AI-based sorting technologies create new cycles

RE Plano has the ambitious aim of recreating the success of the circular economy achieved with polyethylene terephthalate (PET) for the materials polyethylene (PE, HD-PE) and polypropylene (PP). To achieve this aim and to be able to operate the facility cost effectively, plastic fractions have to be sorted to purities of over 97% – according to type and colour of the plastic. Unfortunately, these are often neglected due to the difficulty distinguishing between them (such as white and natural-coloured plastics as well as single and multi-layer packaging). Dr. Harald Lehmann, Business Development & Branch Manager at RE Plano Bochum, praises the collaboration: “With STEINERT’s support, we have found a solution that goes beyond the legal requirements and pushes the boundaries of what is possible in plastics sorting.”

AI-based sorting technology and highly integrated processes enable a high level of efficiency. Most of the plastics to be processed originate from Remondis’ sorting facilities for post-consumer packages and are further prepared within the company and processed into high-quality recyclates (PCR). The AI-based Steinert technology Intelligent Object.Identifier combines colour sensor and near-infrared sensor (NIR) with hyperspectral imaging (HSI) technology. The unique combination not only enables a flexible response to future requirements, but also opens up new opportunities for additional sorting tasks that were previously not possible using conventional processes. This includes the sorting of difficult-to-distinguish plastic fractions and the separation of silicone cartridges, which could contaminate a PE plastic fraction to the point that it is unusable. The technology enables sorting on a new level thanks to additional characteristic properties that can be identified visually, supporting RE Plano’s vision of creating closed cycles for PE and PP with technological innovation and efficiency.

The result of the partnership is a state-of-the-art sorting facility which is among the most modern plastic recycling initiatives in Europe. “After a construction period of only six months, we have succeeded in creating a sorting facility that enables improved processes for moving towards more uniform, pure-grade plastics through highly efficient sorting”, stresses Dr. Harald Lehmann. The facility can sort around 30,000 tons of plastics per year and is therefore an important step towards a circular economy for plastics.