A practical 2026 guide to plastic recycling routes—mechanical, chemical, dissolution, and organic—with a buyer-focused checklist for choosing the right recycling line.

A practical, step-by-step guide to making plastic pellets from PET, HDPE, and LDPE. Covers sorting, washing, drying, extrusion, pelletizing methods, and how to choose the right pelletizing equipment for stable recycling output.

Recycling agricultural film presents unique challenges due to high levels of contamination like soil, sand, and moisture. This guide details the technical specifications and operational advantages of Energycle’s complete washing line solution. Discover how our specialized crushing and washing technology turns dirty LDPE waste into high-value reusable pellets, maximizing your operational efficiency and ROI.

PVC is one of the world’s most widely used plastics, yet its end-of-life management remains challenging. This 2026 update summarizes global PVC production, waste disposal and recycling statistics, explains why PVC is a critical contaminant in PET recycling streams, and outlines practical separation and washing approaches used in modern recycling facilities.

Europe is at the forefront of the global circular economy. With strict environmental regulations, ambitious recycling targets, and rising demand for high-quality recycled plastics, European recycling plants require reliable, compliant, and energy-efficient plastic recycling equipment.

This guide explains what European recyclers look for when investing in plastic recycling machinery—and how to select the right equipment for long-term success.

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1. Why European Recycling Plants Have Higher Equipment Requirements

Unlike many other markets, European recycling facilities must operate under tight regulatory, safety, and quality constraints. Equipment decisions are influenced not only by price but also by:

• EU recycling policies and waste management directives





• CE safety and compliance requirements





• Energy efficiency and reduced carbon emissions





• Water consumption and wastewater recovery





• Output quality (especially for food-grade and closed-loop recycling)

As a result, plastic recycling equipment for Europe must be engineered differently, with a stronger focus on automation, process stability, and compliance.

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2. Core Plastic Recycling Equipment Used in European Plants

A modern European recycling plant consists of several interconnected systems rather than standalone machines. These systems must work together to ensure consistent quality and high throughput.

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2.1 Shredding and Size Reduction

The first step in many recycling operations is shredding and size reduction. European recyclers often process contaminated post-consumer plastics, so equipment must be robust and flexible enough to handle:

• Bottles, jars, containers





• Films and agricultural plastics





• Mixed polymers and labels





• Occasional metal contamination

Low-speed shredders and heavy-duty granulators ensure controlled size reduction with minimal wear.

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2.2 Washing Lines – The Heart of the Plant

Efficient washing is the backbone of any plastic recycling plant. European facilities rely on advanced systems like the Recycling Washing System to deliver clean, dry plastic flakes ready for reprocessing.

Key Washing Line Technologies:

• Pre-washing and drum washing





• Hot washing systems (especially for PET)





• Friction washers





• Sink-float separation tanks





• High-speed centrifugal dryers

Efficient washing lines not only improve output quality but also reduce operating costs by saving water and energy.

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2.3 PET Bottle Recycling Systems

PET is one of the most recycled materials in Europe, especially in countries with bottle deposit return schemes. For facilities processing PET, the PET Bottle Recycling System ensures top-tier cleanliness and consistent throughput.

These systems are engineered for:

• High-efficiency hot wash





• Label and adhesive removal





• Effective contaminant separation





• Consistent flake quality ready for further processing

European PET recyclers targeting food-grade or bottle-to-bottle applications place particular emphasis on hot washing and moisture-controlled outputs.

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2.4 Rigid Plastic Washing Lines

Beyond bottles and films, rigid plastics like crates, drums, and industrial containers require specialized systems. The Rigid Plastic Washing Line for PP, HDPE, PVC is designed to process these challenging materials with high throughput and thorough cleaning.

These lines typically include:

• Heavy-duty pre-wash





• High-torque friction washers





• Aggressive decontamination systems





• Efficient drying solutions

Rigid plastic washing lines are increasingly in demand in EU markets processing packaging, industrial waste, and consumer goods plastics.

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2.5 Drying and Dewatering Systems

After washing, moisture must be removed efficiently to prepare the material for extrusion or pelletizing. European recyclers often require high-performance drying systems such as those outlined on the Drying Systems page.

Effective drying is crucial for:

• Reducing final moisture below 1–3%





• Preparing flakes for consistent extrusion





• Lowering energy costs in downstream processing

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3. Compliance and Certification in Europe

3.1 CE Certification and Safety Standards

All plastic recycling equipment installed in Europe must be CE-compliant, covering:

• Mechanical safety and guarding





• Electrical and control system certification





• Emergency stop systems





• Operator safety and ergonomic design

European buyers commonly request full CE documentation before progressing in purchase discussions.

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3.2 Food-Grade and Bottle-to-Bottle Requirements

For recyclers aiming at bottle-to-bottle or food-grade PET recycling, additional scrutiny is applied to washing and decontamination processes. Washing systems must deliver consistent cleanliness and moisture control to meet stringent downstream requirements.

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4. Energy and Water Efficiency – A Key Buying Factor

European recycling facilities are under constant pressure to reduce operating costs and environmental impact.

When selecting plastic recycling equipment, buyers focus on:

• Power consumption per ton of output





• Water circulation, filtration, and recovery systems





• Heat recovery in hot washing stations





• Automation and real-time process control

Equipment with optimized energy and water usage not only reduces OPEX but also enhances a plant’s sustainability profile—an important factor for EU funding, certification, and ESG commitments.

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5. Turnkey Plastic Recycling Solutions

Many European buyers opt for comprehensive project solutions rather than isolated machines. The Recycling Solutions page highlights complete plant solutions, from initial layout design to installation and after-sales support.

Turnkey solutions typically include:

• Engineering and process design





• Complete equipment integration





• Installation and on-site commissioning





• Operator training and technical support

Such holistic services help recyclers reduce risk, improve uptime, and accelerate ROI.

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6. How to Choose the Right Supplier for European Markets

When evaluating suppliers of plastic recycling equipment, experienced European recyclers look for:

• Proven installations in Europe or similar markets





• CE-ready machinery and documentation





• Engineering-led solutions rather than generic machines





• Transparent technical information and process support





• Long-term spare parts availability and service

Selecting the right partner is as important as selecting the right equipment.

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7. Final Thoughts

European recycling plants operate in one of the most demanding regulatory and operational environments in the world. Investing in compliant, efficient, and integrated plastic recycling equipment increases profit margins, enhances product quality, and supports long-term sustainability goals.

With advanced washing systems, high-efficiency drying solutions, and turnkey recycling plant options, equipment suppliers can help European recyclers thrive in a competitive, compliance-driven marketplace.

In the waste recycling industry, carpets and upholstery are notoriously difficult to process. They are the materials that test the limits of machinery.

If you manage a recycling facility, you have likely faced this scenario: a general-purpose shredder is running at full speed, only to come to a grinding halt because a roll of old carpet has wrapped itself tightly around the main shaft. Your team then has to spend hours manually cutting the material free. This downtime isn't just a financial loss; it is a major safety hazard.

Choosing the right Industrial Textile Shredders for Carpet and Upholstery Waste isn't just about raw horsepower. It is about selecting blade geometry and rotor designs engineered to handle materials that are "soft" yet incredibly strong. At Energycle, we understand that processing these complex composites requires a specific engineering approach.

Why Are Carpets and Upholstery So Hard to Shred?

To solve the problem, you first need to understand the material behavior. Carpets and soft furniture aren't single materials; they are complex hybrids that create a "perfect storm" for standard machinery:

• Extreme Tensile Strength: Carpets are often woven from nylon or polypropylene fibers designed specifically to resist tearing. If the cutting gap on a shredder is too wide, these fibers will simply slip through and wrap around the rotor.





• Abrasive Backing: Carpet tiles and broadloom often feature heavy latex, PVC, or bitumen backings. These contain calcium carbonate fillers that act like sandpaper, wearing down standard steel blades rapidly.





• Heat Sensitivity: Many synthetic textiles have low melting points. When a dull blade rubs against the fabric instead of cutting it, friction generates heat. This causes the plastic to melt and fuse to the machine, leading to a complete blockage.

The Solution: Why Single-Shaft Technology Wins

For these materials, a standard twin-shaft shear shredder often struggles to control output size and is prone to wrapping. Based on field experience, a high-torque single-shaft shredder equipped with a hydraulic pusher is the superior choice.

We specifically recommend utilizing a dedicated textile waste single-shaft shredder. Unlike gravity-fed systems, this equipment uses a hydraulic ram to force the fluffy carpet or bulky sofa foam against the spinning rotor, ensuring that every rotation results in a cut, not a slip.

Key Engineering Features That Matter

1. Zero-Gap Cutting: For textiles, the gap between the rotating knife and the stationary counter-knife must be precise (often around 0.5mm). This creates a "scissor-like" action that shears the fiber cleanly rather than tearing it.





2. Anti-Tangle Rotor Design: Our rotors are designed with specific knife arrangements and protective cover plates at the shaft ends. This prevents fibers from migrating into the bearings—a common killer of recycling equipment.





3. Screen-Controlled Output: Unlike twin-shaft machines, a single-shaft shredder holds the material inside the chamber until it is small enough to pass through a screen (e.g., 40mm). This guarantees a uniform size suitable for downstream processing.

From Waste to Energy: Unlocking Hidden Value

Investing in high-performance Industrial Textile Shredders for Carpet and Upholstery Waste is about more than just volume reduction; it is about creating a sellable product.

Processed carpet and textile scraps possess a very high calorific value, making them an ideal feedstock for Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) or Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF). According to data from the Confederation of European Waste-to-Energy Plants (CEWEP), properly treated textile waste can offer energy yields comparable to brown coal.

By converting bulky, dirty carpets into uniform, high-density RDF fluff, you transform a material that costs money to landfill into a fuel product sought after by cement kilns and power plants. This shift can fundamentally change the economics of your operation.

Maintenance: Keeping Your Shredder Running

Owning a great machine is step one; maintaining it ensures your ROI.

• Monitor the Amperage: Modern control systems watch the motor load. If the shredder hits an unbreakable object (like a hidden metal bracket in a sofa), the system should auto-reverse to protect the drive train.





• Rotate, Don't Just Replace: Because carpet backing is abrasive, knife edges wear down. Our designs use square, rotatable knives. When one edge dulls, you simply turn it 90 degrees to use a fresh edge, effectively quadrupling the life of your consumables.

At Energycle, we don't just supply iron; we help you engineer a workflow that handles your specific waste stream. Don't let tough textile waste bottle-neck your production line. Choose the right tool for the job, and turn that pile of carpet into a valuable energy resource.

Discarded fishing gear presents a unique challenge for recyclers due to its high tensile strength and complex composition. This guide details the complete Energycle workflow—from sorting and shredding to washing and extrusion—transforming waste nets into high-value raw materials. Discover how our specialized equipment overcomes common processing hurdles to maximize profitability.

Managing complex Commercial & Industrial (C&I) waste requires the right machinery. This guide explores the critical differences between single and double-shaft shredders, details specific applications for hard plastics and pipes, and explains how to maximize ROI through RDF production.