EQUIPMENT SPOTLIGHT | NOVEMBER 2025 Granulators

The global plastic recycling granulator market value is expected to reach $4.5 billion by 2032, according to Dataintelo. The firm also cites the growth will likely be driven by increased demand for sustainable manufacturing practices and increased environmental concerns. For granulator manufacturers like those named in the following, market growth will also flow from plastic waste reduction regulations and technological advancements in recycling processes.

The Amandus Kahl pan grinder mill, unique for processing up to 10 tons per hour, also features gravity fed mechanisms, a horizontal flat-die configuration for size reduction and adaptability to various material types. “A notable example of engineering and innovation in the field of size reduction technology, these mills are renowned for their efficiency, durability, and versatility. Our products embody German engineering excellence and with over 100 years of expertise, Amandus Kahl specializes in providing solutions for size reduction of plastics, paper and other materials,” Mike Curci, Amandus Kahl USA, noted.

Curci said the efficient size reduction technology Amandus Kahl employs addresses several key industry challenges, including energy consumption and material handling. Unlike traditional methods, Amandus Kahl’s size reduction in the pan grinder mill does not require additional air filtering or explosion protection systems (ATEX), making it a safer and more cost-efficient solution. This approach not only facilitates the handling of bulky and fibrous materials by increasing their bulk density but also enhances the overall energy efficiency of the size reduction process, a critical factor in the recycling industry. As the demand for renewable energy and sustainable recycling methods grow, Amandus Kahl’s innovations, particularly in size reduction and flat-die technology, position the company at the forefront of the industry.

Amandus Kahl

“Our commitment to improving energy efficiency and refining the size reduction process mirrors the global trend toward more environmentally friendly and cost effective size reduction solutions. Amandus Kahl’s developments in size reduction technology reflect a deep understanding of the industry’s future direction, focusing on flexibility, efficiency and sustainability. Our firm’s ambitions stretch far beyond technological advancements. We’re dedicated to playing a pivotal role in the global transition towards sustainable energy and recycling practices. With a particular focus on plastic recycling and through pushing the limits of size reduction technology and prioritizing environmental responsibility, Amandus Kahl is determined to lead the shift toward a more sustainable future,” stated Curci.

Eldan Recycling offers two primary granulator ranges – the Fine Granulator (FG Series), for final material sizing and the Heavy Granulator (HG Series), for primary size reduction. Both series’ provide high-speed, single-shaft designs capable of processing plastics, cables, tires, aluminum scrap, e-waste and more. Capacities range from roughly 2,000 kg/h to 8,000 kg/h, with motor options from 45 kW to 160 kW. Key features include adjustable knife clearance, regrindable knives for longevity, quick-change knives and screens, hydraulic access for maintenance and a variety of screen hole sizes for production flexibility.

Eldan clients use these machines to turn waste streams into clean, reusable granules for resale or in-house processing, making them central to efficient circular-economy systems. Their machines are designed for durability, safety and adaptability to diverse input streams, helping operators meet varying market and regulatory demands without frequent equipment changeovers.

While Eldan’s designs aim to reduce downtime, users must still plan for periodic maintenance such as knife regrinding, wear-part replacement and screen changes. Setup and commissioning can require skilled technicians to ensure optimal throughput and material quality. Also, balancing processing volume with energy consumption and space requirements can be a logistical challenge, particularly in facilities handling multiple material types. Eldan can provide assistance in properly handling any of these tasks.

Carsten Nielsen, product manager, added that “global recycling markets are pushing toward higher material recovery rates, closed-loop systems, and reduced environmental impact, so granulators are increasingly integrated into automated lines that combine shredding, sorting, washing and pelletizing. There is a growing demand for noise- and dust-reduction features, as well as smarter monitoring systems for predictive maintenance. Eldan’s quick-access and wear-resistant designs align with these trends, enabling recyclers to meet stricter quality standards and potential future regulations that may target waste reduction and microplastics control.”

Eldan Recycling

Established in Denmark in 1956, Eldan offers a complete recycling equipment range beyond granulators. Their shredders, separators and fully integrated lines – allow recycling clients worldwide across multiple material sectors, to source turnkey systems.

Vecoplan’s stacked configuration system integrates shredding and granulating in a single unit. Matt Lowman, marketing and communications director, commented, “The effectiveness of any plastics recycling process ultimately comes down to the quality of the regrind – and that begins with the granulator. Our powerful stacked system processes plastic scrap into uniform particles – typically 3/8 inch or smaller – that can be fed back into production with minimal impact on performance. Consistent granulate ensures stable melt flow during extrusion or molding, reduces defects and helps manufacturers maintain product quality while incorporating recycled content. Our VAZ series shredder sits directly above the granulator, creating a vertical flow of material between stages. This reduces the need for conveyors, minimizes handling and lowers the risk of contamination.

Vecoplan LLC

Processing starts in the shredder. It reduces bulk scrap into smaller, manageable pieces and material and then discharges directly into the granulator. To maintain steady throughput, the Vecoplan system monitors the granulator’s amperage. If the load nears capacity, the shredder’s ram automatically retracts until conditions stabilize, preventing strain and protecting the cutting chamber. At the second stage, the granulator delivers precision sizing. By refining pre-shredded plastic into clean, uniform particles, the granulator produces high-quality regrind, ideal for in-house recycling. This material can be blended seamlessly with virgin resin, improving efficiency and reducing waste.

The Vecoplan stacked design also provides practical benefits. “With the shredder positioned above the granulator, the system requires significantly less floor space than separate machines. It’s an ideal solution for users who intend to expand facility capacity or implement scrap reclaim, but without increasing the footprint of their processing area. By uniting two critical processes, our VAZ Series stacked system ensures reliable performance – transforming plastic scrap into a valuable, production-ready resource,” Lowman concluded.

Published in the November 2025 Edition of American Recycler News