ACE and Panda partner to improve carton recycling process on Irish market

Using ground-breaking artificial intelligence as accurate as a human eye, the new robot will identify, pick, and sort cartons at the new facility into their own dedicated streams

Minister for Circular Economy launches new generation of robotic sorting technology in Panda’s Ballymount MRF marking its partnership with ACE Ireland

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The Alliance for Beverage Cartons and the Environment – ACE Ireland, has announced a new partnership with Panda aimed at significantly improving the recycling process of cartons placed on the Irish market.

As part of the collaboration, Tetra Pak, along with other ACE Ireland members funded the installation of state-of-the-art robotic sorting technology at Panda’s materials recovery facility (MRF) in Ballymount, Dublin.

Using ground-breaking artificial intelligence as accurate as a human eye, the new robot will identify, pick, and sort cartons at the MRF into their own dedicated streams. The sorted materials will then be sent onwards to ACE’s specialised carton recycling facility in the UK operated by Sonoco Stainland.

Minister of State with special responsibility for Circular Economy, Ossian Smyth officially launched the new sorting technology during a site visit of the Ballymount MRF.

“The creation of a circular economy and the achievement of our ambitious reuse and recycling targets requires strong partnerships and innovative solutions,” Minister Smyth said. “I’m delighted to be here today at the launch of this new technology, which will improve recycling processes and drive higher recycling rates. Today also demonstrates the important role that cross-industry collaboration can play in the transition to a circular economy.”

“Carton packaging plays a crucial role in the safe delivery of food and beverages across Ireland,” said Awantika Chadha, sustainability manager, Tetra Pak. “As a recyclable, low carbon packaging solution, it is vital that our industry works together to ensure carton recycling infrastructure is as efficient as possible to boost overall recycling rates*.

“This initiative marks the latest step in our ongoing investment in recycling solutions. Through our partnership with ACE Ireland, we are committed to improving the resilience of our food supply chain by working closely with the government and waste management companies to further increase carton recycling rate,” added Chadha.

For more information about the Alliance for Beverage Cartons and the Environment – ACE Ireland visit: www.ace-ireland.ie.

*(Source: Beverage carton: Recycling facts and figures)

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