TOMRA's Innovations Drive PP Recycling Forward as FDA Approves Food-Grade Use

TOMRA, a global leader in recycling technology, has made significant strides in developing innovative solutions for polypropylene (PP) recycling. The company's deep learning solution, GAINnext, can distinguish food-grade PP from non-food-grade using neural networks and object recognition. This breakthrough enables sorting by shape, size, dimensions, and other visual characteristics. Meanwhile, TOMRA is a key partner in the international NEXTLOOPP initiative, aiming to create a sustainable circular economy for PP.

TOMRA demonstrated its AUTOSORT system at its Test Centre, successfully separating PP bales into white and natural fractions. Recently, the company welcomed participants of the NEXTLOOPP initiative to its headquarters in Mülheim-Kärlich, Germany. Here, they showcased their latest sorting systems for PP and discussed ways to advance Design for Recycling.

Edward Kosior, founder and CEO of Nextek Ltd and the NEXTLOOPP initiative, shared exciting news from the US. He announced that recycled polypropylene has received FDA approval for use in food-grade applications. In another development, TOMRA Food unveiled its 4C optical sorting machine, designed to increase detection, accuracy, performance, efficiency, and flexibility for the nut and individual quick freezing (IQF) industries. This machine incorporates multiple forms of artificial intelligence, including TOMRA's LUCAi Deep Learning and traditional machine learning.

In Norway, Pellenc ST's optical sorting technology is being used at a new sorting plant for PET beverage containers in Skurve. This plant, created through a collaboration between Infinitum and Nordic Recycling Systems, features a unique air transport system and advanced label removing system.

TOMRA's innovations in PP recycling, including GAINnext and AUTOSORT, are driving the circular economy forward. The company's partnership with NEXTLOOPP and other industry players is further accelerating this progress. With FDA approval for recycled PP in food-grade applications, the future looks bright for a more sustainable and efficient recycling process.