Innovative Technologies Drive Efficiency and Sustainability in Recycling

As we enter 2025, the recycling industry is set to witness groundbreaking advancements. Dr. Volker Rehrmann, EVP and Head of TOMRA Recycling, has outlined the key trends that will shape the sector, with a focus on deep learning, real-time monitoring, and regulatory changes. These innovations promise to enhance sorting capabilities, improve sustainability, and drive the industry toward meeting ambitious environmental goals.

1. Deep Learning in Sorting Technology
Deep learning, a subset of artificial intelligence (AI), will continue to transform the recycling industry in 2025. This technology builds on previous advancements, such as separating food-grade and non-food-grade plastics, and is expanding to more complex sorting tasks, including metal sorting. Deep learning systems, like TOMRA’s GAINnext™, use full-color cameras to mimic human vision, allowing precise recognition of objects based on size, shape, and dimensions. This advanced technology automates tasks that were previously performed manually, increasing efficiency and reducing material contamination.

2. Real-Time Monitoring for Enhanced Waste Management
In 2025, real-time monitoring through AI and cloud technologies will become more prevalent in recycling facilities. Tools such as TOMRA Insight and PolyPerception’s waste analyzer will provide operators with data on waste classification and sorting in real time. Additionally, digital twin technologies will allow for detailed tracking and analysis of sorting lines, helping recyclers optimize operations, reduce material loss, and comply with regulatory standards. These innovations will lead to more informed decision-making and higher-quality recycling processes.

Regulatory Pressures and Market Shifts

3. European Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and Its Impact
The European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) will be a key driver for innovation in recycling during 2025. With the EU’s goal of achieving 70% recyclability for all packaging by 2030, companies will face increasing pressure to meet stringent recyclability standards. The regulation mandates that plastic packaging must contain 10-35% recycled content by 2030, a target that will rise further by 2040. This will stimulate investments in recycling technologies, including mechanical and chemical recycling, while also creating a stable demand for recycled plastic materials. Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) technology plays a vital role in separating aluminum alloys into high-quality fractions, supporting the production of ‘green’ aluminum with lower carbon emissions. TOMRA’s AUTOSORT™ PULSE systems, which will be rolled out globally in 2025, are expected to further advance the efficiency of aluminum recycling.

4. Aluminum Recycling and Decarbonization Efforts
Decarbonization continues to be a priority, especially in aluminum recycling. With the demand for recycled aluminum increasing, the industry is focusing on achieving high-purity aluminum through improved sorting technologies.

5. Expanding Beyond Traditional Materials
While plastics, organic waste, and aluminum have long been at the forefront of recycling, 2025 will see a rise in the recycling of lesser-known materials. For example, new wood sorting technologies will enable the production of recycled materials comparable in quality to virgin materials, including the recovery of medium-density fiberboard. Similarly, textile recycling will advance, with new technologies making it feasible for larger-scale adoption. These developments promise to expand the range of materials that can be efficiently recycled, contributing to a more circular economy.