The global shortage of virgin plastic raw materials is driving a strong increase in demand for recycled plastic. As a result, the market for used recycling machines has grown rapidly, as recyclers look for ways to quickly increase their production capacity.
Unlike new equipment, second-hand recycling machinery is immediately available and does not require long manufacturing lead times. This immediate availability makes used recycling equipment particularly attractive for companies that need to respond quickly to changing market conditions.
Growing interest in plastic recycling machinery
In recent months, MachinePoint has observed a significant increase in inquiries for used plastic recycling lines and plastic recycling machines.
This growth in demand has been particularly noticeable for post-consumer recycling equipment, while demand for post-industrial recycling machines has remained relatively stable.
The increased interest in used recycling machines is mainly linked to the sharp rise in prices for both virgin plastics and recycled raw materials.
Raw material shortages boosting recycling investments
In the coming months, the plastics market is expected to continue experiencing raw material shortages combined with strong demand across multiple industries. This situation is likely to maintain pressure on prices and further encourage investments in plastic recycling machinery.
While demand is expected to remain strong, the high prices of raw materials are already affecting parts of the industry and moderating growth expectations. However, many experts believe that the shift from virgin plastic to recycled plastic materials will be a long-term structural trend.
Most processors and recyclers do not expect a real stabilization of the market until several months from now. Considering that delivery times for new equipment can often exceed six months, many companies are turning to used recycling machines to increase production capacity more quickly.
Used recycling machines as a fast solution to increase capacity
In situations where companies need to react quickly to market conditions, second-hand recycling machines offer an efficient and flexible solution.
Because these machines are already available, recyclers can increase their production capacity much faster than with newly manufactured equipment that requires long delivery times.
Strong demand for high-capacity recycling machines
Currently, the strongest demand is for plastic recycling machines with capacities above 1 ton per hour. The supply of this type of equipment is extremely limited, which means that when these machines appear on the market, they are often sold in less than 24 hours.
There is slightly greater availability of recycling machines with capacities of around 500 kg per hour, as many companies are replacing these units with higher-capacity systems.
Among the most requested brands in the used recycling machinery market are:
- EREMA
- NGR
- Starlinger
- Gamma Meccanica
MachinePoint offers used recycling machines from these leading manufacturers. Companies interested in this type of equipment can consult the available inventory to find suitable machines for their production needs.
Regulations will continue to drive the recycling market
Beyond the current raw material shortages, demand for new and used recycling machines is expected to remain strong in the coming years.
One of the main drivers behind this trend is the increasing number of European and national regulations promoting the use of recycled plastics.
A clear example is the growing demand for RPET recycling machines, as recycled PET is becoming increasingly important for beverage packaging production.
Under the new European regulation, all PET bottles must contain at least 25% recycled material by 2025. This requirement is pushing many manufacturers to invest in plastic recycling technology to secure access to recycled raw materials.
