PET pelletizing is a key process in plastic recycling, particularly suited for converting PET bottle waste into reusable resin.
In this guide, we objectively evaluate major PET pelletizing machine suppliers from a global perspective—including our peers—and provide insights to help you choose the right company.
Whether you're looking to compare machine specifications, technologies, or support services, this comprehensive article will assist you in making an informed decision.
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In a typical PET recycling line, after bottles are washed and ground into flakes, the final step is pelletizing. Compared to using flakes directly, pelletizing offers several advantages: the PET is thoroughly melted and homogenized, resulting in pellets with consistent viscosity and performance, and any additives can be evenly mixed.
Converting PET flakes into pellets is not just a change in form—it significantly enhances material quality and processing performance. During pelletizing, the material is melted and filtered to ensure uniform composition and remove residual contaminants.
Compared to flakes, pellets are easier to store, transport, and feed into production equipment. Moreover, certain end-use applications—such as injection molding or high-speed extruders—typically require the material in pellet form. For companies aiming to produce high-quality recycled PET suitable for demanding applications like packaging or fibers, pelletizing is essential.
Boxin’s PET pelletizing lines employ various technologies to maximize pellet quality. For instance, the line uses a twin-screw extruder equipped with a vacuum degassing system that removes moisture and volatile contaminants during extrusion. This powerful vacuum venting system effectively evacuates water and gases, preventing PET degradation and maintaining its molecular weight and IV, with minimal discoloration and strength loss.
The PET recycling equipment market is truly global, with major players located across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Below is a list of some of the world’s leading PET pelletizing machine manufacturers and suppliers (including our industry peers), along with a brief overview of each company. This list is intended to provide an objective comparison of reputable companies—as a fellow manufacturer, Boxin Machinery acknowledges the contributions these peers have made in advancing plastic recycling technology.
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Erema (Austria): Erema is widely regarded as a top brand in the field of plastic recycling machinery. Founded in Austria, the company is known for its innovative and energy-efficient systems. Erema’s proprietary VACUREMA® and INTAREMA® technologies are used globally for PET recycling, offering intelligent process control and high-quality output. Their machines excel at processing PET bottle flakes into food-grade pellets, with a strong focus on automation and advanced degassing technologies to preserve polymer quality. Erema is particularly well-suited for large-scale production and holds a strong reputation in the bottle-to-bottle recycling sector. |
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NGR – Next Generation Recyclingmaschinen (Austria): NGR is another standout Austrian manufacturer in the field of plastic pelletizing. The company produces machines for processing a wide range of plastic waste—both post-consumer and industrial—and is well known for its popular S:GRAN and C:GRAN lines, celebrated for their robust performance and flexibility. NGR’s PET pelletizing solutions are highly regarded for their durable design and ability to handle mixed materials, including fiber waste. The company emphasizes user-friendly operation and modular systems, making it easier for processors to integrate their equipment into existing production setups. |
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Polystar (Taiwan): Polystar is a leading plastic pelletizing machine supplier in Asia, best known for its simple and compact designs. Its machines—such as the Repro-Flex and Repro-One series—are built around the philosophy of ease of use. Polystar’s pelletizing lines are especially favored by plastic film recyclers seeking reliable performance with minimal operator training. Despite their compact footprint, Polystar systems deliver competitive throughput and are praised for their efficiency, making them a strong global contender—particularly well-suited for small to medium-sized recycling businesses. |
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Coperion (Germany/USA): Coperion is a well-established brand in the compounding and extrusion industry, offering high-end twin-screw extruders for pelletizing lines. The company specializes in engineered solutions for complex plastics and customized processes. Coperion’s pelletizing equipment is particularly well-suited for processing advanced materials or blends and is commonly used for engineering-grade plastics or applications requiring precise compounding. For recyclers needing to add additives—such as fillers or stabilizers—during the PET pelletizing process, Coperion’s extruder technology delivers the necessary mixing quality. With a strong presence in the United States, Coperion demonstrates significant global influence. |
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Herbold Meckesheim (Germany): Founded in 1978, Herbold is a seasoned German manufacturer offering complete plastic recycling systems, including both washing and pelletizing lines. The company specializes in machinery for handling contaminated or mixed plastic waste streams, as well as equipment for shredding plastic materials. Herbold’s systems are specifically designed to process challenging recycled feedstock—such as post-consumer PET with high levels of impurities. The company is well known for its durable, heavy-duty equipment and provides integrated solutions from size reduction to pelletizing. Herbold’s pelletizing lines—typically using their own granulators and extruders—are trusted to deliver consistent pellet quality, even when processing lower-grade input materials. |
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Starlinger (Austria): Starlinger is a major Austrian engineering company with a dedicated division for recycling technologies. It is especially renowned for its PET bottle-to-bottle recycling lines. Starlinger’s recoSTAR PET systems produce ultra-pure, food-grade rPET pellets and have been installed in numerous large-scale recycling facilities worldwide. These systems typically include components such as extruders with vacuum degassing and continuous melt filtration to ensure the recycled pellets meet FDA or EFSA food-contact standards. If your goal is to produce bottles from 100% recycled material, Starlinger is a partner worth considering—some of the first 100% rPET beverage bottles on the global market were produced using their technology. |
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AMUT (Italy): |
(The above list is not exhaustive—there are other reputable companies in different regions, but we have focused on a selection of globally leading firms and well-known brands. Each company has its own strengths, and your due diligence should include reviewing these companies as well as any other suppliers that catch your attention for their latest offerings.)
Determine how much material you need to process per hour or per day. Pelletizing machines come in various sizes—from compact lines handling a few hundred kilograms per hour to industrial systems processing several tons of PET flakes daily.
Consider the type of extruders and pelletizers the manufacturer offers.
Twin-screw extruders are widely used for PET due to better mixing and devolatilization, often eliminating the need for pre-drying flakes.
Single-screw extruders are simpler and can work well if the PET is thoroughly pre-dried, though they may not handle contaminants or mixed materials as effectively as twin-screw systems.
Also, review the pellet cutting methods (strand cutting, water ring, or underwater pelletizing). Ensure the supplier’s technology matches your PET waste stream type—e.g., post-consumer bottle flakes vs. pre-cleaned industrial waste.
Look for features that ensure pellet quality—like efficient melt filtration, automatic pressure control, and strong degassing performance. Top manufacturers design machines that produce uniform pellets with stable intrinsic viscosity (IV) and minimal yellowing.
Since pelletizing lines are a major investment, assess each company's machine build quality—materials, components, and control systems. Energy-efficient operations (e.g., optimized heating zones, inverter-driven motors) can reduce long-term costs.
Crucial for large industrial equipment. Consider the supplier’s customer support—do they offer installation, training, and prompt spare parts delivery? Leading manufacturers usually provide strong after-sales service and technical support to keep your line running smoothly.
Research each company’s track record. How long have they been operating? What is their specialty? Some focus on PET recycling technology specifically, while others may have broader plastics machinery portfolios.
Depending on your needs, you may require customized features or a complete turnkey PET recycling line (including washing, drying, and pelletizing). Some suppliers offer full systems—from bottle washing to pellet output. For complex projects, consider manufacturers that can provide or integrate all necessary components, such as conveyors, shredders, and washing units.
Finally, consider your budget and the supplier’s location. European or U.S. brands often come with higher prices but advanced technology. Chinese and other Asian manufacturers may offer more cost-effective solutions with respectable quality. Distance also affects shipping costs and the ease of onsite support. Balance the upfront cost, machine functionality, and supplier support commitment.
By evaluating these factors—production capacity, technology, output quality, support, and more—you can narrow down the list of potential PET pelletizing machine suppliers that best match your business needs. Engaging with each prospective supplier, requesting technical proposals, and even seeking references or feedback from existing users can often provide valuable insights.
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