Tiny Particles, Big Risks
“Dust management isn’t just about cleaner air. It’s about creating safer, more efficient, and more sustainable workplaces,” says Peter Grathwohl, Sales Director.
Sometimes the biggest dangers in a production facility come from the smallest hazards. We’re talking about impurities such as dust, paper, labels, and other fine particles from heavier granulated materials.
The smaller the particle, the more dangerous it is. It stays in the air longer, it travels further, and it can go deeper into the lungs or even enter the bloodstream, causing serious long-term health problems. Not to mention how dust increases the risk of product contamination, operational hazards, and is a massive compliance headache.
In a conversation with Kongskilde’s Peter Grathwohl, Sales Director, he explains why dust management has become an increasingly important topic for production facilities around the world.
Dust management as a measure of responsibility
Dust management in production facilities is often driven by regulations and laws. These legal requirements establish minimum standards, mandate hazard assessments, and can impose penalties or liability. However, within those boundaries, companies have flexibility in how they implement dust control measures. In many cases, going beyond compliance is simply good business. It enhances safety, ensures reliability, and reduces risk.
Across industries and geographies, companies are aligning on higher environmental and safety standards. Multinational manufacturers increasingly require their production sites — whether in the US, France, Romania, or beyond — to meet the same expectations for workplace health, safety, and cleanliness. In many sectors, including plastics, dust management has evolved from a ‘nice-to-have’ to a core element of compliance and brand responsibility.
“When you walk into a production hall where dust is under control, you can feel the difference immediately. It’s not just cleaner. It’s safer. People aren’t breathing in plastic particles, and they’re not spending hours sweeping floors. It’s a better environment for everyone.” Peter Grathwohl, Sales Director.
There’s real profit to be found in solving the smallest problems
Dust reduction is not just a safety issue. It’s a performance issue. Dust directly affects product quality. Whether dealing with pellets or granulated regrind, contamination can disrupt processing and cause product rejections further down the manufacturing or recycling line.
When plastic granules are cleaned of dust before processing, the result is a more consistent raw material and fewer production stoppages caused by clogged filters or contaminated components.
Automated, closed loop conveying also replaces time-consuming manual handling and frees operators to focus on higher-value tasks. Faster infeed of raw materials and less downtime contribute to a smoother, more cost-efficient production.
Sustainability and in-house recycling. Let’s close the loop
Sustainability is now a central part of every production conversation and dust management plays a role here too. Kongskilde’s systems enable in-house recycling of process waste, creating closed-loop material flows that reduce transport-related CO₂ emissions.
By improving the purity of recycled materials, separation equipment helps manufacturers produce higher-quality end products. Cleaner materials reduce wear on machinery, minimize defects, and create a cleaner and safer working environment. This not only boosts operational efficiency but also supports sustainability goals.
Additionally, filtered transport air can be recirculated to retain heat within the production area, thereby improving energy efficiency. With options such as frequency-controlled blowers, systems can operate using only the energy required for each task, thereby minimizing both noise and power consumption.
“There’s growing awareness that dust management ties into sustainability. If you can recycle air and reuse process waste inside your own facility, you’re reducing emissions and energy loss at the same time. That’s where the industry is heading: cleaner, safer, and more responsible production.” Peter Grathwohl, Sales Director.
Smarter dust management isn’t just compliance. It’s About competitiveness
Dust management is more than just clean air. It’s about recognizing that controlling every particle is a step toward safer, smarter, and more sustainable production. By capturing airborne dust directly at the source, the Kongskilde systems protect machinery from wear, reduce maintenance downtime, and improve air quality for employees.
The cleaner air not only ensures greater product consistency and fewer production interruptions but also supports compliance with health and safety regulations. In the end, investing in dust control is a strategic choice that increases productivity, lowers costs, and strengthens both the reliability and reputation of your business.
The Next Step Toward Safer Production
When dust is under control, productivity rises and risks fall. Less dust leads to better product quality, fewer stoppages, and a healthier environment for employees and equipment alike.
Contact us today to discover how Kongskilde can help you build a safer, more efficient, and more sustainable production process.
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