Alfa Laval Launches ThinkCircularity Programme to Recycle ThinkTop Components and Advance Circular Manufacturing

Alfa Laval Launches ThinkCircularity Programme to Recycle ThinkTop Components and Advance Circular Manufacturing

(IN BRIEF) Alfa Laval has launched ThinkCircularity, a take-back programme that enables recycling and reuse of materials from its ThinkTop valve control units. The pilot has shown that recycled plastic from returned units can be used in new products without compromising quality, while metals and electronics are also responsibly recycled. Initially introduced in selected European markets, the initiative supports Alfa Laval’s broader circularity strategy by closing the loop on product lifecycles and helping customers combine efficiency upgrades with measurable sustainability outcomes.

(PRESS RELEASE) KOLDING, 30-Jan-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Alfa Laval has introduced ThinkCircularity, a new take-back and recycling programme designed to embed circular economy principles into the lifecycle of its ThinkTop valve control units. The initiative marks a practical step in turning circularity into measurable action, with the pilot phase already receiving positive uptake from customers and partners and the first used units returned for recycling.

ThinkCircularity focuses initially on plastic recovery and reuse. Each ThinkTop unit contains approximately 500 grams of plastic, and testing conducted during the pilot has demonstrated that this material can be recycled and reintroduced into new units without compromising performance or quality. According to Alfa Laval, a blend of recycled and virgin plastic meets all technical requirements, including strength, durability, and long-term reliability. In addition to plastics, other components such as metals and electronic parts are also separated and responsibly recycled.

The programme has gained early traction in industries where efficiency and resource optimisation are critical, including food, dairy, and pharmaceuticals. Customers upgrading existing ThinkTop units benefit from significant reductions in water and energy consumption during cleaning-in-place processes, but such upgrades traditionally meant older units were discarded. ThinkCircularity now provides an end-of-life solution that keeps materials in use rather than sending them to waste streams.

In Norway, Skala, Alfa Laval’s Master Distributor for hygienic industries, has already implemented the take-back scheme with its customers and returned several hundred units as part of the pilot. The initiative enables customers to combine operational upgrades with a tangible sustainability outcome, allowing retired units to contribute to the production of next-generation products.

Alfa Laval positions ThinkCircularity as an important early step within a broader circularity strategy. This strategy emphasises long product lifetimes, high efficiency, and durability, complemented by systems that close the loop at end of life. By integrating take-back and recycling into its offering, the company aims to ensure that future products increasingly incorporate recycled materials while maintaining the performance standards expected in hygienic processing environments.

The company notes that while plastic recycling from ThinkTop units represents only a fraction of the overall circular opportunity, the pilot has already generated valuable insights. These lessons are expected to inform new business models, partnerships, and scalable approaches to reuse and recycling across Alfa Laval’s wider product portfolio. Following the pilot’s success, ThinkCircularity has been rolled out in selected European markets, with further expansion anticipated.

This is Alfa Laval

The ability to make the most of what we have is more important than ever. Together with our customers, we’re innovating the industries that society depends on and creating lasting positive impact. We’re set on helping billions of people to get the energy, food, and clean water they need.  And, at the same time, we’re decarbonizing the marine fleet that’s the backbone of global trade.

We pioneer technologies and solutions that free our customers to unlock the true potential of resources. As our customers’ businesses grow stronger, the goal of a truly sustainable world edges closer. The company is committed to optimizing processes, creating responsible growth, and driving progress to support customers in achieving their business goals and sustainability targets. Together, we’re pioneering positive impact.

Alfa Laval was founded 140 years ago, has customers in 100 countries, employs more than 22,300 people, and annual sales were SEK 66.9 billion (5.8 BEUR) in 2024. The company is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm.

www.alfalaval.com

Media Contact:

Inger Bygum
Head of Sustainability, Alfa Laval
Hygienic Fluid Handling and
Heat Transfer Technologies
Phone: +45 28 95 44 18
E-mail: inger.bygum@alfalaval.com

SOURCE: Alfa Laval