Types of Automated Recycling Machines for Plastic Waste Management in Promoting Sustainability: a Short Review

• Published in: Chemical Engineering Transactions
• Main Author: Onn M.; Mohamed S.; Hassan R.; Abdullah J.J.; Zani Z.A.
• Format: Review
• Language: English
• Published: Italian Association of Chemical Engineering - AIDIC 2024
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85211039408&doi=10.3303%2fCET24113010&partnerID=40&md5=7ccbbf8df78264221388889e4a15a79a

The growing problem of plastic trash has spurred research into creative ways to reduce environmental damage and promote sustainability. Plastic is not only derived from non-renewable resources, but it also doesn't biodegrade in most cases. The most widely recycled plastics are polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and polypropylene (PP). This study emphasises the need for automated recycling technology in sustainably managing plastic waste. Different plastic recycling machines serve a variety of functions and processes thus this review aims for four types of machines which are shredders, granulators, extruders, and compression to be studied. Shredders shred large plastic objects into smaller parts, granulators grind plastic waste into pellets or granules, extruders shape melted plastic into continuous forms, and compression moulding machines create solid plastic goods from heated and compressed plastic. Depending on the form of plastic and the recycling method employed, recycling waste plastic may offer a variety of viable goods and promote the circular economy concept. The study also examines the challenges of implementing this technology, such as investment costs, machine performance, energy efficiency, material properties, technological limitations, and infrastructural requirements. It is clear from a comparison of these four recycling machine types that shredders and granulators have a lot to offer in terms of lower greenhouse gas emissions and energy efficiency. However, in order to produce high-quality recycled products, extruders and compression moulding equipment are essential. Thus, an integrated strategy that capitalises on each machine type's advantages can improve plastic waste recycling's overall efficacy and support both environmental sustainability and financial viability. By leveraging technological advancements, these machines have the capacity to alleviate the global plastic pollution problem and bring civilisation closer to a more sustainable future. Copyright © 2024, AIDIC Servizi S.r.l.