As the UK accelerates efforts to improve PET bottle recycling, a full-spectrum approach is becoming essential to meet sustainability targets. From government policy shifts to retail and tech-driven initiatives, the nation is investing in a greener future. At the heart of an effective PET recycling workflow lies a reliable, high-performance machinery system. GREENMAX, a brand of INTCO Recycling, offers a comprehensive solution designed to improve efficiency, reduce contamination, and maximize the value of recycled PET bottles.

The State of PET Bottle Recycling in the UK

The UK's PET bottle recycling landscape is evolving rapidly:

The Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) is now delayed until 2027, aiming for a 90% collection rate for PET bottles and cans within three years of its launch.

Retailer Aldi UK has shifted to 100% recycled PET bottles for its own-brand beverages, aiming to reduce virgin plastic use by 10,000 tonnes per year.

Marks & Spencer has partnered with Polytag to improve recycling traceability using invisible tags that are detected at sorting facilities.

The UK and Ireland now have a combined PET recycling capacity of over 292,000 tonnes, one of the highest in Europe.

Despite this progress, consumer recycling rates remain low, with only 17% of plastic packaging recycled domestically.

These statistics highlight both the opportunity and the urgency of implementing highly efficient PET bottle recycling systems.

GREENMAX’s End-to-End PET Bottle Recycling Solution

To address the growing need for closed-loop PET recycling, GREENMAX provides an integrated machinery solution that includes:

1. Dewatering Machine

A critical first step in the recycling process is the removal of excess water from PET bottles after washing. The GREENMAX dewatering machine:

Removes up to 98% of water content

Reduces drying time, speeding up downstream processing

Lowers energy consumption for further drying stages

Prevents mold or contamination in storage

2. Label Removing Machine

Labels and adhesives are among the main contaminants in PET recycling. GREENMAX’s automatic label remover:

Achieves up to 95% label separation efficiency

Uses mechanical friction to separate PET flakes from PVC/PP/PS labels

Significantly improves flake purity for high-grade rPET production

Reduces manual labor costs and sorting errors

3. PET Bottle Baler Machine

Once bottles are cleaned and labels removed, compacting them into dense bales reduces transportation and storage costs. GREENMAX’s PET baler:

Compresses PET bottles into uniform, high-density bales

Increases container load efficiency by up to 80%

Offers semi-automatic and fully automatic configurations

Built with durable hydraulic systems for long-term use

Together, these machines form a closed-loop, industrial-grade PET recycling system designed for material recovery facilities (MRFs), municipal operations, and private recyclers.

Why Choose GREENMAX for PET Bottle Recycling?

Customizable Systems: GREENMAX designs each solution based on your material throughput, space, and labor needs.

Durability & Reliability: Machines are made with corrosion-resistant materials to withstand high-moisture PET workflows.

Global Support: With service centers in the UK and Europe, GREENMAX offers fast parts delivery, on-site support, and remote diagnostics.

Sustainability Expertise: As part of INTCO Recycling, GREENMAX not only builds machines but also purchases recycled PET material for reuse.

Contributing to the UK's Circular Economy Goals

By incorporating GREENMAX’s dewatering, label removing, and baling machines, PET recyclers in the UK can:

Meet retailer and government traceability requirements

Improve bale and flake quality for export or domestic reuse

Reduce energy costs and water waste

Demonstrate corporate social responsibility (CSR) and compliance

This is especially relevant as policies like Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and the delayed DRS move closer to implementation.

Ready to Upgrade Your PET Recycling Line?

Whether you operate a small sorting center or a large-scale MRF, GREENMAX has the modular equipment and technical expertise to take your recycling operations to the next level. With over 10 years of experience in foam and bottle recycling, GREENMAX is your trusted partner in closing the loop on plastic waste.

Contact GREENMAX today to learn more about our full-line PET recycling solutions and get a customized system recommendation.