A cutting-edge plastics recycling plant, co-owned by Tomra and Plastretur, has officially opened its doors in Norway. Located in Holtskogen near Oslo, this facility is designed to sort and process all types of plastic packaging waste, including materials that were previously incinerated.

Source: Recycling International

It boasts a processing capacity of 90,000 tonnes of plastic annually. The joint venture, Områ, utilizes advanced sensor-based technology to separate mixed plastics into as many as ten distinct polymer fractions, which include:

• Polyethylene (PE)
• Polypropylene (PP)
• Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
• Polystyrene (PS)

This innovative approach is set to enhance plastic recovery and recycling rates, establishing it as one of the most advanced recycling facilities worldwide.

The Missing Link

Andersen further emphasizes that the site offers a dependable solution for municipalities and waste management companies contemplating the adoption of automated mixed sorting systems.

Scalable Circularity

By 2030, the EU mandates that a minimum of 55% of plastic packaging waste must be collected and recycled on a large scale as part of the upcoming PPWR regulation. Currently, approximately one-third of Norway’s plastic packaging waste is recycled, while the majority is still incinerated.

At the grand opening, Områ welcomed 300 international guests, including municipal representatives, recyclers, brand owners, NGOs, and policy experts. Ingvaldsen is optimistic that the facility will become a ‘cornerstone’ of Norway’s and Europe’s resource infrastructure.