The value of recycled PVC depends less on where the scrap comes from and more on what you can reliably produce: mixed regrind, clean granules, or consistent powder. Higher-value buyers generally ask for tighter control over contamination, moisture, and additive history.
This guide explains the core equipment modules used in PVC recycling and how each module helps you move toward higher-quality output.
Quick Takeaways
- Start with a clear output target (regrind, granules, or powder) and design the line around it.
- Washing and separation often determine whether you can sell into stricter applications.
- Pulverizing/grinding is common when the end market needs PVC powder for dry blending and extrusion.
Step 1: Match Equipment to the Output Form You Sell
A) Regrind (coarse)
Usually produced by shredding/granulation for internal reuse or tolerant end markets.
Core needs:
– stable size reduction
– metal removal and basic cleanliness control
B) Clean granules (flake/grind suitable for compounding)
Often requires:
– tighter sizing and better contamination removal
– washing and drying appropriate to the stream
C) PVC powder (for dry blend and profile products)
Powder production commonly requires:
– consistent granule feedstock (clean, controlled size)
– grinding/pulverizing with temperature control and classification
Equipment reference for PVC powder processing: Industrial PVC pulverizers for pipe, profile & scrap recycling
Step 2: The Core Modules in a PVC Recycling Line
1) Size reduction (shredder + granulator as needed)
Bulky profiles, pipe, and mixed rigid parts often start with shredding and then granulation for consistent downstream processing.
2) Contaminant removal
PVC waste streams often contain:
– metals (fasteners, clips)
– rubber gaskets and seals
– dirt and construction debris
A line may add metal separation, washing, and classification depending on the stream. Energycle’s rigid line reference: Rigid plastic washing line for PP, HDPE, PVC
Related Energycle references:
– PVC recycling equipment selection guide
– Industrial PVC pulverizers for pipe, profile & scrap recycling
– Rigid plastic washing line for PP, HDPE, PVC
3) Grinding/pulverizing and classification (for powder)
Grinding systems typically include:
– grinding chamber with cooling strategy
– vibrating sieve/classifier to separate in-spec powder from oversize
– dust control to keep powder handling safe and consistent
Step 3: Compliance and Additive History
Legacy PVC (especially older building products) can contain additives restricted in some markets. If you want to sell into stricter applications, plan for:
– sorting/segregation strategies
– documentation and traceability
– buyer-specific acceptance testing
FAQ
Should I sell rPVC as regrind, granules, or powder?
Sell the form your buyers actually specify. Powder can access profile/pipe compound workflows; clean granules/regrind can work for compounding or internal reuse. Your stream quality and contamination control decide what’s realistic.
Do I need washing for PVC recycling?
Not always. Post-industrial pipe/profile scrap may only need size reduction and metal control. Demolition and mixed construction streams often require washing/separation to meet buyer cleanliness limits.
What tests do buyers ask for most often?
Visual contamination/odor, particle size distribution, moisture (especially if you pelletize), and documentation around additives/legacy substances for regulated markets.
How do I avoid “good-looking” rPVC that fails during extrusion?
Control fines, moisture, and heat history. Stable cutter condition + consistent sizing + correct drying and filtration (if melting) prevents many downstream problems.
Conclusion
The best “market opportunity” is the one you can serve consistently. Start by picking the output form your buyers specify (regrind, clean granules, or powder), then build the line modules that protect that spec—contamination removal, washing/separation when needed, and stable grinding/classification for powder markets. Equipment context: A comprehensive guide to selecting the right PVC recycling equipment
