Pellenc ST, Buhler partner for plastic bottle and flake sorting

Two companies that specialize in sorting polyethylene terephthalate (PET) have announced a partnership they say is geared toward offering plastic recyclers a complete front- and back-end solution for plastic bottle and flake sorting.

Buhler Group, Uzwil, Switzerland, and Pellenc ST, Pertuis, France, will combine their sorting specialties. Buhler will provide its Sortex N PolyVision and Sortex A GlowVision PET flake sorting equipment, while Pellenc will utilize its Mistral+ Connect bottle sorter to streamline the process for PET recyclers, according to Buhler Sales Director of Digital Technologies and Lead of Buhler in Northern Europe Carlos Cabello.

Cabello says, “We look forward to the collaboration between the teams on both sides. Our sales managers, field engineers and research and development (R&D) experts will all be working together as a united force to shake up and add new value to the plastics market.”

The companies say they have secured an official agent agreement in North America to operate a joint Demo and Applications Center that will be opened by Pellenc ST in November. The facility is located in Pineville, North Carolina, and will house Buhler’s Sortex A GlowVision optical sorter.

The companies say their long-term goal is to work together to tackle upcoming issues in the global plastics industry.

“By combining the best of both companies, we are strengthening the industry and delivering the best possible customer experience,” Pellenc ST CEO Jean Henin says. “This partnership will bring confidence into processing and increased quality for the market, both of which are much needed.”