In an era where sustainability drives industrial innovation, the recycling of Polyethylene (PE) and Polypropylene (PP) plastic films has transitioned from an environmental option to an economic necessity. Whether it’s post-consumer packaging, agricultural mulch, or industrial stretch wrap, transforming these “hard-to-handle” soft plastics into high-value granules requires precision, expertise, and the right technology.
At Rumtoo, we understand that for recycling professionals and facility owners, the goal is clear: maximize throughput, minimize downtime, and ensure the highest purity of the final output. This guide explores the proven methods to effectively recycle PE/PP films and how advanced equipment can elevate your operation.
Understanding the Material: Why PE/PP Film is Unique
Before diving into the machinery, it is crucial to understand the material. PE (LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE) and PP films are prized for being lightweight, waterproof, and chemically resistant. However, these very traits make them challenging to recycle:
- High Moisture Retention: Their surface area traps water and contaminants.
- Soft & Flexible: They can easily wrap around rotors or bridge in hoppers if not processed by specialized crushers.
- Varied Contamination: From paper labels to heavy soil in agricultural films.
Despite these challenges, recycled PE/PP pellets are in high demand for manufacturing piping, bags, and injection-molded parts, offering a lucrative return on investment (ROI).
The 4-Step PE/PP Film Recycling Process
To turn dirty waste into premium pellets, a synchronized process is essential. Here is the industry-standard workflow optimized by Rumtoo’s engineering team.
1. Shredding and Size Reduction
The first step is to break down the bales of compacted film. Unlike rigid plastics, film requires specialized Double-Shaft Shredders or Wet Crushers.
- The Rumtoo Advantage: Our machines utilize high-torque shear technology to cut film into uniform flakes without jamming. Adding water during this stage (“wet crushing”) pre-washes the material, reducing blade wear and extending maintenance intervals.
2. Deep Cleaning and Separation
This is the heart of the operation. The quality of your final pellets is determined here. The film flakes must undergo vigorous friction washing to remove oils, glues, and stubborn dirt, followed by a sink-float tank to separate heavier plastics or impurities.
For facilities aiming for top-tier purity, investing in a dedicated PP/PE Recycling Washing Line is non-negotiable. Our integrated washing systems are engineered to handle high contamination levels, ensuring that even the dirtiest agricultural films are thoroughly cleansed and ready for the next stage.
3. Drying and Densification
Wet film flakes are notoriously difficult to dry. Traditional hot air dryers often consume excessive energy.
- The Solution: We recommend using a Squeezing Dryer. This machine mechanically squeezes water out of the flakes, reducing moisture content to below 3% while slightly compacting the material. This prepares the “fluffy” film for stable feeding into the extruder.
4. Pelletizing (Extrusion)
The final step transforms the clean, dry flakes into uniform pellets. A Compactor-Pelletizer system is ideal for film. The compactor pre-heats and densifies the material before it enters the extruder screw, ensuring a consistent melt and preventing feeding issues.
Overcoming Common Recycling Challenges
| Challenge | The Rumtoo Solution |
| Material Wrapping | Patented “anti-winding” rotor designs in our shredders prevent film from tangling. |
| High Moisture | Our high-pressure squeezing dryers achieve <3% moisture, far superior to centrifugal drying alone. |
| ** Ink & Odor** | Advanced degassing venting systems in our extruders remove volatiles and ink residues effectively. |
Why Industry Leaders Choose Rumtoo
Selecting the right partner is just as important as selecting the right machine. Rumtoo stands out in the global market for three reasons:
- Customized Engineering: We don’t just sell machines; we design the line based on your specific material conditions (e.g., 80% LDPE film + 20% paper labels).
- Durability: Our blades are crafted from D2 tool steel, ensuring longevity even when processing abrasive, dirty plastics.
- Comprehensive Support: From facility layout design to installation and operator training, we ensure your plant runs at peak efficiency from Day 1.
Conclusion
Recycling PE/PP plastic film is a powerful way to close the loop in the circular economy, but it demands a robust technical approach. By leveraging a high-performance PP/PE Recycling Washing Line and pelletizing system, you can turn waste challenges into profitable opportunities.
Ready to upgrade your recycling facility? Contact Rumtoo today to discuss your project requirements and get a customized solution tailored to your capacity needs.
