VACAT Sp. z o.o. together with its scientific partner ITG KOMAG , as part of a consortium, has received funding from the European Union for the project entitled: “Diversification of activities through the development of a prototype dual-shaft shredder for steel waste” under the European Funds for Silesia 2021–2027 Programme.

The objective of the R&D module is to develop a prototype of an innovative device for preliminary shredding of large-size steel scrap (referred to as a shredder or “pre-shredder”) obtained from end-of-life vehicles, post-production steel waste, and construction scrap.

Pre-shredders are machines used in metal recycling processes (e.g., steel scrap) that perform the initial size reduction of materials before they undergo further processing in standard shredders.

The device developed as a result of the R&D activities will feature a high installed power exceeding 600 kW, combined with an increased processing capacity of 50–60 Mg/h, enabling the shredding of feedstock with a thickness of up to 15 mm.

The project result will be used for the processing of metal waste, in particular steel scrap, obtained from end-of-life vehicles and other structural components, machinery, and metal equipment withdrawn from use. The developed machine will enable efficient and safe shredding of metal waste into fractions of appropriate sizes, significantly improving subsequent sorting, separation, and recycling processes of secondary raw materials.

Through the application of modern technical solutions, the device will contribute to reducing the volume of steel waste, improving material stream separation, and thereby increasing the efficiency of ferrous metal recovery. As a result, the processed raw materials can be reused in production processes, reducing the demand for primary natural resources and limiting CO₂ emissions associated with their extraction and processing.

The implementation of the project is fully consistent with the principles of the circular economy (CE), promoting rational resource management, re-use of materials, and minimization of the negative environmental impact of industrial activities.

Project value: PLN 7,258,554.58
Amount of co-financing from European Funds: PLN 4,493,043.22
Planned total eligible project expenditure: PLN 5,905,953.46
Contract number: FESL.10.02-IP.01-0B37/24-00