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.

After studying Chemical Engineering at the Technical University of Eindhoven, the Netherlands, Tom started working as Sales Engineer at Innov-X Systems. He initially focused on selling handheld XRF equipment in the Benelux, while gradually extending the geographical territory over the years. From 2007 he was heavily involved in the pioneering of automated XRF sensor technology, bringing this new technology to the metal scrap market worldwide. Tom joined TOMRA Sorting (then Titech GmbH) in 2011 as Sales Manager responsible for the Metal Recycling market in the Netherlands and Belgium. Since then, in his role as Segment Champion for the ELV shredder segment, he has also supported the metal recycling market in the Middle East region, Italy, Greece and projects in several other countries.

Daniel Wresnik, Head of Sales and Business Development BU Waste & Recycling in the DACH region at UNTHA, is a proven expert with extensive experience in waste recovery and recycling. Since joining UNTHA in 2009, he has developed numerous tailor-made shredding solutions for clients across Europe – including in Austria, Germany, Italy, France, Greece, Switzerland, and the Benelux countries. His core expertise lies in high-throughput industrial shredders for a wide range of input materials – from municipal and commercial waste to the production of alternative fuels (RDF/SRF). Together with his team, he develops high-quality, efficient, and economically viable system solutions – always with a strong focus on customer benefit. His guiding principle: “There are no problems – only solutions.”

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.