Select Page
Technologies

Mechanical recycling

We offer solutions for treating all kinds of plastic waste using advanced mechanical recycling technologies adapted to each process.

Mechanical recycling allows for recovery of plastic waste materials so they can be reintroduced into the value chain without losing their basic properties. It is designed for both post-consumer and pre-consumer materials, thus making it ideal for transforming materials that do not require chemical treatment.

Mechanical recycling technologies are being used to develop effective solutions to repurpose a wide variety of plastic waste and reduce its volume and the need for virgin materials, while facilitating production of high-quality recycled materials that can be used in many different applications.

Solutions and Equipment

At AIMPLAS, we can treat any kind of plastic waste by utilizing a wide variety of mechanical recycling technologies depending on the process to be performed:

Size Reduction and Shredding

Size reduction makes handling and processing plastic waste easier. Using techniques such as shredding and milling, plastics are transformed into smaller, uniform particles known as flakes, which optimizes handling, cleaning and homogenization. This process maximizes contaminant removal in later stages by increasing the specific surface area of fragments, which facilitates subsequent processes such as separation and extrusion to produce more homogeneous and higher-quality recycled products. AIMPLAS has different kinds of shredders, depending on the type, size and condition of the waste:
  • Tearing shredder
  • Cuttering shredder
  • Grinding shredder

Sorting and Washing

Sorting and washing are essential steps to ensure the purity of the recycled material. Sorting processes separate plastics by polymer type, colour and morphology using techniques such as density separation (air and liquid), optical detection technologies and separation using electrostatic properties. To improve the efficiency of these processes, washing becomes critical, as it removes contaminants such as adhesives, labels and organic residues that can interfere with detection and separation. AIMPLAS uses the following technologies:
  • Hot water washing machines with a capacity of up to 1,000 L
  • NIR separator
  • Colour separator
  • Elutriation or Zigzag (airflow separation)
  • Triboelectric and electrostatic separators
  • Eddy current separator
  • Densimetric table
  • Artificial vision system

Decontamination of Recycled Plastic Materials

Decontamination is key to removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs), odours and other unwanted substances from recycled plastic. Advanced techniques are used to achieve this, such as supercritical fluid stripping, which effectively removes trapped contaminants; devolatilization, which removes volatile compounds using vacuum and controlled heat; and specialized odour and substance removal processes. These techniques improve the quality and purity of recycled material, making it more suitable for high-value applications.
  • Decontamination in twin-screw, high-free-volume extruders
  • Decontamination in single-screw, two-stage extruders
  • Decontamination reactors

Value-Added Processing for Recycled Plastics

Value-added processing aims to enhance the quality and versatility of recycled plastics. This includes upcycling with functional additives and reinforcement fillers that improve the material’s properties and provide specific characteristics. Additionally, mechanical performance and durability are also enhanced to extend product life. Finally, compatibilization processes are carried out to help recycled materials integrate more effectively into mixed applications.Co-rotating twin-screw extruders
  •  Counter-rotating twin-screw extruders
WHY AIMPLAS
AIMPLAS has specialists in mechanical recycling
Tailored assistance

We offer personalized help to meet your needs in recycling and compliance with current regulations.

State-of-the-art technology and equipment

We have more than 12,000 m2 of facilities and laboratories with equipment that meets the latest industry demands.

Design of new materials with custom properties

We formulate new polymeric materials with new characteristics and properties.

Specialized training

Grow with the most comprehensive training programme in technologies and procedures for plastic recycling.