Page 37 - Plastics News February 2026
P. 37
FEATURE NEWS
5 GAME-CHANGING RECYCLING
PREDICTIONS FOR 2026
Deep learning and sensor tech revolutionize ma- Beyond sorting, AI-driven solutions are increas-
terial sorting while cities adopt smart waste sys- ingly being used for waste analysis, improving
tems for circular economy goals. transparency and efficiency within sorting facili-
ties and supporting material recovery facilities in
Artificial intelligence is reshaping industry every- meeting regulatory requirements.
where, and recycling is no exception. AI and dig-
ital services are transforming the way packaging Material sorting is the core competence of Tom-
and materials are sorted, improving sustainabil- ra, which leverages proprietary technologies
ity step by step on a global scale. such as GAIN next for high-accuracy sorting
of multiple material streams with deep learning
By using sensor-based sorting and deep-learn- technology, and an AI waste analytics platform
ing technologies and with reduced reliance on powered by Poly Perception.
manual sorting recycling plants are achieving
higher purity levels and greater throughput. Con- "As the climate crisis intensifies and resource
tinuous advances in AI and digital services are pressures grow, 2026 is poised to become a
enabling high-precision sorting and enhanced pivotal year for scaling circularity," explains Tove
material recognition capabilities that are es- Andersen, Tomra CEO and president. "Tech-
sential for cost- and energy-efficient recycling. nologies that cut waste, policies that push for
These technologies also help keep materials in smarter resource use, and systems that make
circulation at the highest possible quality while circular models practical at industrial and city
accommodating new material types. levels will all accelerate."
AI AIDS WASTE ANALYSIS & TRANSPARENCY Andersen shares her top five recycling predic-
tions for 2026.
1. AI will supercharge recycling.
AI-enabled recycling systems have demonstrat-
ed a 60% increase in efficiency.
"Labor shortages and rising recycling targets
are accelerating AI adoption in recycling plants.
With most countries still falling short — only nine
EU nations were currently on track to meet key
municipal and packaging recycling goals by the
end of 2025 precision sorting has become es-
February 2026 PLASTICS NEWS 37
