Steinbeis Polyvert is one of Europe's leading companies in the field of plastics recycling. With over 30 years of experience, the Austrian and German company offers sustainable solutions for the processing and recycling of PET, HDPE, and PP plastics. Its goal is to provide high-quality recyclates that can be used in a wide variety of product applications, thereby making an effective contribution to the circular economy.
State-of-the-art sorting technology at Steinbeis Polyvert
Steinbeis Polyvert relies on modern technologies to meet increasing demands for sorting accuracy and material purity. In cooperation with technology provider Sesotec, a new sorting line has been developed that is fully automated and analyzable from material input to final granulate production. The entire sorting process is based on precisely coordinated steps, starting with bale breaking, followed by mechanical separation processes and ending with sensor-based fine sorting.
Precise sorting through real-time analysis of material and color composition
At the heart of the sorting line are Sesotec's “VARISORT+ UNITY” and “FLAKE PURIFIER+” systems. The former handle pre-sorting, cleaning, and the recovery of recyclable materials from the reject fractions. In addition, real-time analysis of the material and color composition is performed using the “VARISORT+ FLEX” measuring bridge. This allows sorting programs to be continuously adapted to changing input materials. In the final processing stage, the “FLAKE PURIFIER+” systems ensure that off-colors, foreign plastics, and metals are reliably removed. This produces pure PP and HDPE flakes, which serve as the starting material for granulate production.
Quality assurance at Steinbeis Polyvert with real-time analysis
To ensure the required product quality, “FLAKE SCAN” systems are also used during the process. They analyze the flake material in a few minutes and provide accurate data on foreign materials and contaminants. Direct further processing on site, including extrusion, completes the material cycle. The resulting recyclate meets high standards and can be used directly for the production of new plastic products.
AI-supported sorting opens up new possibilities
Particular attention is paid to the use of artificial intelligence in conjunction with multi-sensory sorting technology. At its site in Austria, Steinbeis Polyvert is using AI-supported systems for the first time that can identify even materials that are difficult to distinguish, such as black objects on a black conveyor belt. The combination with a finely resolved blow nozzle grid and three-shaft technology also allows sorting into several fractions with high precision, even with small grain sizes.
Partnership between Sesotec and Steinbeis Polyvert
"With Sesotec, we have a reliable technology partner that supports our recycling processes with flexible and precise sorting and analysis systems, meeting the highest quality standards of our customers", explains André Aßmann, Managing Director of Steinbeis Polyvert.
