For recyclers and waste management professionals dealing with post-consumer milk and beverage cartons, the challenge is clear: how to efficiently and profitably separate the high-value paper fibers from plastic/aluminum layers, especially when contaminants like liquid residues and adhesives are present. Our complete Paper-Plastic Separation & Recycling Line is engineered to solve this exact problem. This robust, continuous system transforms soiled cartons into market-ready, high-purity paper pulp and plastic agglomerates, maximizing your ROI.

Core Process

Our production line is a meticulously sequenced chain of specialized equipment, designed for durability, efficiency, and minimal downtime.

1、Size Reduction and Initial Fiber Liberation

The process begins with a powerful Crusher or Shredder, which breaks down baled cartons into uniform, manageable flakes. This critical first step increases surface area and initiates the separation of the paperboard from the plastic coating, preparing the material for effective washing.

2、Deep-Cleaning and Fiber Hydration

Contaminated flakes are conveyed via a Paper and Plastic Feeding Conveyor into the core cleaning module. Our system features a multi-stage washing process:

• Primary Hot Washing: Flakes enter the 1# Friction Washer or Hot Washing Tank. Heated water combined with intense mechanical friction dissolves adhesives, removes inks, and hydrates paper fibers, ensuring a thorough initial clean.

• Secondary Refining: Material then moves to the 2# Friction Washing Tank or Cold Washing Tank for a final rinse and further friction, ensuring all impurities are removed and separation is optimized.

3、Precision Separation

The cleaned mixture is fed by a Screw Feeder into the core Paper and Plastic Separating Machine (also known as a Hydrapulper). Here, in a water vortex, hydrated paper fibers disintegrate and are extracted as slurry, while the remaining plastic/polyethylene films are repelled and discharged separately. A subsequent Screw Separating Machine ensures no plastic carry-over into the paper stream.

4、Paper Pulp Refining and Dewatering

The paper pulp slurry is refined and concentrated into a high-value product:

• Screening and Thickening: Pulp passes through a Trommel or Microstrainer to remove fine impurities. It is then stored in a Paper Pulp Tank before being pumped by a Paper Pulp Pump to dewatering equipment.

• High-Pressure Dewatering: The key to profitability is reducing moisture. Our line employs a Belt Pressing Filter Machine or a High-Pressure Filter to dewater the pulp into a consistent, high-dryness mat or cake.

• Final Baling: The dewatered pulp is conveyed and compacted by a Paper Pulp Baler into dense, uniform bales for easy shipping and sale to paper mills.

5. Plastic Recovery and Water Management

• Plastic Agglomeration: The separated plastic films are collected, dried, and agglomerated into dense plastic granules via a Plastic Scrap Feeder and Agglomeration System, ready for pelletizing or direct sale.

• Closed-Loop Water System: Process water is efficiently managed through a Clean Water Tank and recycling system, minimizing fresh water consumption and environmental impact.

Why Choose Our Line for Your Carton Recycling Business?

High-Purity Output: Achieve superior separation, yielding clean, long-fiber paper pulp and high-quality plastic agglomerates.

Built for Contaminated Feedstock: Specifically engineered to handle post-consumer cartons with residues, thanks to the robust hot wash and friction systems.

Proven Capacity & Reliability: Available in 2, 3, and 5-8 TPH configurations, each built with industrial-grade components for continuous operation.

Turnkey Solution: From feeding to baling, we provide a fully integrated, automated line with expert commissioning and support.

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