Herbold Meckesheim, a supplier of machinery and complete systems for plastics recycling, has again been selected by Turkish recycling company Doğa PET as the provider of a PET bottle washing line. The company has commissioned the construction of a second washing line following the successful start-up and operation of the first system, which has been running continuously since the first quarter of 2024. With the new installation, Doğa PET will double its existing washing capacity at the recycling plant in Kırklareli, Türkiye, achieving a daily output of 200 tons of rPET flakes. The project confirms the role of Herbold Meckesheim as a system supplier and long-term technology partner for complex recycling applications in plastic packaging.
Expansion decision based on operational performance
The first washing line supplied by Herbold Meckesheim has been producing high-quality rPET flakes for two years. According to the customer, stable plant operation and consistent final product quality were the key factors behind the decision to invest in a second, technically identical line.
The new system has been designed with the same basic process layout and throughput parameters as the existing line. This is intended to ensure predictable scalability and consistent operating conditions. The configuration includes key technological solutions such as forced feeding granulators, a hot wash system in batch design, and density separation using hydrocyclones.
Although the overall process concept of the new line corresponds to the proven design of the first installation, selected process modules have been optimized. The changes are based on operating experience and differences in the composition of the input material. One important improvement is the increase in pre-sorting capacity to 8.0 t/h. For this purpose, Herbold will supply a debaler and a washing drum that combines wet and dry sections in a single machine. The modifications are intended to further stabilize the throughput and efficiency of the entire system.
The two forced feeding granulators installed in the first line ensure uniform flake size and stable material intake, creating optimal conditions for downstream washing and density separation processes.
Delivery schedule and project support
Preparations for the delivery of the second washing line are underway. The first shipments of components are scheduled for early March 2026. Installation and commissioning at the customer’s plant are expected to start shortly after delivery.
Herbold Meckesheim will support the project at all stages of implementation, from logistics coordination and on-site installation through to system start-up and operator training. Comprehensive implementation support is intended to minimize the risk of downtime and ensure that the new installation quickly reaches its target operating parameters.
"The first washing line has been running reliably since commissioning and consistently delivers the product quality we require," said Ömer Ayvacı, Chairman of the Board of Doğa Group. "Based on this positive experience, increasing our capacity with a second line from Herbold Meckesheim was a logical step for us."
"Repeat orders like this confirm that customers value not only our technical solutions but also our role as a dependable project partner," said Stefan Lachenmayer, Global Commercial Director Recycling and Managing Director of Herbold Meckesheim. "The second washing line for Doğa PET demonstrates how scalable system concepts can support long-term growth in plastics recycling."
Herbold Meckesheim and Coperion at RePlast Eurasia 2026
Herbold Meckesheim’s solutions for mechanical plastics processing and Coperion’s extrusion and compounding technologies will be presented jointly at the RePlast Eurasia 2026 trade fair. The two companies offer coordinated recycling systems covering the washing, extrusion and further processing stages for secondary plastics.
From 26 to 28 March 2026 at the Herbold and Coperion booth in Hall 11, Booth 1101B, in Istanbul, Türkiye, visitors will be able to learn about technologies aimed at increasing efficiency and automation in plastics recycling processes. Integrated solutions will be presented that are designed to simplify complex process chains for the treatment of plastic waste.
As a central process stage within the PET washing line, the hot wash system in batch design enables controlled temperature management and defined dwell times for efficient removal of labels, adhesives and organic residues.
