Ask the Expert

Eric van Looy has been active in the recycling industry for over three decades and is regarded as a pioneer in the development of sensor-based sorting technologies. As a technical engineer, he has played a key role in shaping advanced sorting solutions aimed at making recycling more sustainable, efficient, and accurate. Since 2006, he has been deeply involved in the use of automated spectroscopic methods such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), collaborating early on with Tom Jansen. Today, the second generation of LIBS sorters from Sense2Sort enables high-throughput, multi-fraction sorting (up to six fractions) with precise identification of the elemental composition of each individual metal piece. Sense2Sort–Toratecnica focuses on the development of future-ready, resource-efficient, and industrially robust sorting technologies. Eric is currently participating in several EU-funded projects, including the development of novel sensor-based sorting systems and a groundbreaking compressed air management solution that can achieve up to 50% savings in air and energy use. A significant new development is the renewed collaboration with Andreas Weingart and his team—trusted partners from previous successful ventures. Together, they are combining their expertise and technological strength under the to be established Sense2Sort GmbH. In addition to his development work, Eric continues to consult on the design and implementation of advanced sorting plants worldwide, always striving to combine ecological responsibility with economic performance.

Born in Valencia, Spain but living in Barcelona since 1991, Seguí studied informatic engineering. After finishing his bachelor’s degree, Seguí started a new technological project alongside his father and brother. This family-project evolved during the years and is now our company: PICVISA. The company started as a project for quality control through artificial vision in industrial processes. In fact, PICVISA’s first client was a ceramic company who wanted to check which tiles weren’t good enough to sell. It was between 2004 and 2006 when the company entered its current sector: optical sorting for the recycling and waste management companies. In the company, Seguí has held different positions. He first started developing the software needed to start the PICVISA project but soon began to lead some of the most strategic clients and partners of the company. With the company entering the recycling sector, Seguí took the role of Technical Director. During these years, PICVISA grew exponentially in the national market being the only Spanish manufacturer of optical sorters and also starts selling internationally, mostly in the EU and in North and South America. In 2017, with the company modernization and restructuration, Seguí became PICVISA’s CEO, a title he still holds today.

Hannes is a leading expert in high-capacity horizontal balers, which are designed for a wide range of industrial applications. With over 13 years of international experience, he has shared his in-depth knowledge of volume reduction technology and the efficient use of balers in combination with other equipment.

Joe Cetti specialises in providing recycling companies with support and advice on metal separation and recovery. Since the early 1990s, Joe has supported recycling companies and has witnessed the evolution of metal separation and detection technology. During site visits, Joe draws on his extensive experience to assess and then propose the optimum solution for any given application. Recent projects include an ElectroStatic Separator for blue chip British company, and an Eddy Current Separator for an eWaste recycling projects.