From cardboard cores to reusable cores

From cardboard cores to reusable cores – sustainable recycling solutions with WinCore^®

Cardboard cores have been the standard in the winding process for decades – but they have significant disadvantages in industrial use: they have to be disposed of after just a few cycles, they swell when exposed to moisture, and they generate large amounts of waste. In view of increasing demands for resource efficiency and process reliability, more and more companies are turning to durable alternatives. With WinCore^® aluminium winding cores, INOMETA offers a tried-and-tested solution that combines reusability with process stability and sustainability – developed for the requirements of modern production lines in the battery, film, and packaging industries.

Contact our sales team today for expert advice on WinCore^® winding cores and other first-class roller solutions from INOMETA, the leading manufacturer from Germany. Make your inquiry now!

Durable, reusable, and precise – for continuous industrial use

Unlike disposable cores, WinCore^® winding cores can be used reliably for many hundreds of winding cycles. In closed recirculation systems, it is even possible to achieve several times this number of cycles. The robust aluminium design is insensitive to humidity, temperature fluctuations, or chemical exposure – for example, from IPA, NMP, or common cleaning agents. Even after long periods of use, the concentricity remains unchanged, ensuring maximum process reliability.
Most WinCore^® variants are cleanroom-compatible and FDA-compliant – a key advantage for sensitive manufacturing areas such as dry rooms in battery production or ISO-classified areas.

Modular system with functional added value for process-reliable applications

WinCore^® reusable winding cores are available in various series designs, lengths, and diameters. Depending on the application, specific properties can also be implemented:

• With winding support – adhesive-free winding start without double-sided adhesive tape, ideal for sensitive materials and resource-saving production
• With cut-resistant surface – reinforced surface structure for abrasive electrode materials such as LFP or NCM
• With smooth, media-resistant surface – reduces cleaning effort, ideal for sensitive substrates
• Optional: RFID-enabled versions – unique identification & traceability via INOid^®

Existing systems can also be retrofitted with WinCore^® – for process optimization or for a gradual transition to a sustainable reusable solution.

Our WinCore^® winding cores at a glance

Sustainable contribution to the circular economy

The reusable nature of WinCore^® winding cores reduces resource consumption, minimizes packaging waste, and lowers logistics and disposal costs. Their long service life, high dimensional accuracy, and reliable performance also reduce waste rates and cleaning costs.

Typical added value potential:

• Significant reduction in waste volume compared to disposable sleeves
• Resource savings through reduced waste
• No need for consumables such as double-sided adhesive tape
• Faster machine changeover
• Less maintenance and reduced downtime

In combination with the digitization of process data (digital asset management – INOid^®), the result is a forward-looking overall system that meets both technical and ecological requirements.

Versatile from battery foils to special packaging

WinCore^® reusable winding cores are used across a wide range of industries – wherever process stability, material conservation, and reusability are crucial:

• Battery manufacturing (anode, cathode, separator)
• Technical foils (including microstructured)
• Packaging and label production
• Hygiene papers & specialty papers
• Textile and nonwoven production

Thanks to the material and the smooth, abrasion-free surface, they are particularly suitable for materials with high particle sensitivity – such as for cleanroom use or ultrathin substrates.

All the sustainable advantages of the WinCore^® system at a glance

• Significantly longer service life – one WinCore^® winding cores replaces up to 500 cardboard cores; in closed production cycles, it can even be reused over 1000 times
• Maximum dimensional accuracy and concentricity – e.g., ≤ 0.3 mm/m in the Proline series for precise web guidance and minimal waste
• Moisture and temperature resistant – no swelling, no delamination; reliable even at >80°C (depending on model, e.g., Proline or cut-resistant series)
• Abrasion-free, closed surfaces – ideal for sensitive substrates in dry and clean rooms
• Optional with winding support – adhesive-free winding start without double-sided adhesive tape; saves material, avoids adhesive residue, and secures the first winding layer
• Cut-resistant variants available – hard-coated, or specially finished surfaces for abrasive electrode materials such as NCM, LFP, or LMO
• Media resistance – resistant to common process and cleaning media such as IPA, NMP, etc.; ideal for battery and film applications
• FDA-compliant & cleanroom-suitable – most variants meet the requirements for hygienic and low-particle production environments
• Reduced waste and cleaning effort – thanks to durable materials, fewer downtimes, and easy cleaning
• Modularly adaptable – selectable diameters (e.g., 3“, 6”, 8“, 10”), lengths up to 6,000 mm, variable wall thicknesses, and specific connections depending on the machine concept and load
• RFID-compatible (optional) – e.g., INOid^®-enabled for tracking, maintenance, and integration into digital production processes

We have compiled all the information and benefits regarding our sustainable WinCore^® winding cores for you here.

Sustainable core technology – manufactured for reusable applications

INOMETA develops and manufactures all WinCore^® core solutions at its site in Germany – in compliance with the most stringent quality, environmental, and manufacturing standards. The modular portfolio includes variants with different lengths, diameters, wall thicknesses, and surface finishes. Thanks to this flexibility, existing production lines can also be easily converted to the WinCore^® reusable system – whether as original equipment, a retrofit solution, or as part of targeted sustainability initiatives.
INOMETA is your reliable partner for roller, winding core, and digitization solutions in industrial manufacturing. With innovative technologies, maximum process reliability, and an extensive portfolio, we support you on your way to more efficient, sustainable, and future-proof production.

Are you planning to switch to sustainable winding processes or would you like to add retrofit solutions to your systems? Our team of experts will be happy to advise you on WinCore^® winding cores, digital system solutions, and all other products related to rollers and winding cores. Get in touch with our sales team today and find out more about winding- and roller solutions by INOMETA from Germany. Make an inquiry now.

Our solutions at a glance: