The recycling industry is on the brink of a significant technological breakthrough: an innovation promises a drastic reduction in compressed air consumption in both existing and future sorting machines. This groundbreaking solution not only optimizes sorting efficiency but also makes a substantial contribution to the EU’s environmental and energy-saving goals.
Efficient Recycling Technologies: More Than Just Waste Separation
Leading machine suppliers are constantly developing new technologies for the efficient processing and sorting of waste and residual material streams. However, sustainability is about more than just optimizing recycling processes. One often underestimated but crucial factor is operating costs and energy consumption.
The increasing energy demand of modern recycling plants poses both an ecological and economic challenge. While many innovations focus on improving material recovery, the question of energy efficiency often remains unanswered. This is where S2S and WMS come in: Our goal is not only to optimize recycling processes but also to sustainably reduce energy consumption and lower operating costs.
By using intelligent control systems, efficient plant technology, and innovative process solutions, we develop concepts that combine environmental sustainability with economic efficiency. A future-proof circular economy requires not only improved sorting and processing technologies but also resource-efficient and cost-effective operational strategies.
Through our research and development efforts, we contribute to the sustainable transformation of the recycling industry—working towards a more efficient and environmentally friendly future.
Sustainability and Efficiency Combined
For over two decades, the We Make Solutions Technology Group has been developing an improved compressed air system for the efficient sorting of bulk materials. As early as the 2000s, key topics such as sustainability, energy efficiency, speed, and effectiveness were in focus. Through a comprehensive approach to controlling and optimizing compressed air systems, performance has been significantly enhanced.
At that time, efficiency was only 4 to 7%, meaning that the pressure at the target object was much lower than the initial pressure. Many systems were therefore operated at higher pressures (8 bar), and the valves were often not optimally adjusted. With the new compressed air management system, these parameters have been significantly improved, enhancing both performance and energy efficiency.
Key Facts:
- Efficiency has increased from 7% to up to 50%. The pressure at the target object now reaches up to 50% of the input pressure.
- Valve switching times have been reduced by up to 66%.
- Up to 70% savings in compressed air consumption through faster valve switching and optimized nozzles.
Advantages:
- Cost savings due to lower energy consumption and reduced acquisition and maintenance costs for compressors.
- More precise sorting and higher purity of sorted materials.
- Reduced air turbulence.
- Shorter valve opening and closing times.
- Ability to sort out heavier objects (up to 7 kg).
Market Leaders Drive Innovation Forward
Sense2Sort and WMS, leading players in sorting technology, will bring this pioneering solution to market this year. Their developments set new standards for resource efficiency and provide the recycling industry with a crucial competitive advantage.
With this innovation, sorting technology will not only become more powerful but also more environmentally friendly – a significant step toward a sustainable circular economy.
