Working Principle of a Paper Cup Recycling Machine

Although paper cups appear simple, they are actually a composite material consisting of paper fiber coated with a thin layer of PE plastic. This combination makes them waterproof but also extremely difficult to recycle using traditional methods. As global beverage consumption increases, billions of used paper cups are discarded every year, creating significant environmental pressure.

A paper cup recycling machine provides an innovative solution that separates paper fiber and PE film efficiently, allowing both materials to be recycled. Below is a complete overview of the machine’s working process, benefits, and commercial value.

1. The Challenge of Recycling Paper Cups. Paper cups are usually produced with:

85% paper pulp

15% PE coating

The PE layer prevents liquid absorption, but this also prevents traditional paper mills from pulping them easily. Many regions have even banned paper cups from entering traditional waste-paper systems because they clog machinery and reduce pulp quality.

2. Working Principle of a Paper Cup Recycling Machine
(1) Hydro-pulping: The cups enter a pulping tank, where heated water and agitation break down the paper fibers. The PE layer remains intact.

(2) Fiber Screening: High-quality fibers are extracted and screened to ensure consistency.

(3) Plastic Separation: The leftover PE film is separated and collected as a recyclable plastic raw material.

(4) Fiber Washing and Refining: The recovered fibers undergo washing and refining to meet paper-making standards.

(5) Output: High-purity paper pulp， PE flakes for plastic recycling