2022 Plastic Recycling Process: What Machines Are Needed During Every Step?

Plastic recycling is the process of converting used plastic into new products. This is done by breaking down the plastic into smaller pieces, then melting it down and shaping it into new products. There are a number of machines that are needed during every step of the plastic recycling process. In this blog post, we will discuss each machine and what it does in the recycling process!

What is the plastic recycling process?

1. Collection

The first step in the plastic recycling process is a collection. This is when used plastic is collected and brought to a recycling facility. There are several ways that this can be done, such as through kerbside collection or drop-off centers.

2. Sorting

Once the used plastic has been collected, it needs to be sorted by type. This is because different types of plastic have to be recycled in different ways. The most common types of plastic are PET, HDPE, PVC, LDPE, and PP.

3. Shredding/Granulating

After the plastic has been sorted, it needs to be shredded or granulated into small pieces. This is done so that the plastic can be melted down and reformed into new products.

Shredding/Granulating machines are used to break down the plastic into small pieces.

4. Cleaning

The next step in the plastic recycling process is cleaning. This is done to remove any impurities from the plastic before it is melted down.

Cleaning machines are used to remove impurities from the plastic.

5. Melting

After the plastic has been cleaned, it needs to be melted down. This is done so that it can be reformed into new products.

Melting machines are used to melt down the plastic.

6. Pelletizing

After the plastic has been melted down, it needs to be pelletized. This is done by cooling and solidifying the plastic into small pellets.

Pelletizing machines are used to cool and solidify the plastic into pellets.

What type of plastic can be recycled and what are the features?

There are a number of different types of plastic that can be recycled, such as PET, HDPE, PVC, LDPE, and PP.

Each type of plastic has its own unique set of properties that make it suitable for recycling.

For example:

PET: is a strong and durable type of plastic that is often used in food and beverage containers.

HDPE: is a type of plastic that is often used in shampoo bottles and milk jugs. It is also recyclable.

PVC: is a type of plastic that is often used in pipes and tubing. It is also recyclable.

LDPE: is a type of plastic that is often used in food packaging. It is also recyclable.

PP: is a type of plastic that is often used in food containers. It is also recyclable.

What machines are included in a complete plastic recycling line？

1: Belt Conveyor

For plastic waste or PET flakes conveying

2: Label Remover

Above 90% labels for both common and compressed plastic are required; there is no water use, and there are no flakes to be had.

3:Manual Sorting Belt

Remove remaining PVC bottles, labels, and other impurities by hand.

4:Plastic crusher/shredder

Crushing waste plastic into flakes or pellets.

5:Horizontal Screw Loader

Conveying pet flakes to the next machine

6:Floating Washer

Remove floating materials like PP, PE, and Caustic soda with a firm blast of water.

7:Low Speed Friction Washer

Remove the sand, muck, and filthy dirt.

8:Hot Washer

Oil and glue are easier to remove after a hot wash.

9:High Speed Friction Washer

Remove the adhesive and debris.

10:Spray Washer(Optional）

Take out the caustic soda.

11:Melting machine

Melt the clean plastic flakes or pellets and pull them into a thin strip.

12:Pelletizing

Cutting the plastic noodles into thin strips into uniform size pellets.

13:Centrifugal Dryer

Reducing the moisture content in pellets to 2%.

14:Pipeline Dryer

Continue to reduce the moisture content of the material to just under 1%.

15:Packaging System

Collection and packing of finished materials.

16:Electric Cabinet

Acts as a control line.