Polypropylene (PP) films are widely used in the plastic packaging industry due to their excellent mechanical properties, transparency, and flexibility. Among them, CPP (Cast Polypropylene) film and OPP (Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene) film are two commonly utilized materials, each serving specific applications based on their distinct characteristics.
Both CPP and OPP films exhibit high transparency and superior optical properties, making them ideal for packaging and labeling applications. However, their structural differences lead to varying applications:
OPP Film: Characterized by good rigidity, high tensile strength, and excellent printability, OPP film is commonly used in food packaging, labels, adhesive tapes, and printing substrates. Its biaxial orientation provides enhanced dimensional stability and improved moisture resistance.
CPP Film: Compared to OPP, CPP film offers higher flexibility, better heat-sealing properties, and superior puncture resistance. These attributes make it a preferred choice for food packaging, the inner layer of composite packaging materials, and cooking bags, where sealing integrity and adaptability are essential.
In early 2025, a groundbreaking project aimed at recycling OPP and CPP film into high-quality granules was successfully tested at the RETECH facility. This achievement marked a significant step forward in sustainable plastic waste management, demonstrating how advanced recycling technologies can extend the lifecycle of polypropylene-based materials.
One of RETECH’s key customers, based in Jakarta, Indonesia, faced operational challenges due to an aging European single-stage extruder line purchased in 2011. After more than 13 years of service, the outdated film pelletizing machine could no longer meet modern production demands, prompting the customer to seek an advanced solution.
The facility owner, Mr. Akuang, discovered RETECH at Chinaplas 2024 in Shanghai. By sharing his recycling journey and collaborating on an optimized solution, the customer ultimately selected the RCDJ110 OPP CPP film pelletizing line as the best fit for their production needs.
Recognizing the unique processing requirements of OPP and CPP film, the customer requested several custom modifications to enhance efficiency, improve material handling, and optimize energy consumption. These adjustments were made in close consultation with RETECH’s engineering team.
Since PP film is lightweight and prone to airborne suspension, RETECH incorporated a widened internal cutter head deflector, ensuring smoother material feeding and preventing blockages.
The number of fixed knives in the compactor chamber was minimized to reduce friction and stabilize temperature control. This adjustment improved the overall efficiency of the pelletizing process, preventing excessive heat buildup that could degrade material quality.
The original direct-connection mode of the extruder was modified to a belt-driven system, providing safer operation and reducing energy consumption, thus aligning with modern sustainability standards.
As the facility processes clean PP and PE film scraps, frequent filter changes were unnecessary. A double-piston screen changer with a large filtration area was implemented, allowing for seamless, non-stop operation and maximizing productivity.
To ensure the highest quality granules, the post-extrusion system was upgraded with:
A hot die face water ring cutter
A preliminary vibrating screen
A high-efficiency dehydrator
A secondary vibrating screen
This comprehensive setup guarantees uniformly shaped, fully dried granules with minimal moisture content, ensuring premium recyclate quality.
With the successful commissioning of this advanced pelletizing line, the Indonesian customer now benefits from a highly efficient, energy-optimized, and future-proof recycling system. This project underscores RETECH’s commitment to continuous innovation in plastic film recycling, offering tailor-made solutions that cater to evolving industry needs.
By integrating customer feedback and refining technical details, RETECH aims to deliver the latest in plastic recycling technology to global clients, supporting the transition to a more sustainable circular economy.
For businesses seeking high-performance plastic film recycling solutions, RETECH provides expert consultation, state-of-the-art machinery, and customized production line upgrades to meet specific operational demands.
Explore RETECH’s full range of plastic film recycling solutions today and join the movement towards a greener, more sustainable future.
RETECH is a creative company focusing on the technology R&D of Plastic recycling machinery solutions.
