Major plastics sorting hub ‘first of its kind’ in Norway

Recycling tech provider Sutco has completed the commissioning and start-up of the first phase of an advanced plastics recycling plant in Norway.

The facility serves as Norway’s national sorting hub for post-consumer plastic packaging waste, with handling capacity of 90 000 tonnes of materials per year. It is claimed to be the first dedicated sorting plant of its kind in the country.

Based in Tomter near Oslo, the facility has been launched as ‘a milestone in European circular economy infrastructure’. Developed as a joint venture between Tomra Feedstock and Plastretur, the plant operates under the new brand Områ.

Smart sorting tools

The plant features high-capacity mechanical systems combined with sensor-based sorting technology, enabling the production of 11 high-purity plastic fractions. These fractions are suitable for both mechanical and chemical recycling routes.

Remote, AI-supported control

The facility uses a modular digital solution for real-time process control and system monitoring. ProDigit gives operators the ability to oversee the full material flow, monitor different rates, track energy usage, and assess equipment performance live and remotely. ‘With AI-assisted data analytics and predictive maintenance tools, the platform boosts operational efficiency while minimising unplanned downtime,’ says the company. ‘It also offers full connectivity while hosted by Sutco on servers in Germany allowing for remote control and seamless integration into future automation and digitisation initiatives.’

After a three month start-up, full commercial operation is scheduled to begin in November.