December 11, 2025
The End Markets and Operations Committee hosted a technology showcase focused on optical sorters and C&D materials, featuring presentations from five vendors including Pellenc ST, MSS Inc., Eagle Vizion, Steinert US, and Tomra. Each vendor demonstrated their AI-enhanced sorting technologies and capabilities, showcasing various applications in waste management and recycling, with particular emphasis on wood sorting and material recovery. The conversation ended with discussions about industry challenges and best practices, including the importance of material preparation and infrastructure investments, followed by information about upcoming CDRA events.
Optical Sorter Technology Showcase
The meeting began with Will Hancock introducing the agenda for the End Markets and Operations Committee’s technology showcase on optical sorters and C&D materials. He explained that five vendors would present, and their contact information would be shared in the chat for any questions. Will emphasized that while the presenters are competitors, they are willing to share general information about optical sorting technologies. The meeting was set to start at 1 PM Mountain Time, with presentations lasting 10 minutes each, followed by a Q&A session. Will mentioned that the CDRA would provide a video recording of the presentation.
Jess Baldwin, Sales Manager with Pellenc ST, a French company with 320 machines in North and South America, presented their circular performance partnership mission and optical sorting technology. She demonstrated their AI-enhanced optical sorter’s capabilities, showcasing a case study where it achieved 98.5% purity and 94.8% efficiency in sorting mixed demolition materials.
Felix Hottenstein, MSS Inc.’s Sales Director, followed with an introduction, highlighting his 27-year career in optical sorting technology and MSS Inc.’s expertise in sensor technologies for recycling applications. Felix presented MSS’s AI sensor technology for waste management and recycling applications, highlighting their partnership with RecycleEye and showcasing various sorting capabilities. He demonstrated how AI can achieve high purity and recovery rates in sorting different materials like aggregates, concrete, and wood, while also providing real-time statistical data.
Nathanaël Lortie, President & Co-Founder of Eagle Vizion, was introduced as a leader in advanced sensor-based sorting technologies, with a focus on improving wood recycling through AI-driven systems. Nathanaël presented Eagle Vizion, a Canadian company founded in 2006 that specializes in recycling technologies using infrared spectral imaging and AI. He explained their technology’s ability to detect and analyze materials like PET bottles and wood, with applications in various recycling facilities worldwide.
Tim Barry, Waste and Recycling Marketing Manager at Steinert US, was introduced as the next speaker, overseeing operations across North America and having extensive experience in advanced sorting technologies. Tim explained that Steinert’s expertise spans multiple industries, including metals recycling and mining, which informs their waste management solutions. Tim highlighted their recent case study with a Northeastern customer involving eddy currents for non-ferrous separation and discussed their robust optical sorters for inert materials like stones, ceramics, and large debris. The presentation concluded with results from a test conducted earlier in the year for A-grade wood separation, where painted wood was allowed as long as it comprised less than 7% of the material. Tim presented results from wood sorting tests, demonstrating a single-pass system capable of processing 6-9.5 tons per hour with 95-90% recovery rates for A-grade wood. He highlighted their use of hyperspectral imaging technology, which has been refined over a decade, as their primary sorting method, noting that AI could be added but is not currently necessary.
Nicodemus Sherwood, the VP of Sales and Managing Director of Americas for Tomra. Nicodemus presented an overview of their waste and metal sorting solutions, highlighting their global presence and advanced sorting technologies. He discussed their use of multiple sensors, including AI, NIR, and laser systems, to sort materials at high throughput rates. Tomra emphasized the importance of understanding customer-specific needs and the challenges of sorting lead-based paint and other materials in the C&D industry. Nicodemus also addressed the need for further discussion on the nomenclature and requirements for A and B wood sorting.
Optical Sorters for C&D Applications
The meeting focused on optical sorters for C&D MRFs, with presenters discussing their applications, challenges, and best practices. Key points included the importance of material preparation, sizing, and moisture control for optimal sorter performance. The presenters highlighted that while technology exists, market consistency and infrastructure investments are major challenges. The discussion also covered specific questions about wood sorting, debris in bottles, and the location of installations in the U.S. The conversation ended with information about upcoming CDRA events and an open forum for attendees to seek industry expertise.