With the rapid growth of the plastics recycling industry, the use of recycled PET bottle flakes is becoming more and more widespread in terms of environmental and economic benefits. However, to ensure the high quality of recycled PET bottle flakes, several key factors will have an impact on its processing. In this paper, we will discuss the main factors affecting the quality of recycled PET flakes.

Purity of Raw Materials

The raw material purity of PET bottle flakes directly affects their final quality. Recycled PET bottles contain impurities such as caps, labels and inks that reduce the clarity and toughness of the flakes.

Therefore, PET bottle label removers and separation tanks are critical in the recycling process. The label remover machine removes labels and reduces PVC content, while the separation tank effectively separates caps from flakes, thus improving the purity and quality of flakes.

Thoroughness of The Washing Process

Washing is a key step in improving the quality of PET bottle flakes, effectively removing surface contaminants and residual organics and chemicals. If cleaning is not thorough, impurities can affect product appearance and performance in subsequent processing. Therefore, it is critical to use the right equipment and processes, such as PET flakes hot washing machines and chemical cleaning, to ensure that bottle flakes are thoroughly cleaned.

However, it should be noted that the temperature of the hot washing tank is more appropriate at 85-95 degrees, too high a temperature will lead to a decrease in the characteristic viscosity of PET.

Dryness of PET Bottle Flakes

Drying is also a non-negligible step in the production process of plastic bottle flakes. Excessive humidity can lead to hydrolysis reactions in the subsequent processing of bottle flakes, affecting their molecular structure and thus reducing their strength and transparency. Therefore, bottle flakes should be dried sufficiently after cleaning to ensure that the moisture content is kept to a minimum, usually below 0.5%.

Our plastic dewatering machine plus drying pipes can control moisture to 0.5%-1%.

Color Classification & Stability

The color classification of recycled PET bottle flakes also has a direct impact on their market value and application range. Unclassified PET flakes with mixed colors will lead to uneven color and reduced transparency of the recycled product, which in turn will affect its use in high-quality applications.

The value of PET flakes in order of color is pure white flakes, blue and white flakes, green flakes, yellow flakes, and miscellaneous flakes.

Performance of PET Bottle Recycling Machine

Advanced equipment can effectively improve the quality of PET bottle flakes. Highly efficient PET recycling machine such as shredders, washers and dewaterers ensure that every aspect of the bottle flake processing meets high standards. In addition, the maintenance and operational stability of the equipment also play an important role in the final quality of the flakes.