Skapa Recycling GmbH, a recycling operation in in eastern Austria, improved its aluminum recycling activities with a new x-ray fluorescence (XRF) sorting machine from REDWAVE. By using state-of-the-art technologies and optimized processes, they are able to maximize the recyclability of aluminum cans while reducing their environmental impact.
The partnership between the two companies shows how advanced sorting technologies can revolutionize aluminum recycling. “Our collaboration with REDWAVE and the use of the REDWAVE XRF sorting machine takes the recycling of aluminum to a new level,” said Anton Skalnik, owner and managing director of Skapa Recycling. According to both companies, this co-operation is an important step towards a more sustainable future.
Since 2011, Skapa has processed collected used drinks cans in a modern processing plant in eastern Austria, to product cleaned and briquetted UBC, This end product is tied up on pallets and delivered to specialized can alloy manufacturers throughout Europe.
Skapa endeavors to ensure that every can finds its way back into recycling — from can to can — and there was a need for improves collection and sorting solutions. Of the 12,000 tonnes of used aluminium beverage cans (UBCs) on the Austrian market, only around 6,000 tonnes are officially recycled, and these are often only processed into low-grade alloys.
The recycling process for used aluminum beverage cans is complex and requires thorough cleaning and the removal of impurities. The heavy metal fraction poses a particular challenge, as manual sorting was impractical due to the large quantities involved.
Anton Skalnik, owner and managing director of Skapa Recycling GmbH, recognized the need for an innovative solution early on. Motivated by a strong environmental awareness and the endeavor to increase added value in Austria, Skapa decided to integrate the REDWAVE x-ray fluorescence (XRF) sorting machine.
This state-of-the-art XRF technology not only separates various heavy metals, such as copper, brass and zinc, but also sorts aluminum cans according to their chemical composition. This enables precise and efficient processing, which significantly improves the recycling process and maximises the recovery of recyclable materials.
“The can waste we receive is first shredded, then divided into different fractions and thoroughly cleaned of impurities,” said Skalnik. “The integration of the REDWAVE XRF sorting machine into our operational processes marks a significant step forward. This innovative technology enables us to significantly increase the efficiency and precision of our recycling process and thus substantially increase recycling rates.”
He added, “The machine has now been running for almost six months and the product is really impressive. Fine adjustments have been made to copper and brass extraction, and the plant will pay for itself in two to three years.”
The modular concept of the REDWAVE XRF sorting machine makes it possible to start with a narrow sorting width at lower capacities. At a later date, this width can then be extended to a larger width with minimum effort in order to process higher throughputs. The Skapa production plant currently processes up to 15,000 tonnes per year, with the prospect of increasing this capacity to 20,000 tonnes.
“Next year we’ll have the deposit, which is no problem at all for me,” explained Skalnik. “Our aim was to reduce the finished product and instead process semi-finished products that contain valuable materials. We export worldwide, from Saudi Arabia to Korea and Malaysia.”
With the introduction of the deposit system and the continuous improvement of recycling processes, Skapa is ideally equipped for the challenges ahead. “We are ready for the future and will continue to do everything we can to increase the recycling rate and optimize our processes,” said Skalnik.