Equipment Report

Redwave, Tomra partnership targets zorba

Recycling and sorting machinery vendors Redwave and Tomra Recycling have reached an agreement that will see the two firms offer each other’s complementary metal sorting technologies directly to their respective customers. The agreement took effect Nov. 1.

The alliance focuses specifically on the X-ray fluorescence (XRF) sorting devices made by Redwave and X-ray transmission (XRT) technology Tomra specializes in. The companies say the new arrangement will make it easier and more efficient for customers to access sorting technologies from one turnkey supplier.

The aim is to address growing demand for sustainable and efficient zorba sorting processes, enhancing scrap metal recovery and delivering the highest quality of end fractions.

Via the agreement, operators of shredded metal sorting plants can source both technologies from one supplier. The nonexclusive agreement will be particularly beneficial to recyclers and plant operators in zorba sorting, the companies say, providing them with more efficient and accurate sorting capabilities.

The cooperative agreement is not a financial merger.

Tomra Recycling, a Germany-based business unit of Norway-based Tomra ASA, says its XRT sorting solutions are known for their ability to distinguish materials based on atomic density and are ideal for separating heavy metals from aluminum. Tomra Recycling’s metals recovery solutions are available in North America through the company’s exclusive metals partner, Wendt Corp. of Buffalo, New York.

Redwave, part of Austria-based BT-Systems GmbH, says its XRF technology excels in recognizing materials according to their chemical composition, ensuring high-precision sorting of the recovered mixed heavy metals into monometal products, such as copper, brass or zinc.

In addition to operators of mixed shredded metals sorting plants, the agreement is expected to benefit a wide range of industries, from automotive to electronics, by providing higher-quality recycled materials, underscoring what Redwave and Tomra Recycling say is a commitment to driving innovation and sustainability in the recycling sector.