Implementation of automatic and simultaneous sorting technology, and of an intelligent system for the regranulation of plastic waste from the processing of used refrigeration equipment, in order to strengthen the circular management processes

About this project

<p><span style="font-size: 11pt"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif">Polska Korporacja Recyklingu (Polish Recycling Corporation) operates in the field of household waste management, mainly waste electrical and electronic equipment and waste batteries (including car batteries). The project objective is to manage process waste generated in our company and to create a product with high commercial potential. We plan to introduce an automatic sorting process and an intelligent regranulation system for plastic waste from the processing of waste cooling equipment. The project will result in the implementation of an innovative product - plastic regranulate (mainly from polystyrene), which has so far been a waste product in our business. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif">The project is in line with the zero-waste principle. About 185.5 tons of regranulate will be obtained monthly, i.e. 2,226 tons per year. The project will also reduce electricity consumption by 0.45 GWh and reduce annual CO2 emissions by 328.05 tons. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif">We will implement the project in cooperation with the Norwegian company TOMRA Sorting, which is the world leader in sensor-aided sorting. Our cooperation will result in exchange of experience and know-how, including evaluation of waste data, verification of the concept and conducting tests of waste sorting.</span></span></p>

Bilateral cooperation results

Thanks to the partnership with the Norwegian company, PKR gained access to a base of specialized knowledge, many years of experience and know-how, as well as to specialized research equipment within the test center - representatives of the Beneficiary took part in tests performed at the test center. Thanks to the partnership with Tomra Sorting AS, it was possible to scale the technology from the laboratory scale to the industrial scale - it became possible to transfer innovative solutions to practical application. The partner not only provided a high-end device and trained the Beneficiary's staff, but also participated in the work of optimizing the technology for PKR's needs. Combined with the internal analyses performed, we were able to effectively optimize the machine settings for separated materials, debris removal and throughput control. After the tests were performed, we received a comprehensive report describing all the performance with photos. The main result of the bilateral cooperation was an exchange of knowledge and experience that allowed two different perspectives, skills and experiences to be juxtaposed, contributing to a better understanding of the technology and aspects of its implementation. As part of the bilateral cooperation, Tomra Sorting AS participated in studies that helped optimize the technology strictly for PKR's needs, providing valuable information and suggestions for improvements and adjustments. Another aspect is risk reduction - bilateral cooperation has reduced the risks associated with implementing new technology by combining the years of experience of two specialized entities. In addition, the partnership with the Norwegian entity undoubtedly contributed to greater interest in PKR's business environment in the implemented project and its results.

Project partners

• Tomra Sorting AS Donor project partner· Norway