Location: Multiple sites across the USA
Sector: Materials Recovery / Recycling
Challenge
Flexible plastic packaging (FPP) is one of the most problematic contaminants in material recovery facilities (MRFs). It often causes blockages, reduces the quality of recycled output, and increases maintenance demands on downstream systems. Manual sorting of film is labour-intensive and costly, yet many facilities continue to struggle with efficiently removing FPP without impacting the throughput of high-value recyclables.
Solution
To address this challenge, the client turned to Impact Air Systems’ FilmLift—a cutting-edge solution engineered to work in tandem with optical sorters. FilmLift captures film that has been rejected from the material stream via optical sorter air injection, separating it cleanly from other materials such as rigid plastics.
After witnessing outstanding results from previously installed FilmLift systems at facilities in the UK and across North America, the client committed to expanding their use of the technology, placing multiple new orders for sites across the region.
Results
- Improved Material Stream Quality: Effective removal of FPP ensures higher purity levels in sorted recyclables.
- Reduced Maintenance & Downtime: Minimised FPP build-up leads to smoother equipment operation and reduced maintenance costs.
- Lower Labour Costs: Significant reduction in manual sorting requirements.
- Increased Recovery Potential: Cleanly collected FPP can now be repurposed as a fuel source or further processed.
- Enhanced Efficiency: FilmLift supports high throughput operations while maintaining minimal system downtime thanks to features like quick-release inspection doors.
Impact Air Systems’ FilmLift continues to play a vital role in modernising waste processing facilities by delivering reliable, automated FPP removal. The system’s proven flexibility, efficiency, and performance have made it a preferred choice for operators seeking to optimise recovery rates and meet stricter recycling standards.
Want to improve your facility’s output quality?
Contact our technical team to find out how FilmLift can be tailored to your system.
Live Demonstrations. Proven Performance.
Send or bring a sample to our Resource Recovery Demonstration Facility and watch as we run it through our systems, showing you exactly how we can improve your process. Join us in person or online for a live, results-driven demonstration.
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