News

UNTHA shredding technology’s latest engineering feat hit the headlines in the Spring of 2024, when the Austrian-headquartered firm unveiled its advanced generation RS shredder series. The news marked the latest iteration of UNTHA’s globally acclaimed four shaft shredder range, which has continued to evolve since its original launch many decades ago. And the market has responded positively, with multiple RS orders placed by customers from numerous different countries, soon after the IFAT ‘reveal’. 

Here’s a quick recap on 10 of the progressive features and design adaptations that will further benefit global customers, moving forward: 

1. Throughputs matter. That’s why small adaptations have been made to the screen body and cutting system symmetry, to reduce clogging and improve the shredder’s capacity.

2. Sometimes, the most advanced engineering considerations result in operational simplicity. That’s why the RS – with direct drive in all models – now features fewer wear parts for even easier and more cost-effective maintenance.

3. UNTHA shredders are renowned for their operational uptime, but that doesn’t mean ongoing improvements are not continually explored. UNTHA’s progressive R&D team has thought carefully about the integrated quick change screen system, to increase the speed of this operational process by 30%. That means even less time maintaining the machine, and more time shredding.

4. Ergonomic service and maintenance access further boosts uptime rates, as well as operator wellbeing. Careful consideration has also been deployed to ensure only non-specialist tooling is required.

5. Minimising unnecessary exposure to noise, is a big safety focus for UNTHA. Now, RS operators benefit from further improved working conditions, with noise levels now 8% lower – as quiet as 74dB(A).

6. While performance is of course the priority, UNTHA pays close attention to the aesthetic appeal of the shredders too. A bold new design – with custom hopper colours – makes for a striking appearance, but there’s more to this refresh than visual impact alone. For example, the LED strip light indicates the operational status of the shredder, at a glance – another simple feature introduced to help the customer.

7. The RS control panel has also had a UX refresh. The enhanced touchscreen display with redesigned interface and integrated machine hours counter, ensures easier error diagnosis and resolution. And did you know, the control system now achieves EN 13849-1 performance level d?

8. The ability to proactively monitor the condition of UNTHA’s shredding technology, has long been popular among customers of the XR and ZR waste shredders. But now UNTHA’s intuitive data-driven software solution – GENIUS – is available on the four-shaft RS shredders too.

9. Some customers have relatively straightforward requirements for our shredders, whereas others have more complex or aggressive applications. The RS is engineered for even ultra-heavy-duty waste and recycling streams, so can be supplied with a range of optional features, available in UNTHA’s new ‘tech pack’, if required. Think longer lasting mechanical seals to protect bearings, pre-tensioned cutting discs to enhance the shredder’s resilience against foreign objects, and shaft ventilation to reduce contamination. There are multiple design features available, which can be configured to suit customers’ individual shredding needs.

10. In truth there are dozens of small but mighty developments packed into the advanced generation RS – all engineered to deliver more strength, more versatility, more uptime, more efficiencies, and more potential for our customers, while controlling costs. But seeing is believing? If you’d like to understand what the RS series can really do, talk to us about your personal shred test.

There are currently more than 5,000 UNTHA RS shredders installed worldwide, handling a range of diverse and difficult materials including WEEE, confidential waste, production waste, metals, swarf, plastics, film, and more. These machines are used for size reduction, material liberation and homogenous particle sizing, to achieve optimal reuse, recycling, and recovery performance for customers. As a global group, UNTHA has sold more than 15,000 shredders in total. 

MDF component manufacturer Boardtek transformed its waste management operations with the installation of an UNTHA LR1400 wood shredder – significantly reducing downtime and generating cost savings in the process.

Founded in 2011, Pontefract-based Boardtek is a manufacturer of MDF-based products for the furniture and DIY markets. Operating from its modern facility – which it shares with its parent company EDB – the firm produces over 16,000 m3 of high-quality MDF items each month.

The company struggled to maintain consistent operations with its previous shredder from an UNTHA competitor, which presented frequent breakdowns, jamming issues, and rapid wear of nylon guides. These persistent problems led to costly downtime, unreliable throughput, and increased maintenance expenses. Seeking a solution that would ensure reliable performance and reduce operational disruptions, Boardtek partnered with IMA Schelling – UNTHA Austria’s sales partner – to invest in an UNTHA LR1400 shredder.

“Having been repeatedly let down by our previous machinery, the UNTHA shredder has completely changed the game for us,” said Paul Thompson, director of works at Boardtek. “We’ve reduced our maintenance costs by £12,000 per year and achieved £30,000 in savings by not sending waste to landfill. The payback period on the entire project was just 18 months, so the decision was a no-brainer.”

Boardtek’s waste management overhaul has not only reduced costs but also improved energy efficiency. By using the shredded material in their on-site biomass boiler – which provides heat to the factory, paint line, and central heating system – the company has lowered its reliance on external waste disposal, significantly cutting energy costs and improving the sustainability of its operations.

The LR1400 handles approximately six tonnes of input materials per day, including 2.5mm to 25mm HDF, MDF, chipboard, and pallets – which are all by products of Boardtek’s production process. Achieving a throughput of around 750kg per hour – with much higher handling capabilities if required – the machine reduces materials down to a homogenous 20mm particle size.

Thompson added: “Purchasing the UNTHA shredder has been one of the best business decisions I’ve ever made. The machine’s reliability and performance are outstanding, and the support from UNTHA has been exceptional. The service plan has saved us significant time and money, with each engineer offering knowledge, support, and reassurance during every visit.”

Commenting on the partnership with Boardtek, Julie Cassidy, UNTHA UK’s aftersales lead said: “The service plan has been a perfect fit for the team at Boardtek. We’ve developed a great working relationship, ensuring the LR1400 shredder runs smoothly and reliably, without the costly downtime the company experienced with their previous machine.

“It’s always rewarding to see how our aftersales services can help a customer like Boardtek achieve such significant operational improvements. Paul’s satisfaction is a testament to the reliability of our machines and the dedication of our engineers – we’re proud to have such a happy customer.”

Precision cleaning specialist Proficio has advanced its metal processing capabilities, with the move to a new 20,000 sqft building in Livingston, and the strategic investment in an UNTHA RS50.

With long-standing experience in the decontamination of metal turnings and superalloys, the team already had a comprehensive wash-line. With customers all over the world, Proficio uses progressive chemistry to clean, dry, package, and return these crushed materials for global remanufacturing.

But the expansion of the business and the procurement of a four-shaft metal shredder, means Proficio can now process uncrushed swarf by shredding the metal turnings on-site. Known for particle precision and its ability to handle difficult materials, the UNTHA RS50 shreds and reshreds the material in a single pass, with an in-built and interchangeable screen regulating the output material size.

Currently handling 1,100-1,700kg of metal per hour, Proficio shreds down to a 20mm chip, optimal for efficient downstream cleaning and maximum shipping density. By extending the service range and eliminating a step in the process, for the customer, Proficio could double the size of its operation over the next three years.

Commenting on the decision to invest, Proficio’s managing director Mark Semple said: “Metal cleaning sounds quite simple in theory, but in practice our business is extremely complex. Throughputs are critical, so finding a resilient machine – capable of withstanding the pressures of metal shredding – was our priority.

Increasing our in-house processing capabilities by investing in our own shredder was a leap of faith. However, we have definitely made the right decision.

Mark conducted thorough market research and due diligence before even contacting UNTHA.

“I spoke to a number of customers and peers regarding their own shredding experience, and the feedback was always that UNTHA is the best,” he elaborated. “Site visits and a visual inspection of the material showed the consistent quality of the chip, and the knowledgeable dialogue when I eventually contacted UNTHA, cemented my decision.”

Comprehensive user training was provided by UNTHA as soon as the RS50 had been commissioned. A maintenance and cleaning regime – integral to Proficio’s operations – was also defined, as well as a fully-supported, two-year UNTHA service plan.

Our people are important to us at UNTHA UK — after all, without their knowledge and expertise we would be unable to deliver the five-star customer service that we’re so famous for.

So, each month we quiz a different colleague on 10 quickfire questions that offer a little more insight into why they play such an important and valued part of our growing team.

Next up, it’s Zoe Paskin, accounts coordinator. Over to you, Zoe!

How did you first get into the world of shredding?

It happened completely by chance. I was exploring career opportunities, started temping at UNTHA UK, and have never left!

 

What’s the one skill or quality that helps you succeed in the UNTHA environment? 

Being approachable and knowledgeable. Finance isn’t everyone’s favourite subject. By clearly explaining the financial steps involved in a machine sale or major purchase, I ensure the correct paperwork is completed on time, preventing unnecessary delays.

 

Name one highlight from your UNTHA tenure so far.

Watching a machine trial where designer handbags were being shredded — although it felt more like a nightmare than a highlight! The products needed to be destroyed due to strict regulations, ensuring brand protection and compliance with legal standards.

 

How do you unwind at the end of a busy day at work?

I love relaxing with a hot bubble bath, candles, and working on diamond art – it’s like painting by numbers, but with beads.

 

What’s the best piece of work-related advice you’ve ever received?

An error only becomes a mistake when you fail to correct it, so always be honest and own up to it.

 

Which machine is your favourite from the UNTHA shredder range, and why?

The XR Mobil-e – it moves like a robot! It’s a perfect example of cutting-edge engineering and technological innovation.

 

UNTHA has a number of divisions scattered all over the globe — Austria, Poland, Iberica, and Turkey, to name a few. If you weren’t a trusty fixture at the UK branch, which business would be next on your work hit list?

Definitely Austria! I’d love to see the factory and watch the machines being made — it’s the heart of the manufacturing process. Plus, visiting Salzburg would be amazing.

 

What do you think makes UNTHA’s service such a hit with our customers?

We focus on selling customers what they truly need, not just what they want. Plus, we’re a one-stop shop for machines, parts, servicing, and financing – which makes the whole process easier for them.

 

What’s your main hope for UNTHA UK over the next year or so?

To continue to grow, learn, and always be the provider of choice.

 

And finally, what’s your main environmental hope for the UK as a whole?

I hope the UK increases its use of solar and wind power as the primary sources for generating electricity.

We know that keeping UNTHA’s industrial shredders in top condition is essential to ensuring their smooth, continuous operations —and, ultimately, protecting clients’ bottom line. That’s why all our shredders are engineered for resilience and ease of maintenance.

The world-renowned UNTHA XR waste shredder is no exception. In a recent video produced in collaboration with Manto Films, our service manager Ben Styles offers a detailed walkthrough of essential maintenance tips designed to enhance the longevity, efficiency, and performance of this high performance, electric-driven machinery.

Ben covers key practices that every XR shredder operator can implement – from optimising chiller systems to performing regular checks on auxiliary generators – helping to prevent downtime, improve machine performance, and extend the life of their assets.

A number of waste materials are universally recognised for their severe health risks — including asbestos, chemicals, medical waste, batteries, ABP-contaminated plastics, and more. But penalties issued by Britain’s workplace regulator, Health, and Safety Executive (HSE), are now placing producers and processors of wood waste under greater scrutiny. So how can dust fines be managed with the same rigour? Gary Moore, sales director at industrial shredding specialist UNTHA UK, shares the business case for slow-speed mechanical processing. 

 

Cracking down on wood waste byproducts 

The HSE has long been helping to control airborne contaminants in the workplace. But as Britain’s manufacturers battle with exposure to wood dust, the regulator has taken decisive action against companies failing to meet stringent occupational health standards.  

Target Furniture Limited, the contract furniture manufacturer based in Northampton, was recently fined after an inspection revealed workers were being exposed to excessive levels of wood dust. Despite previous visits and warnings, the company reportedly had inadequate measures in place to manage the hazard, with inspectors finding wood dust deposits throughout the sawmill and around most of the woodworking machines. 

Employees were even dry sweeping the dust, despite having a vacuum cleaner designed to safely remove the particles. The firm is also said to have lacked an adequate extraction system on machinery, as well as respiratory protective equipment. 

Meanwhile, Esken Renewables Limited, the UK’s number one supplier of biomass fuel, recently faced a £160,000 fine for malpractice at its Middlesbrough site. The company failed to design processes that minimise the spread of wood dust, putting workers at risk. Despite the company’s claims that the dust issues were exacerbated by storms, the HSE found their control measures to be severely lacking. 

It certainly makes for bleak reading. But these companies won’t be alone in their struggles. 

 

Why all the fuss about wood dust? 

Wood dust can be created during both the production and destruction of wood-based materials. The exact quantity and type of dust typically varies depending on the material being processed and tools being used. For example, is the timber green or seasoned? Is it hardwood, softwood, or composite board? Is it being sanded with a course disc? Or being shaped with a high-speed lathe?  

Regardless of these factors, there is a health risk involved. Wood dust can contain bacteria, as well as fungal and moss spores, which can trigger a range of respiratory symptoms, skin conditions, and, in some cases, life-threatening illness. Inhaling wood dust can also have non-reversible consequences. These include eye irritation, dermatitis, asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and even rare types of cancer. Because fine dust can spread even further beyond the processing area too, workers are not just at risk when operating woodworking machinery.  

Not to mention, wood dust is also highly flammable. While coarse chips and shavings tend not to present a great explosion hazard, fine dusts are in danger of combusting. The risks are even higher in ripe environments, such as dust extraction equipment, where there are several potential ignition sources — for instance, an overheating bearing in a conveyor or fan, or sparks from the machining of off-cuts containing metal. 

So, while it might seem harmless compared to something like asbestos, its impacts are severe and well-documented. Under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) — which sets out legal requirements to protect workers from health risks arising from hazardous substances at work — employers (including contractors) have a duty to manage this risk suitably and sufficiently. 

 

Effective strategies for dust control 

Installing local exhaust ventilation (LEV) systems is one way to combat the dangers. By capturing airborne dust directly at the source, and preventing it from spreading throughout the workplace, these systems are incredibly efficient at reducing dust levels and protecting workers’ health. 

Firms can also use on-tool extraction systems, which suck up the dust as it’s created, preventing it from becoming airborne and controlling dust at the source. Any form of vacuum equipment must meet at least the dust class M (medium hazard) classification or be attached to the LEV system. Regular upkeep of these systems is crucial too. An LEV system won’t do much good if it’s clogged with dust or poorly maintained. 

And let’s not forget about personal protective equipment (PPE). Providing workers with appropriate masks and respirators adds an extra layer of protection, ensuring they’re not breathing in harmful particles. To prevent inward leakage of contaminated air, conducting a face ‘fit test’ for each employee is crucial too. 

Of course, minimising wood dust in manufacturing environments is just one consideration for the supply chain. Greater thought is required when it comes to the ‘end of life’ processing or size reduction of wood ‘waste’ too.  

Driven by the need for high throughput and efficiency, high-speed wood shredding has traditionally been the go-to for many in the supply chain. In a nutshell, the more material you process, the harder you make an investment work, and the more profitable your operation becomes. 

However, beyond greater fire risks, heavier maintenance requirements, and spiralling costs, this approach has a number of downsides. It often leads to producing a high volume of oversized (non-spec) products that must be re-shredded, along with substantial amounts of non-saleable dust like fines. Fines are subject to costly disposal fees and pose greater risks to health and safety on-site. 

 

The case for slow-speed mechanical processing 

Initially met with scepticism, slow-speed shredders have proven their worth throughout the wood waste industry. Using a higher torque drive, these modern machines can operate at slower speeds without sacrificing throughput, usually in a single step. As well as lower wear and higher uptime, this process results in fewer fines and dust, with significantly reduced health and safety risks. 

The UNTHA XR, for example, not only minimises dust and fines production to less than 5% (up to 80% less dust than high-speed shredders) — equipped with numerous in-built safety features, it also satisfies an even broader range of EHS criteria. 

For instance, it has an auto-stop foreign object protection and removal mechanism, designed to prevent accidents, as well as a quick-change cutter system that allows for maintenance with minimal exposure to the machine’s operating parts. Functioning below the first hearing protection action point (80dB(A)), it also reduces the risk of hearing damage to workers — in fact, ear defenders are not actually required at all. 

To combat the notorious risk of fire outbreaks, the XR can also be supplied with advanced fire suppression technology. These include heat detectors, extinguishing nozzles, as well as slower-speed operations, by design, to reduce the likelihood of dust or sparks igniting. 

Not to mention, it’s electric-driven — lowering energy consumption by 75% compared to standard diesel-hydraulic drive options. Delivering significant benefits for the environment and your bottom line, as well as the health and safety of your teams, it’s therefore an investment that pays off in many ways. 

As the world moves toward greener, more sustainable industries, the cement sector is under growing pressure to continually reduce its carbon footprint. To help industry leaders navigate this critical shift, UNTHA has launched a comprehensive global guide to alternative fuel production for the cement industry. 

This sector faces unprecedented challenges as it seeks to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and integrate alternative, sustainable energy sources. And, with cement production responsible for approximately 8% of global CO2 emissions, the need for innovation has never been more pressing.  

Revealed at the Global CemFuels conference in Dublin, this detailed resource combines more than 40 contributions from industry experts, cement manufacturers, and waste to energy specialists. 

The goal, is to explore trends and transfer knowledge in this complex and continually evolving market, as firms strive to: 
 
– improve alternative fuel processing line performance 
– increase profit margins, boost plant safety, and drive energy efficiencies 
– enhance their CSR strategies, particularly their environmental agendas. 
 
Including commentary from countries such as the USA, UK, Germany, Austria, Türkiye, Poland, Portugal, Brazil, and India – to name just a few – the report features insights regarding MSW, C&I waste, tyres, mattresses, pulper ropes and more. 

How to make the perfect investment

Whether buying a machine for the first time, upgrading incumbent technology, or expanding an existing materials processing facility, procuring an industrial shredder is a time consuming and potentially complex operation for many. However, once successfully over the line, this investment can yield significant returns in various ways — not least for business’ bottom lines.

Combining strategic insight from our shredding specialists, this 22-page buyer’s guide explores:

• Challenges shaping the current waste management landscape

• Tailoring technology to suit specific business needs

• Optimising system integration and power efficiency 

• Strategic planning and financial management

• Ensuring safety, maintenance, and long-term performance

• Maximising the long-term ROI of your shredder