XINYI MACHINERY
NEWS
Can a Plastic PET Bottle Crusher Crush PVC Waste Plastics?
Aug,17,2025

A standard PET bottle crusher can crush PVC waste plastics, but with important caveats related to equipment design, operational adjustments, and maintenance. Here’s a concise breakdown:




 Key Takeaways

  1. Mechanical Feasibility

    • PET crushers (single-shaft, high-torque grinders) are engineered for hard plastics, including PVC, PET, and ABS.

    • They use rotating blades to shear/shred materials – a process effective for both PET bottles and rigid PVC (e.g., pipes, sheets).

  2. Critical Challenges

    • Abrasion Resistance:
            PVC is harder and more abrasive than PET, accelerating blade wear.
            → Solution: Use crushers with hardened alloy steel blades (e.g., SKD11, 9CrSi).

    • Torque/Power:
            PVC requires higher torque to crush.
            → Solution: Opt for crushers with ≥37 kW motors (e.g.,  XY03001-1000, XY03001-800 of XINYI MACHINERY) for sustained PVC  processing.

  3. Output Differences

    • PET crushers typically produce 20–40 mm flakes – ideal for recycling.

    • PVC may require secondary crushing for uniform sizing due to its rigidity.




⚠️ Recommendations

  • Confirm Crusher Specifications:  Ensure the model explicitly lists PVC compatibility (e.g., XY03001-1000, XY03001-800 of XINYI MACHINERY).

  • Prioritize Maintenance: Inspect  blades 2–3× more frequently for PVC vs. PET.

  • Test First: Run small PVC batches to check for overheating/jamming before full-scale use.

🚫 When to Avoid

  • Thin-walled PET crushers: Low-power machines (<22 kW) or those designed only for films/PP risk damage with PVC.

  • Mixed streams: Avoid crushing PVC +  PET together – PVC contamination ruins PET recycling.

💡 Bottom Line: Industrial PET crushers can process PVC waste if designed for multi-material use and properly maintained. For heavy-duty PVC recycling (e.g., pipes), invest in crushers with ≥37 kW power, hardened blades, and torque control. Always consult the manufacturer first.