Stadler Anlagenbau used this year’s IFAT Munich 2026 trade show to spotlight the growing role of artificial intelligence and data-driven operations in recycling plants.
The German recycling technology supplier showcased its Stadlerconnect platform through a live demonstration at its Munich stand. The company also outlined ongoing international expansion plans, including a new office in Japan and growth in India and Poland.
According to co-ceo Julia Stadler, digitalisation is becoming central to modern recycling operations. ‘The recycling industry is entering a new phase,’ she says. ‘Data is now central to how plants are operated and optimised.’
AI tools move beyond monitoring
At the centre of Stadler’s presentation stood the Stadlerconnect platform, a cloud-based system using real-time plant data and AI-driven analysis.
Visitors could test the system through the company’s interactive ‘Demo Loop’. The setup simulated live operating conditions and showed how digital tools influence plant performance in real time.
Stadler’s team demonstrated applications such as predictive maintenance, blockage detection, downtime tracking and automated production reporting.
Dr Bastian Küppers, head of process engineering at Stadler Group, says the system allows operators to move from passive monitoring to active process control. ‘Visitors can simulate real operating conditions and immediately see how digital tools interact with plant performance,’ he explains.
40 systems running
Stadler points out the platform is already operating at customer facilities in nine countries and at its test centre in Slovenia. More than 40 plants currently use StadlerConnect modules.
According to the company, some applications have achieved yield improvements of up to 18% by reducing downtime and improving quality control.
Dr Nils Kroell, head of digital solutions at Stadler Group, argues that Stadler’s engineering background gives the company an advantage over software-only suppliers. ‘We combine OEM expertise, purpose-built hardware and intelligent software to create measurable operational improvements,’ he says.
New sorting equipment and global expansion
Alongside its digital platform, Stadler also introduced a new Air Drum Sifter at IFAT. The compact unit combines drum screening with integrated air separation technology. The system separates heavy and light fractions through controlled airflow while also helping remove contaminants from bulk material streams.
Meanwhile, Stadler continues expanding internationally. The company plans to open a new office in Japan to strengthen its presence in the country’s recycling sector. In India, Stadler sees growing opportunities in municipal solid waste and plastics recycling. The company recently appointed Rahul Bajaj as sales and country manager for India.
Additionally, Stadler has strengthened its European operations by appointing Łukasz Tomsia as sales and country manager for Poland.
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