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Embracing Smart Machinery: Lubo’s Innovative Approach to Sorting

Embracing Smart Machinery: Lubo’s Innovative Approach to Sorting
As the recycling sector is undergoing significant changes and sorting technologies are evolving, driven by the need for more efficient, predictable, and sustainable processes, clients face several familiar challenges: changing composition of waste streams, rising operational costs, and increasingly strict national and international regulations.

The implementation of Industry 4.0 technologies offers solutions that address these challenges directly. Industry 4.0 refers to the integration of smart waste sorting, based on intelligent, interconnected systems, automation of recycling equipment, and data analytics enhancing industrial processes. At Lubo Recycling Solutions, we integrate several smart sorting technologies into our materials recovery facilities (MRF). This results in increased flexibility, performance, and profitability.

It all starts with data

Data collection is the first step in the transition to the MRF of the future. To get insight into your sorting line you need to collect enough data, but more importantly, the data needs to be high-quality. It must be accurate, consistent, and reliable to enable informed decision-making. That is why we partnered with Greyparrot, a pioneer in AI waste analytics, in February 2024. By integrating Greyparrot analyzers at several strategic steps in the sorting process, we gain a deeper insight into the real-time processes to increase sorting performance, prove regulatory/contractual compliance, and maximize return on investment (ROI).  

Beyond analytics

We are currently testing our OCC screen and Opti-Sort at one of our clients in the Netherlands. They use the data collected by the Greyparrot Analyzers to translate those into actions. The control panel uses real-time data from these analyzers to dynamically adjust the equipment’s operational parameters such as the speed of conveyor belts, StarScreen speeds, the angles of sorting decks, and more.

Traditionally, such adjustments would need to be made manually, resulting in delays, inefficiencies, and potential human error. Automated optimized machine settings allow for faster processing of materials while improving the accuracy and purity of sorted outputs, reducing contamination, and will automatically respond to the continuously changing waste streams.

Our smart technology approach also addresses other challenges. With fewer people required to operate the sorting plant, the workforce can focus on higher-value tasks, and safety is enhanced. Furthermore, smart machinery optimizes energy usage, contributing to cost savings and environmental sustainability resulting in a lower carbon footprint of the sorting facility.

The roadmap to the future of recycling

The roadmap to this future starts with the collection of quality data through integrated analyzers and real-time monitoring systems. Data forms the foundation for our technology to create data-driven recommendations for actions to operators to further optimize performance, give advice on data collection, and maximize uptime.

At Lubo, our ultimate vision is to create a fully automated plant, capable of autonomous adjustment in real-time to the ever-changing waste streams, ensuring maximum efficiency and resource recovery. While machines handle routine real-time adjustments, the role of the operator will evolve, focusing on higher-level strategic decisions, ensuring that the installation is both flexible and resilient. Automation will streamline operations, but our clients will retain complete control, able to monitor and adjust processes as needed. The future of recycling is one where smart technology and human intelligence work hand in hand to create a more efficient, sustainable, and flexible waste management system. Lubo Recycling Solutions is leading the charge toward this future, with a focus on automation, digitalization, and sustainability, ensuring that our industry continues to evolve in line with the principles of Industry 4.0. Through these advancements, we are not only improving operational efficiency but also making a meaningful contribution to the global effort to reduce waste and protect the environment.

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World leader in engineering and production of turnkey recycling solutions Bollegraaf Group is a world-leading expert and innovator in the waste sorting and recycling sector. Furthermore, our reputation is based on the unique quality of...

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