Client Overview
Récupération Mauricie operates a major material recovery facility (MRF) in Quebec, Canada, processing large volumes of dry mixed recycling (DMR) collected from municipalities across the region.
As recycling streams evolve, one of the growing operational challenges for MRF operators has been the effective removal of plastic film and flexible packaging from mixed recycling streams.
The Challenge
The Quebec facility processes a significant volume of DMR material containing increasing levels of plastic film and flexible packaging.
These materials were:
* Difficult to separate consistently using conventional methods.
* Contributing to contamination in fibre and container stream.
* Creating operational disruption through equipment wrapping and housekeeping issues.
* Increasing the volume of residual material sent to landfill.
The facility sought a solution that could automatically capture film within the process line, improve recovery rates, and reduce reliance on manual removal.
Our Solution
Impact Air Systems worked with the plant integrator, Sparta Manufacturing, to design and supply an integrated film capture and compaction system tailored to the facility’s processing layout.
AirKnife Windshifter
Installed within the processing line, the AirKnife creates a precisely controlled air stream that separates lightweight plastic film from heavier recyclables as the material passes through the system at various conveyor transition points.
FilmVac – Pneumatic Film Capture System
Once separated, the FilmVac system captures the airborne film using a purpose-designed suction hood and pneumatically conveys it through ductwork away from the sorting line.
The recovered film is discharged from the system for compaction.
Client Testimonial
Remi Valdron, Director of Engineering at Sparta Manufacturing, highlighted the success of the installation:
“The film capture solution supplied by Impact Air Systems has performed extremely well within the system we delivered for Groupe RCM. The AirKnife and FilmVac technologies work effectively together to remove film from the recycling stream and improve overall material recovery. The results achieved at this facility have exceeded expectations and demonstrate the value of incorporating air-based separation into modern MRF design.”
The Result
Following installation and operational trials, the system delivered better-than-expected performance, significantly improving film capture and material recovery across the line.
Key outcomes include:
* Substantial reduction in material sent to landfill.
* Automated capture and handling of flexible plastic packaging.
* Improved purity of recyclable material streams.
* Reduced equipment downtime caused by film wrapping.
* Lower housekeeping requirements and improved plant cleanliness.
By removing film earlier and more effectively in the process, the facility has been able to increase overall plant efficiency while diverting more material from landfill.