Spitzenklasse automatische Sortiersysteme für Mischkunststoffe

Sorting mixed plastic waste remains one of the most significant challenges within the recycling industry. With various plastic types—such as PET, HDPE, LDPE, PP, and PS—commonly intermingled in post-consumer waste streams, investing in reliable automatic sorting systems has become essential. These systems not only improve recycling rates and reduce contamination but also help facilities comply with stringent industry standards and increase the market value of recycled materials.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the leading automatic sorting technologies, highlight top global manufacturers, and provide actionable insights to help you select the ideal system for your recycling operation. Whether you’re upgrading an existing facility or investing in new infrastructure, this resource is designed to support industry professionals, buyers, and international traders in making data-driven decisions.

The Importance of Automatic Sorting Systems

Manual sorting processes are not only labor-intensive and costly but also prone to inaccuracies—especially when managing high-volume mixed plastic streams. Automatic sorting systems deliver measurable advantages, including:

• Higher sorting speed and accuracy
• Reduced reliance on manual labor and associated costs
• Lower contamination rates in output materials
• Improved quality and consistency of recycled products
• Enhanced compliance with regional and international recycling regulations

Key Sorting Technologies for Mixed Plastics

Modern automatic sorting systems integrate a range of advanced technologies to identify, classify, and separate mixed plastics efficiently. Below are the most widely adopted methods:

1. Near-Infrared (NIR) Sorting
2. Uses infrared light to identify polymer types based on spectral reflection.

3. Highly effective for separating PET, HDPE, PP, and other common plastics.

4. Color Sorting (RGB and High-Resolution Cameras)

5. Sorts materials by color to ensure higher purity levels in the final product.

6. Especially useful for filtering out black or dark plastics that can compromise quality.

7. X-Ray Sorting (XRF and XRT)

8. Identifies materials based on density or atomic composition.

9. Ideal for detecting and removing PVC or trace metal contaminants.

10. Laser and Hyperspectral Imaging

11. Employs advanced light-based technology to sort challenging materials, such as black plastics or multi-layer packaging.

12. Air Jet Ejection Systems

13. Uses precisely timed air blasts to divert identified materials into corresponding collection bins.

Leading Automatic Sorting Systems and Manufacturers

1. TOMRA Recycling – Norway

TOMRA is a globally recognized leader in sensor-based sorting solutions. Their AUTOSORT® series integrates NIR, VIS, and deep learning technologies to deliver exceptional accuracy in separating diverse plastic types.

Best for: High-volume processing facilities, complex material streams, and large-scale MRFs.

2. STEINERT – Germany

STEINERT offers UniSort systems, which combine magnetic separation with advanced sensor technology. These systems excel at sorting both colored and black plastics while simultaneously removing metallic contaminants.

Best for: Operations requiring dual-function sorting for metals and plastics.

3. Sesotec – Germany

Sesotec specializes in high-purity sorting with systems like the VARISORT+, which can differentiate plastics by polymer type, color, and even shape.

Best for: Food-grade recycling, packaging waste, and applications demanding ultra-clean output.

4. Bulk Handling Systems (BHS) – USA

BHS provides end-to-end recycling solutions, including the NRT SpydIR® for NIR-based sorting and the Max-AI® robotic system that uses artificial intelligence for quality control and material handling.

Best for: Fully automated, AI-enhanced recycling plants and facilities prioritizing smart technology integration.

5. Rumtoo Machine

A trusted partner in industrial sorting solutions, Rumtoo-Maschine offers robust and customizable automatic sorting systems designed for mid to high-capacity operations. With a focus on innovation and reliability, Rumtoo is an excellent choice for those seeking cost-effective and high-performance sorting technology.

Best for: Businesses looking for scalable, modern sorting systems with strong technical support and aftersales service.

How to Select the Right Sorting System

Choosing an automatic sorting system requires careful evaluation of several operational and business factors:

• Materialzusammensetzung: Identify the types of plastics you most commonly process (e.g., PET, HDPE, LDPE).
• Durchsatzkapazität: Determine the volume of material you need to sort per hour or day.
• Automatisierungsgrad: Decide between fully automated systems and hybrid models that incorporate some manual oversight.
• Anforderungen an die Ausgangsqualität: Consider the acceptable contamination levels based on your end-market standards.
• Budget and Footprint: Account for both initial investment and operational costs, as well as physical space requirements.
• Service und Unterstützung: Ensure the manufacturer offers reliable maintenance, spare parts, and technical assistance.

Häufig gestellte Fragen (FAQ)

Schlussfolgerung

Investing in an automatic sorting system is a strategic decision that can significantly enhance the efficiency, output quality, and profitability of your plastic recycling operations. By leveraging advanced technologies such as NIR, AI, and robotic sorting, modern systems not streamline processes but also support sustainability goals and regulatory compliance.

Whether you are partnering with industry giants like TOMRA and BHS or exploring versatile options from Rumtoo Machine, selecting the right system requires aligning technology capabilities with your specific operational needs. With the right equipment in place, your facility can play a pivotal role in advancing the circular economy for plastics.