🚀 STEINERT MSort is developing a cost-effective solution for HR glass separation
Rejuvenation from within – the MSort technology helps a 10 to 15 years old machine to be upgraded to the latest state of the art, ensuring it can continue to operate for many years to come. An upgrade enables HR (heat-resistant) glass or plastics to be removed in a single sorting step alongside CSP (ceramics, stones, porcelain). It can hardly be more cost-effective, as experts can also integrate this upgrade into existing machines.
Lukas Armatys, Managing Director of STEINERT MSort in Wedel, is proud of his team. The product development team has solved a problem for which other manufacturers require a much more expensive technology to solve. "In addition to the usual impurities such as CSP and metal, we can now detect and remove heat-resistant glass and plastics in a single step, in combination with colour sorting.
As this new product is available as an upgrade for all existing sorting systems, purchasing this sorting solution is much more cost-effective than the options of competitors. And there's no need for complex modification work either," says Armatys. This is very good news for all glass recyclers, no matter whether they work with flat glass or container glass. This is because there is no need for complicated and costly work involved in removing the old and installing the new sorting systems; the new sorting solutions are simply added to the existing machine via an upgrade. Why HR (heat-resistant) glass is an impurity and how to remove it
To produce high-quality recycled bottles and glass, recyclers need cullet suitable for remelting packaging glass. However, HR glass differs in chemical composition and melting behaviour, making it a critical impurity that must be removed.
The challenge increases when HR glass and plastics resemble target materials like flint glass. To address this, developers use cost-effective sensor technology based on wavelengths outside the visible spectrum, enabling accurate detection. This is essential, as many types of HR glass — such as cookware, oven glass, ceramic hobs, and fireplace screens — should not enter the standard recycling stream.
MSort AX has been operating reliably for months
This new development has already proven its worth over a considerable period of time with a long-standing glass recycling customer. The 14-year-old sorting system is now operating with the new development in this case. The latest tests show that the MSort AX detects and removes HR glass with 99% accuracy. This is efficient for the customer, as the system did not have to be modified – just a few days were needed for the upgrade and the results are excellent.
For anyone interested in taking advantage of these new opportunities, sorting tests are available at the Test Center in Wedel.
Related Articles
Trends
Textiles Recycling Expo Returns with the Industry Alliance Hub Featuring UKFT
The Textiles Recycling Expo returns to Brussels, Belgium on 24–25 June 2026 for its second edition — and registration is now open (free of charge). A key highlight of the event, the Industry Alliance Hub, is back for 2026 — now strengthened by the addition of one of the Expo’s major partners, UKFT.
Equipment
Reverse Vending Gets a New Design: TOMRA Launches T100
TOMRA Collection has unveiled the TOMRA T100, its latest-generation single-feed reverse vending machine (RVM), setting a new benchmark for drink container recycling in retail environments.Building on decades of TOMRA’s trusted recognition and handling technology, the T100 combines enhanced usability, flexible configuration and a strong focus on life cycle sustainability. The machine succeeds the widely deployed TOMRA T9, offering retailers a more attractive and modern reverse vending area designed to boost footfall and customer loyalty.
The T100 is available in two configurations:
Single-container returns Single-container returns combined with crate handling
Retailers can upgrade from bottle-only to crate handling simply by replacing the lower module — without changing the entire unit. The system is also compatible with TOMRA’s existing backroom storage solutions, allowing seamless upgrades.
Launched alongside the T100 is the TOMRA Side-By-Side, a space-efficient unit enabling full-crate returns. It can be installed next to selected TOMRA machines, increasing flexibility and future-proofing reverse vending areas. The T100’s design also complements the multi-feed TOMRA R2, ensuring a consistent and intuitive user experience across different machine formats. Designed for performance and sustainability
Key highlights of the TOMRA T100 include:
High-brightness display with intuitive user interface
Built-in motion sensor that activates the screen and guides users
Modern, customizable design aligned with TOMRA’s new design language
Power-saving features including dimming and sleep mode
Reduced material use and durable components to extend product lifetime
Electronic door lock eliminating the need for physical keys
The machine handles all beverage container types, including glass, while maintaining the same footprint as the TOMRA T9.
Germany became the first launch market, with international availability now underway. The T100 will also be showcased at EuroShop, taking place 22–26 February in Düsseldorf.
With the T100, TOMRA reinforces its position as a global leader in reverse vending — combining smart design, operational efficiency and sustainability in a next-generation solution for deposit return systems.
Equipment
