A New Approach to Plastic Hoses: From Old Hose Assemblies to New Solutions
Masterflex returns used hose assemblies to the recycling loop and uses them to develop new solutions made from recycled material—promoting a more circular economy in industrial practice. The Masterflex Group is the global market leader in the manufacture and supply of high-tech hose systems, with nearly 40 years of market experience.
Plastic hoses are indispensable high-performance products in many industrial applications and are therefore key components. This makes it all the more important not to simply lose hose assemblies from the recycling loop. With our ReLoop approach, we are working to specifically process plastic hoses after their use, recover materials, and develop new solutions for industrial use from them. In this way, used hose assemblies become the starting point for new plastic hoses with a future.
Why Hose Recycling Is Gaining Importance for Industry
As the pressure to innovate in industry increases, the recycling of plastic hoses is becoming increasingly important for our customers: Circular strategies are evolving from a “nice-to-have” to a “must-have”—and those who act early gain a clear competitive edge.
Partners ConsultingCircular SolutionsStandard Hoses
So much more than just plastic tubing
The industrial circular economy begins when products are not only used but also deliberately returned after their useful life. This is exactly where the Masterflex Group comes in. As part of circular economy projects, we explore how used hose assemblies can be recycled and used as raw materials for new products.
The goal:
- To close material loops
- Use raw materials more efficiently
- Tapping into recycling potential in practice
- Develop new solutions from existing materials
This approach opens up new possibilities for greater resource efficiency and sustainable industrial manufacturing, particularly when it comes to plastic hoses.
Become a project partner!ReLoop Pilot Project Announcement
By the way: It’s working for us! We have such confidence in our Circular Solutions that we consistently use the recyclableMaster-PUR L Cradle-to-Cradle as a spiral hose solution in our own day-to-day production. These plastic hoses, made from biodegradable polymers and thus recyclable, are used in real-world applications such as pellet conveying.
It’s smart to consider product design, material selection, and subsequent circularity from the very beginning. Our focus is shifting from pure functionality to a broader perspective that includes performance, service life, material efficiency, and sustainability.
Let us advise you, too. Whether you need a standard hose, a hose system solution with connection technology, a circular solution, or a custom-developed special solution with a holistic engineering workflow—we provide the right solution for your requirements.
Turning old into new—here's how the ReLoop works for a plastic hose
The Masterflex Group’s ReLoop approach is based on a clear principle: recovery instead of waste. Reducing costly disposal. Used hose assemblies are collected, remanufactured, and fed into defined recycling and development processes. Recycling? Turning old into new!
Plastic Hose Take-Back Process—Typical Procedure:
- Non-binding consultation and application review;
targeted selection of a hose solution.
- Collection of used hose assemblies
: Hose material from in-service use is collected separately and prepared for recycling.
- Handover and material evaluation
: The used material is analyzed, sorted, and tested for suitability for recycling.
- Plastic
processing: The material is processed so that it can be reused as a raw material for new products.
- Manufacturing of new prototypes
: New plastic hose prototypes are created from the recycled material, for example, for vacuum and air technology applications.
- Field Testing in Real-World
Operations The new solutions are tested in everyday industrial settings and evaluated for their suitability.
This creates a sustainable approach not only to producing plastic hoses but also to integrating them into a functioning circular economy.
Become a project partner!Circular Engineering Services
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A Pilot Project with Significant Impact: Masterflex and NESTRO Lufttechnik
A concrete example of this approach is the joint pilot project between Masterflex SE and NESTRO Lufttechnik. The goal is to test plastic hoses made from fully recycled material in industrial applications and to gradually close the material loop. The project began when NESTRO delivered a collected batch of hose lines to Masterflex. Masterflex manufactured the first prototypes from the processed material. These were evaluated during a joint meeting in August 2025—with positive results.
Use the Hose FinderReLoop Pilot Project Announcement
Extraction hoses made from recycled plastic put to the test
As part of the pilot project, suction hoses made from fully recycled plastic are being tested in everyday industrial use for the first time. This is not just about material development, but also about putting the material through a reality check under real-world operating conditions.
Key questions include:
- How do recycled materials perform under continuous operation?
- What properties can be achieved for industrial applications?
- For which applications are recycled plastic hoses particularly suitable?
- How can quality be ensured in the circular process over the long term?
With this circular approach, Masterflex Group is further strengthening its role as a technology and development partner for plastic hoses within the context of the circular economy. Whether it’s a pilot project, a recycling initiative, or a field test: Talk to us about your specific application and requirements.
Standard HosesBecome a Project Partner!
The project demonstrates that plastic hoses made from recycled or biodegradable materials are not just a buzzword for the future, but are relevant to industry. Circular solutions are increasingly becoming a strategic issue and a cornerstone of modern industrial value creation!
Jan Walter, Masterflex Group Marketing Manager for Communications, Projects, and Social Media
Frequently Asked Questions About Tubing for the Food and Pharmaceutical Industries
What is an FDA-approved food-grade hose?
A food-grade hose is designed for the safe transport of food, beverages, powders, and pharmaceutical products. It is made from materials approved for contact with food.
Why are dead spaces in tubing and connection systems a concern?
Dead spaces can harbor product residue, moisture, and germs, thereby negatively impacting hygiene, cleanability, and product safety.
When is an antistatic FDA-approved plastic tube a good choice?
Prevent the "Big Bang" caused by dust explosions! An antistatic FDA-approved plastic hose is particularly useful for conveying powders such as flour, as it safely dissipates electrostatic charges.
What is an FDA-approved plastic tube?
An FDA-compliant plastic hose is a plastic hose made from a material that meets the relevant FDA requirements for food contact. This can include a wide variety of hose types and products. Many hoses also meet other relevant compliance standards.
How do I choose the right hose for the food industry?
The selection depends on the fluid being pumped, the operating temperature, the pressure requirements, the flexibility requirements, and regulatory requirements. Our technical team will be happy to help you find the best solution.
Are there antistatic food-grade hoses?
Yes. Several products in the line feature permanent antistatic properties for safer transport of powders and granules.
In which industries are food-grade hoses used?
The food processing, beverage manufacturing, pharmaceutical production, dairy processing, and packaging industries typically use food-grade hoses.
Are Masterflex food-grade hoses approved by the FDA?
Many products in this series comply with FDA requirements as well as EU Regulation 10/2011 regarding food contact. Please always refer to the respective product data sheet for specific approvals.
What is a food-grade hose?
A food-grade hose is designed for the safe transport of food, beverages, powders, and pharmaceutical products. It is made from materials approved for contact with food.
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