REDWAVE, the global leader in glass recycling solutions, has recently unveiled Australia’s most advanced glass recycling facility in Laverton, Melbourne, valued at approximately 20 million euros.
This state-of-the-art facility, designed to process 200,000 tonnes of recycled glass annually, marks a significant advancement in glass recycling technology.
The inauguration ceremony at the Laverton site celebrated a groundbreaking collaboration between REDWAVE and Visy, a prominent player in glass recycling and manufacturing in Australia and New Zealand. Together, they have embarked on a transformative project that promises to redefine glass recycling practices in Australia. Equipped with the latest sorting technology, this cutting-edge facility replaces its predecessor, ushering in a new era of sustainable glass management.
Wayne Russell, Executive General Manager – Recycling at Visy, highlighted the commitment to closing the glass recycling loop in Victoria. “At Visy, we are dedicated to closing the loop for glass in Victoria. By partnering with REDWAVE and integrating their world-class optical sorters into our new facility, we have doubled our glass recycling capacity,” Russell affirmed.
The partnership with REDWAVE ensures access to state-of-the-art equipment backed by a reliable technology partner. As the general contractor, REDWAVE oversaw the entire process from design and engineering to delivery, installation, and commissioning, guaranteeing maximum cullet yield.
Revolutionizing Glass Processing:
The new facility boasts a processing capacity of 200,000 tonnes per year, with two-thirds of the input sourced from kerbside mixed recycling collections and the remaining third from the Victorian container deposit scheme. Upon arrival, the glass undergoes meticulous sorting into three distinct colors, down to three millimeters in size. This precise sorting process ensures a steady supply of flint, amber, and green glass for future production, while also maximizing the utilization of by-products and reducing landfill impact.
Innovative Sensor Technology:
REDWAVE has developed a sophisticated solution to address the unique challenges posed by glass-ceramics, employing its proprietary CX camera and lighting unit to separate glass-ceramics, ceramics, stones, porcelain, and off-colors through a multi-stage sorting process.
Increased Efficiency with REDWAVE mate smart plant:
The implementation of REDWAVE mate smart plant software enhances plant efficiency by collecting and processing real-time production data. This data empowers operators, facilitating autonomous plant operation tailored to meet customer requirements. The sorters act as data hubs, transmitting critical information to the software, optimizing plant performance.
Digital Sales Landscape:
Amid the global pandemic, REDWAVE demonstrated innovation by digitizing the entire sales process for the Laverton plant. With a strong commitment to customer experience, all interactions, including reference visits and sorting tests, were conducted virtually, bridging distances of 16,000 kilometers and an eight-hour time difference.
Follow-up Order:
The success of the Laverton project has led to a follow-up contract to construct another glass recycling facility at the Yatala site near Brisbane. This new project is already in progress and is expected to be completed by early 2025.
REDWAVE CEO’s Statement on the Impact in Australia:
“We are proud of REDWAVE’s significant role in reducing glass landfilling in Australia. With our exceptional sorting quality, we can reintroduce glass into the recycling loop, contributing to a more sustainable future.”
In conclusion, REDWAVE’s cutting-edge solutions are revolutionizing glass recycling in Australia, setting new standards in sustainability and efficiency. The collaboration with Visy and the innovative technologies employed in these facilities underscore the commitment to environmental stewardship and resource conservation in the glass recycling industry.
Source: REDWAVE with additional information added by GlassBalkan
