SORT IT

Recovered Paper Sorting with Innovative Technologies

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'SORT IT aims at developing new technologies for a more efficient and profitable sorting of recovered paper and board from various collection systems. These include: * New sensors based on near infrared spectrometry, image analysis and colour measurement (WP 2) * New physical separation devices like robots (WP 3) * New sorting concepts (WP 4) The new sorting devices will be implemented into an industrial sorting chain. Full scale sorting trials of recovered paper will be carried out (WP 5). Extensive life cycle studies will be carried out to assess the environmental, economic and social benefits (WP 1). The dissemination and communication plan (WP 6) includes conventional dissemination activities, introduction of new findings to the market and production of foreground for the development of the European environmental policy.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Scientists have developed novel automatic sorting technology for the recovery and reuse of paper. Increased purity and yield with decreased energy consumption should benefit the paper industry and the environment.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Paper is made from trees grown specifically for this purpose, in so-called managed timberlands. Whereas the trees provide the top-grade raw material (pulp) to make paper, recovered fibres can be used to produce other paper products of varying quality. Among these are office-grade paper, newsprint, cardboard and tissue paper.

Wood is subject to supply and demand issues just like every other commodity. Rising prices of raw materials and of the energy used for production are increasing pressure on the paper industry to enhance recovery capability and quality. In addition, stricter legislation associated with treatment and disposal highlight the need for new technologies to optimise recovery and utilisation of paper products.

European scientists initiated the EU-funded 'Recovered paper sorting with innovative technologies' (SORT IT) project to develop novel sensor and measurement technologies for more efficient sorting and thus paper recovery. Close collaboration with industry has ensured appropriate specifications of required materials purity for given uses.

The comprehensive Unisort SORT IT automatic sorting machinery utilises optical sensors. The team has developed the Fusiosort sensor system. It consists of one near-infrared (NIR)/short-wave IR (SWIR) sensor with expanded spectral range (wavelengths of 1 300 to 2 300 nanometres) together with two visual inspection system (VIS) cameras. Testing has demonstrated the enhanced ability of the sensor system to detect paper components and quantities for optimal sorting.

Unisort SORT IT combines the optical sensor technology with an improved pneumatic (using pressurised air) ejector system to eject material more effectively and with less energy. Sorting robots have also been designed to sort materials quickly and precisely.

End users awarded certificates of compliance for the sorted grades of recovered paper after pilot tests. The machinery was implemented in a full-scale industrial sorting plant in Austria. Thanks to the new technology, the plant has a capacity of 2 000 tonnes per month with only 2 manual sorters.

Results of life-cycle analyses have been presented to industrial and governmental representatives in waste management as well as to European standardisation bodies. Technology transfer activities are underway.