Plastic hoses reimagined: from old hose assemblies to new solutions
Masterflex returns used hose assemblies to the cycle and uses them to develop new solutions made from recycled material – promoting a circular economy in industrial practice. The Masterflex Group is the world’s leading manufacturer and supplier of high-tech hose systems, with almost 40 years’ 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 allow hose assemblies to be lost from the recycling loop. With our ReLoop approach, we are working to specifically process plastic hoses after 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 becoming increasingly important for industry
As the pressure to innovate in industry increases, the recycling of plastic hoses is becoming ever more 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 ConsultancyCircular SolutionsStandard hoses
So much more than just plastic tubes
The industrial circular economy begins where products are not merely used, but are deliberately returned after their useful life. This is precisely where the Masterflex Group comes in. As part of circular economy projects, we investigate how used hose assemblies can be reconditioned and used as a raw material base for new products.
The aim:
- To close material loops
- To use raw materials more efficiently
- Tapping into recycling potential in practice
- Develop new solutions from existing materials
Particularly in the case of plastic hoses, this approach opens up new opportunities for greater resource efficiency and sustainable industrial manufacturing.
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 therefore recyclable, are used, for example, in granulate conveyance in real-world operations.
It’s a smart approach when product design, material selection and subsequent circularity are considered together right from the start. Our focus is shifting from pure functionality towards a broader perspective encompassing performance, service life, material efficiency and sustainability. Why not
seek our advice? Whether you need a standard hose, a hose system solution with connection technology, a circular solution or a bespoke solution developed with a holistic engineering workflow – we provide the right solution for your requirements.
Turning old into new – this is how the ReLoop works for a plastic hose
The Masterflex Group’s ReLoop approach is based on a clear principle: recovery rather than waste. Reducing costly disposal. Used hose assemblies are collected, reconditioned and channelled into defined recycling and development processes. Recycling? Turning old into new!
Plastic hose take-back process – typical procedure:
- Non-binding consultation and application assessment –
Targeted selection of a hose solution.
- Collection of used hose assemblies
: Hose material from in-service use is recorded separately and prepared for return.
- Handover and material assessment
: The used material is analysed, sorted and checked for suitability for recycling.
- Processing of the plastic
: The material is processed so that it can be reused as a raw material for new products.
- Manufacture of new prototypes
: New plastic hose prototypes are produced from the recycled material, for example for extraction and ventilation applications.
- Field testing in real-world
operations The new solutions are tested in everyday industrial use and assessed for their suitability.
This creates a robust 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 pioneering pilot project: Masterflex and NESTRO Lufttechnik
A concrete example of this approach is the joint pilot project between Masterflex SE and NESTRO Lufttechnik. The aim is to test plastic hoses made from fully recycled material in industrial applications and to close the material cycle step by step. The project began when NESTRO handed over a batch of collected hose lines to Masterflex. Masterflex produced the first prototypes from the processed material. These were assessed at 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, extraction 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 about putting the material through its paces under real-world conditions.
Key questions include:
- How do recycled materials perform in continuous operation?
- What properties can be achieved for industrial applications?
- For which areas of application are recycled plastic hoses particularly suitable?
- How can quality be ensured in the circular process in 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 practical test: talk to us about your specific application and requirements.
The project demonstrates that plastic hoses made from recycled or biodegradable materials are not just a buzzword for the future, but are of real industrial relevance. Circular solutions are increasingly becoming a strategic issue and a cornerstone of modern industrial value creation!
Jan Walter, Marketing Manager for Communications, Projects & Social Media at Masterflex Group
Frequently Asked Questions about Hoses for the Food and Pharmaceutical Industries
Was ist ein FDA Schlauch in Lebensmittelqualität?
Ein Schlauch in Lebensmittelqualität ist für den sicheren Transport von Lebensmitteln, Getränken, Pulvern und pharmazeutischen Produkten ausgelegt. Er wird aus Materialien hergestellt, die für den Kontakt mit Lebensmitteln zugelassen sind.
Why are dead spaces in hose and connection systems a cause for concern?
Dead spaces can harbour product residues, moisture and germs, thereby adversely affecting 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 anti-static, FDA-approved plastic hose is particularly useful when 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 contact with food. This can encompass a wide variety of hose types and products. Many hoses also meet other relevant compliance standards.
How do I choose the correct food grade hose?
Selection depends on the media being conveyed, operating temperature, pressure requirements, flexibility needs and regulatory requirements. Our technical team can help identify the best solution.
Are antistatic food hoses available?
Yes. Several products within the range feature permanently antistatic properties for safer powder and granule conveying.
What industries use food grade hoses?
Food processing, beverage production, pharmaceutical manufacturing, dairy processing and packaging industries commonly use food grade hoses.
Are Masterflex food hoses FDA approved?
Many products within this range comply with FDA requirements and EU 10/2011 food-contact regulations. Always check the individual product datasheet for specific approvals.
What is a food grade hose?
A food grade hose is designed for the safe transfer of food, beverages, powders and pharmaceutical products. It is manufactured from materials approved for food contact applications.
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