To understand why carpet recycling requires specialized equipment, it’s important to understand how carpet is constructed.
Carpet is not a single material—it is a bonded composite designed for durability, comfort, and long service life.
Face Fibers
The visible surface of carpet is typically made from:
- Nylon 6
- Nylon 6,6
- Polyester (PET)
- Olefin (polypropylene)
These fibers are valuable and recyclable, but only if they can be separated cleanly from backing materials.
Backing Systems
Backing systems provide dimensional stability and durability. Many contain:
- Calcium carbonate–filled latex
- Thermoplastic layers
- Multi-layer composite structures
These materials are tightly bonded to fibers, making separation difficult without mechanical processing.
Why Size Reduction Matters
Without size reduction, os materiais dos tapetes permanecem emaranhados e inconsistentes. A redução adequada do tamanho parte o tapete em partículas mais pequenas, liberta fibras dos sistemas de suporte, e prepara o material para processos de separação a jusante.