2.5–3T/H Plastic Bottle Shredder in Brazil

Raw Materials and Machine Selection

The raw material in this project is post-consumer PET plastic bottles, typically 500 ml to 2-liter beverage containers. In Brazil, many of these bottles are collected with caps and labels still attached, so the shredder had to be able to handle irregular shapes and occasional impurities.

After evaluating the client’s daily collection volume of around 12–15 tons of bottles, RICHI recommended the SSJ1200 plastic bottle shredder.

Machine specifications selected for this case:

• Model: SSJ1200
• Power: 45*2 kW
• Cutter Disc Diameter: 400 mm
• Cutter Material: 55CrSi alloy steel
• Machine Size: 4200*1800*2300 mm
• Output Size: Pieces around 3 cm

This configuration matches the client’s processing target, ensuring a stable throughput of 2.5–3 tons of PET bottles per hour. The size of shredded flakes is ideal for subsequent washing, drying, and pelletizing.

Function and Role of the Shredder

The plastic bottle shredder in Brazil now serves as the entry point of the recycling chain in the plant. All collected PET bottles are fed directly into the shredder, where they are reduced in volume by nearly 80%.

The shredded flakes are then washed in hot water to remove glue and labels, sorted by density to separate caps, and finally dried. The finished PET flakes are used for:

1. Plastic pellet manufacturing – Local converters melt the flakes and process them into granules for injection molding or blow molding.
2. Polyester fiber industry – Brazil has a growing textile sector, and PET flakes are spun into synthetic fibers used in fabrics, cushions, and carpets.
3. Export demand – High-quality flakes are exported to countries like China and India for further processing.

Without efficient shredding, the entire downstream process slows down, but with the new shredder, the client has achieved a much smoother workflow and increased profitability.

Logistics and Delivery

The equipment was shipped by sea to Brazil, arriving at the Port of Santos, which is the country’s largest port and the main entry point for imported machinery. From Santos, the shredder was transported by truck to the client’s facility near São Paulo.

RICHI’s logistics team arranged all necessary shipping documentation and provided guidance for customs clearance. This ensured a seamless delivery without delays.

Technical Features and Advantages

The client specifically valued the robust design of the crusher machine. The plastic bottle shredder in Brazil provided the following technical benefits:

• Heavy-duty welded shell with CO₂ protection welding and annealing treatment, preventing deformation during long-term use.
• Hexagonal cutter shaft with high load-bearing capacity, ensuring stability and efficiency.
• Replaceable 55CrSi alloy steel cutter discs, forged and machined for toughness, wear resistance, and reusability.
• Fully sealed bearings with dustproof and waterproof design, reducing maintenance costs.
• Automatic overload protection with reverse rotation to prevent damage when encountering blockages or hard objects.

These features make the shredder not only ideal for PET bottles but also suitable for other waste such as HDPE containers, PP woven bags, and lightweight household waste.

Wider Applications

Although the focus here was plastic bottle shredding, the client appreciated that the shredder could also be repurposed for other recyclable materials.

The same machine is widely used across industries to process:

• Plastic films and packaging materials
• Agricultural waste like plastic mulch films
• Waste wood and furniture scraps
• Aluminum cans for volume reduction

This versatility ensures that the shredder remains valuable even if the client diversifies its recycling portfolio in the future.

Customer Feedback

“We had struggled for years with machines that broke down too often. The RICHI shredder has been a real game changer for us. The capacity is stable, the blades last much longer than our old ones, and the automatic reverse system saves us a lot of trouble. Since installing it, we’ve doubled our flake output and reduced labor costs. Now, buyers are lining up because we can deliver on time.”

This feedback reflects the value of investing in a durable machine rather than relying on cheap alternatives that create hidden costs.

Why the Client Chose RICHI

The decision to buy the plastic bottle shredder in Brazil from RICHI was based on several key points:

• Proven expertise in designing shredders for irregular waste forms
• Reliable service support, including installation guidance and spare parts availability
• Competitive pricing compared to European alternatives while offering similar durability
• Positive reputation from other recycling plants in Latin America

Services Provided

For this project, RICHI delivered more than just equipment:

• Technical consultation to select the right shredder size
• Pre-shipment inspection and video demonstration
• Arrangement of sea freight to Port of Santos
• Remote installation support and training for operators
• After-sales service with spare part guarantees

This end-to-end service ensured the client was confident and fully supported throughout the investment process.

Conclusion

The successful installation of the plastic bottle shredder in Brazil highlights how RICHI Machinery helps recycling businesses overcome production challenges. By supplying a single shredder tailored to the client’s needs, we enabled a medium-sized recycling factory to double its capacity, improve product quality, and expand into new markets.

With Brazil’s growing awareness of environmental issues and government support for recycling initiatives, the demand for efficient PET recycling equipment is expected to rise. RICHI Machinery is proud to be part of this movement, offering reliable shredding solutions that drive both sustainability and profitability.

For recycling companies across South America seeking to upgrade their operations, our plastic bottle shredders are a trusted, proven choice.