Next Generation Auto sort Installed at Earthtechnica’s Test Center in Japan

AUTOSORT combines the latest technologies such as the patented FLYING BEAM and DEEP LAISER technology. The machine’s illumination unit, FLYING BEAM, is positioned inside the scanner, thus protected from external influences, and ensures a homogenous light distribution across conveyor belts of up to 2,800 mm width. Another outstanding optional technology is DEEP LAISER, which uses smart recognition to distinguish between two overlapping objects, enabling object-based recognition even at high throughputs. Also, an integral part of the sorting unit is its SHARP EYE that identifies critical chemical property differences and even the finest molecular differences in materials. Thanks to its higher light density and point-scanning systems, SHARP EYE not only separates single-layer PET trays from bottles but also sorts mixed PET into different polymer types. Since its launch, the new AUTOSORT has been evaluated highly, leading to its adoption worldwide, especially in Europe.

AUTOSORT is a versatile product that can handle a wide range of applications, such as identifying homogenous plastics fractions, wood waste, paper, stone, and metal. The flexibility and upgradeability of the technology allow it to respond to complex and changing market and customer requirements, making it suitable for a wide range of customers in a variety of industries. TOMRA Recycling expects an increase in demand from more diverse industries.

With the installation of the latest AUTOSORT in the Test Center of Tomra’s distributor EarthTechnica in Japan, existing as well as future customers can reap various benefits:

Testing their own material on the most advanced sorting solutions before making an investment

Identifying the best machine setting together with a Tomra technician/engineer

Developing innovative workflows maximizing operational productivity based on the analysis of the tests

Reduced travel costs: previously, Japanese customers had to ship their waste to Germany to test their materials on the new generation AUTOSORT. Now, they can see their waste being processed by the latest machine and don’t need to travel overseas.

Focusing on customer experience, Tomra provides videos of the tests in case a customer cannot join personally.

As a company contributing to the acceleration of a circular economy through both technological innovations and cross-value chain collaborations, Tomra Recycling will further strengthen its more than 20 years of partnership with EarthTechnica and supports its customers’ businesses with cutting-edge sensor-based sorting solutions and consultancy.

For more details: www.recycling.tomra.com

Scientific study paves way for new LCA simulation tool from Polykemi Group

Polykemi Group is making a major investment to help companies reduce their carbon footprint. The company is using a scientific study to provide customers information on how their material choices affect the climate.

The scientific study was conducted at Polykemi in 2020 and focused on analyzing the climate impacts of the company’s materials. The study demonstrates that the choice of material has a significant part to play in the fight against climate change and assists customers in making smart material choices.

“The simulation tool enables us to calculate the cradle-to-gate carbon footprint of all our materials. This enables our customers to assess the environmental footprint of the components they produce,” Mr. Palokangas says.

“It’s easy to select materials out of force of habit, even though there may be significantly better alternatives available that would reduce costs, save time and lower the carbon footprint.”

“We help our customers make smarter material choices to reduce their carbon footprint, while also providing the possibility to make their products lighter and saving both time and costs,” says Sustainability Specialist Henrik Palokangas.

In 2015, the UN adopted a new international treaty on climate change, the Paris Agreement, which strives to limit global warming. To meet the demanding goals, both producers and consumers need to contribute.

“The current discussions is very much focused around energy and fuels, but we also need to consider how different products affect our environment even when they are being produced,” explains Henrik Palokangas, Sustainability Specialist for polymers at plastics manufacturer Polykemi, based in Ystad, Sweden.

“We have conducted a scientific study, analyzing the climate impact of all our products, and used the results to develop a simulation tool. This gives our customers a unique opportunity to take greater responsibility for the climate, all while reducing their costs.”

The scientific study at Polykemi was conducted in collaboration with a third party to ensure an objective analysis according to applicable standards. The Life Cycle Assessment (LCA ISO 14040) methodology was used to quantify the environmental aspects of existing or planned products.

Similar studies are currently continuing for the production unit in Kunshan, China, and are planned for the new factories in Chongqing, China, and in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA.

For more than 50 years, Polykemi Group has successfully produced and developed customer-adapted plastic compounds, from both virgin plastic and high-quality recycled plastic materials.

“Polykemi has extensive experience in both virgin and recycled materials, and now also has the possibilities to simulate the effects of material choices,” says Mr. Palokangas.

“Our solid know-how enables us to develop optimized materials in terms of climate performance, features and costs. When used correctly, these three parameters can be aligned to produce the best results.

For more details: www.polykemi.com

PLASTICS Chief Economist Featured Speaker at 19th Annual Carpet Recycling Conference

The Plastics Industry Association’s (PLASTICS) Chief Economist, Perc Pineda, Ph.D. kicked off this year’s Carpet America Recovery Effort (CARE) at WASHINGTON. Annual meeting sharing wide-ranging economic analysis spanning global growth plans to data specific to the carpet sector. CARE’s mission is to develop market-based solutions that increase landfill alternatives and recycling of post-consumer carpets, encourage design for recyclability.

“It’s a pleasure to be part of CARE’s annual meeting once again,” Pineda quoted. Sharing his economic outlook to the attendees, his reassuring message that the economy is expected to remain on a growth path this year despite supply chain issues, inflationary pressures, and labor supply shortages lingering as the U.S. continues to recover during the pandemic.

With the observation, Pineda noted the rising US interest in carpets and floor coverings, the retail sale of building materials and supplies, with an average 17.2% month year- over year from May to December is 2020. Beginning of this year, the increase of 19.2% was visible. With the current demand for carpet and rugs, carpet recovery efforts are expecting to continue.

Praising CARE for the work they do, his closing statement to the attendees was, “Assuming no policy missteps and the risks of the coronavirus continue to diminish, and the economy is expected to remain on a growth path next year.”

Pineda’s words ensure that the carpet market is promising; Engaged stakeholders in the industry are continuously making strides for the production of economical, high-quality recyclable carpets.

For more details: www.plasticsindustry.org

New recyclable PET blister film by Klockner Pentaplast

A global manufacturer of high barrier protective packaging results with industry-leading use of recyclable content material has launched KpNext, its first-to-market innovation in recyclable PET blister films. KpNext is the single PET receivable blister that is compatible with pharmaceutical manufacturing form, fill and seal equipment. This is the next step towards evolution for innovative pharmaceutical blister packaging solution, not only kp next is designed to be recyclable a blister packaging, but also pocket-friendly. Pharmaceutical companies and converters can now utilize kpNext on their existing form, fill and seal lines with no waste of line speed or a need to retool. It truly is the best of both worlds, a sustainable yet functional solution.

“For over 55 years, KP has been at the forefront of sustainable packaging designs, championing the circular economy and closed-loop recycling while leading in innovative, recycled-content products,” said Scott Tracey, CEO of Klöckner Pentaplast.

At launch, Dr. Jorg Schneewind, President of KP’s Ph.D. The division said: “kpNext is an example of excellence in product innovation because it has been designed to be recyclable and is a seamless transition, taking the burden off our customers to adapt to the sustainable film. Instead, the film adapted to the equipment. It’s a true milestone for the industry and for KP – in our ability to support our customers in meeting their sustainability commitments.”

As a firm, they committed to taking every opportunity to make packaging recyclable. A win-win for their long-term partners.

For more details: www.kpfilms

21st Century Recycling Technology

The Doconomy, providing banks with carbon and water footprint calculations for every transaction, and Parley for the Oceans, a global environmental organization with a modernistic approach to environmentalism, today announce they are entering into a long-term partnership to boost solutions to the interconnected climate and plastic crises. The partners will work together to quantify the unseen environmental costs of consumption decisions in ways that empower individuals, businesses, and governments to align spending with climate action and solutions, focusing initially on carbon, water, and plastic.

With a project that includes more than 30 countries up till now, Parley programs emphasis on cleanups and plastic interception, education and communication, material science, and eco-innovation to end the fast-growing crisis of marine plastic pollution alongside the intertwined threats of climate change and overfishing. The organization’s approach is leading by the three pillars of its Parley AIR Strategy: Avoid, Intercept, and Redesign. Together, Doconomy and Parley will integrate this tactic into Doconomy’s product portfolio and empower individuals and corporations to take responsibility for their impact.

The demands of a new generation of consumers driven by authentic, impactful commitments to environmental responsibility, Doconomy and Parley will provide products and technologies from the Doconomy business portfolio that empower individuals to understand and track their carbon, water, and now plastic footprints, developing a new plastic index tool that illustrates the connections between products and marine plastic pollution, and provides an everyday way to support direct impact through Parley initiatives.

The shared goal of driving a material revolution and creating an economy that works in harmony with ecological ecosystems, the collaboration will focus on harnessing financial formulas and tools that allow a better view into the unseen impacts of consumer spending, empowering individuals to use that knowledge to make more informed decisions and participating in creative solutions to environmental threats.

For more details: www.doconomy.com

The Oceans Partner To Accelerate Climate And Non-Biodegradable Waste Solutions

The Doconomy, providing banks with carbon and water footprint calculations for every transaction, and Parley for the Oceans, a global environmental organization with a modernistic approach to environmentalism, today announce they are entering into a long-term partnership to boost solutions to the interconnected climate and plastic crises. The partners will work together to quantify the unseen environmental costs of consumption decisions in ways that empower individuals, businesses, and governments to align spending with climate action and solutions, focusing initially on carbon, water, and plastic.

With a project that includes more than 30 countries up till now, Parley programs emphasis on cleanups and plastic interception, education and communication, material science, and eco-innovation to end the fast-growing crisis of marine plastic pollution alongside the intertwined threats of climate change and overfishing. The organization’s approach is leading by the three pillars of its Parley AIR Strategy: Avoid, Intercept, and Redesign. Together, Doconomy and Parley will integrate this tactic into Doconomy’s product portfolio and empower individuals and corporations to take responsibility for their impact.

The demands of a new generation of consumers driven by authentic, impactful commitments to environmental responsibility, Doconomy and Parley will provide products and technologies from the Doconomy business portfolio that empower individuals to understand and track their carbon, water, and now plastic footprints, developing a new plastic index tool that illustrates the connections between products and marine plastic pollution, and provides an everyday way to support direct impact through Parley initiatives.

The shared goal of driving a material revolution and creating an economy that works in harmony with ecological ecosystems, the collaboration will focus on harnessing financial formulas and tools that allow a better view into the unseen impacts of consumer spending, empowering individuals to use that knowledge to make more informed decisions and participating in creative solutions to environmental threats.

For more details: www.doconomy.com