AI-driven sorting solutions by STEINERT initiate recycling loops at RE Plano, streamlining waste processing.
Elevating Plastic Recycling: RE Plano's Revolution with Steinert
RE Plano is on a mission to replicate the success of circular economy achievements with polyethylene terephthalate (PET) for polyethylene (PE, HDPE) and polypropylene (PP). To make this ambition a reality, plastic fractions must be meticulously sorted, with purities exceeding 97% by type and color. However, this crucial step is often overlooked due to the challenge in distinguishing between similar plastics. Dr. Harald Lehmann, Business Development & Branch Manager at RE Plano Bochum, praises the collaboration with Steinert, stating, "With Steinert's support, we have found a solution that surpasses the legal requirements and pushes the boundaries of what is achievable in plastics sorting." This collaboration is a significant step towards a more sustainable future, enabling resource reuse.
Revolutionizing Efficiency and Technology
Advanced AI-based sorting technology and streamlined processes are key to achieving high efficiency. The majority of the plastics processed originate from REMONDIS sorting facilities for post-consumer packaging and are refined within the company for production into superior recyclates (PCR). The AI-based Steinert technology, Intelligent Object.Identifier, combines color sensors, near-infrared sensors (NIR), and hyperspectral imaging (HSI) technology. This unique combination not only allows for a flexible response to future requirements but also offers new possibilities for tasks that were previously impossible with conventional processes, such as sorting difficult-to-distinguish plastic fractions, like single and multi-layer packaging, and separating silicone cartridges, which can contaminate a PE plastic fraction and render it useless. This technology elevates sorting capabilities due to additional characteristic properties that can be visually identified, supporting RE Plano's vision of creating closed cycles for PE and PP through technological innovation and efficiency.
Outcomes and Sustainability
The partnership's outcome is a cutting-edge sorting facility, one of the most modern plastic recycling initiatives in Europe. Dr. Harald Lehmann emphasizes, "In just six months, we have managed to construct a facility that enables improved processes for moving towards more uniform, pure-grade plastics through highly efficient sorting." This facility can process approximately 30,000 tons of plastics annually, making it a key component in the transition towards a circular economy for plastics. The collaboration between Steinert and RE Plano represents a commitment to pushing the limits of feasibility in plastic sorting and shaping a sustainable future where resources can be reused in an infinite cycle.
[1] https://www.steinert.de/technik/ioi/[2] https://www.steinert.de/news/2022/studer-msort-c-unveiled/[3] https://www.steinert.de/technik/ioi/[4] https://www.steinert.de/news/2020/smarter-sorting-for-a-sustainable-future/[5] https://www.steinert.de/technik/msort-a-b/
[1] This cutting-edge sorting facility, born from the partnership between Steinert and RE Plano, leverages advanced AI-based technology for environmental-science and technology advancements, revolutionizing the efficiency of plastics recycling, and paving the way for a sustainable future. [2] The AI-based Steinert technology, Intelligent Object.Identifier, uses a combination of color sensors, near-infrared sensors (NIR), and hyperspectral imaging (HSI) technology, enabling sorting of difficult-to-distinguish plastic fractions, scientifically expanding the possibilities for recycling and achieving a circular economy for plastics such as polyethylene (PE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and polypropylene (PP).
