LTS Lohmann Therapie-Systeme (LTS), market leader in the development and production of transdermal therapeutic systems and oral thin films, has invested €3m in a new regenerative thermal oxidiser (RTO) at its site in Andernach.

Industry accounts for about 40% of Germany’s energy consumption. It is therefore essential that companies establish sustainable and environmentally friendly production methods. LTS, for example, has just invested €3m in an RTO plant.

The production of transdermal therapeutic systems and oral thin films involves a coating process in which organic solvents must be evaporated. This is done with a previously filtered and elaborately treated supply of air. The exhaust air produced during drying is not simply released into the atmosphere. In an RTO, the exhaust air is oxidized at a temperature of approx. 820°C and the pollutants are reduced to a minimum.

The energy required to reach this temperature is largely provided by the solvents contained in the exhaust air, so that only a minimal amount of energy is required. At the same time, the plant generates steam, which is fed into the LTS system. The energy saved by the new plant amounts to about 1.5 million kWh a year, which is roughly equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of 75 four-person households.

The project of this magnitude is the largest single investment approved by the LTS at the site to ensure environmental compliance. In addition to the high costs, a multitude of challenges had to be overcome in the planning, design, construction, and acceptance of the RTO.

This is one of LTS’s contributions to sustainability, environmentally friendly processes and energy management.