasses the entire recycled cellulose fiber production process, from receipt and processing of the raw material to the packaging of the finished product.

Established in 2000, Antrocelas has used a Makron production line from the get-go. The company is currently building a new production hall, which will house the new line. In the design of the new line, special attention has been given to dust control: the entire process takes place in an enclosed system, to minimize the harm to users. To eliminate the risk of damage to equipment and of sparks during production, improvements have been made to the system for removing metal and other heavy particles that may interfere with the process. The finished product can be packaged in small sacks or in larger containers of up to two cubic meters. With the new line, the fiber can be fed directly to the granulation system.

“Because the customer received a sizable EU subsidy for the investment, the procurement process was long and demanding,” explains Makron’s Key Account Manager Olli Heinikainen. Before the deal could be signed, Makron had to deliver comprehensive documentation for the EU fund.

With the design stage now completed, the project will move on to the procurement, manufacture, and automation design stages. Makron is responsible for the line delivery, installation supervision, staff training, and commissioning. The production line will be delivered to Antrocelas in summer 2019.

About the technology