Page 62 - Plastics News March 2025

TECHNOLOGY NEWS

circular economy for plastics. able equipment promises to unlock new possibil-
ities. For example, it could facilitate marine waste
Aimplas has participated in the plant’s launch management in port areas, improving material
by ensuring that the equipment’s operational sorting and separation while reducing environ-
requirements were clearly defined, evaluating mental impact. Another relevant application is its
available technological options in the market to potential to assist existing sorting plants in pro-
select the most suitable components, and lead- cessing bioplastics, whose presence is increas-
ing the monitoring of key performance indica- ing. These materials pose a challenge to current
tors (KPIs), proposing solutions and adjustments recycling streams, but their recovery could have
to ensure that the established objectives are a significant impact in the future,” added Javier
met. Grau.

Javier Grau, a researcher in Mechanical Recycling The project consortium, funded by the EU’s Ho-
at AIMPLAS, who is participating in the project, rizon 2020 program, consists of three research
highlighted that “remote islands, hard-to-reach and technology organizations, two universities,
rural areas, or regions with limited infrastructure a Regional Authority, a Producer Responsibility
are just some scenarios where this equipment Organization, a robotics company, an innova-
can make a significant difference. Additionally, tion management company, and an International
the equipment also serves as an ideal solution for Association. The consortium members, led by
large-scale events such as festivals, concerts, or FORTH – Foundation for Research and Technol-
sports competitions, where massive waste gen- ogy – Hellas (Greece), include: Aimplas, Axia In-
eration in one place requires immediate treat- novation (Germany), ION (Greece), IRIS (Spain),
ment. It can also complement existing recycling HRRC – Hellenic Recovery and Recycling Corpo-
plants in tourist areas that face significant popu- ration (Greece), KU Leuven (Belgium), Robenso
lation fluctuations during peak seasons.” – Environmental Robotic Solutions (Greece),

ISWA – International Solid Waste Association
This equipment stands out for its compact de-
sign, integrated into an easily transportable (Netherlands), and UoM – University of Malta
(Malta).
container, allowing for rapid deployment almost
anywhere. “As recycling needs evolve, this port- Source – Recycling Magazine

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62 PLASTICS NEWS March 2025