Japan's Premier in Advance Cable & Stainless Steel Scrap Reclamation
Unleashing Recycling Excellence: MATEC's Refined Shredder Residue Plant
Japan's trailblazing metal recycler, MATEC Inc., has just inaugurated one of the world's top-tier shredder residue processing plants for end-of-life vehicles (ASR) in Tomakomai, nestled near Sapporo. Recognized globally for cutting-edge technology and impressive recycling rates, this plant sets the bar high at an annual throughput of 30,000 tonnes. Utilizing advanced sorting systems from STEINERT, this plant stands as the jewel in Japan's recycling crown.
Recycling at its Finest
The Tomakomai facility amasses and refines shredder light fractions (SLF) and Zorba materials from a total of six other MATEC plants. Equipped with two separate sorting lines, each tailored for distinct material streams and target metals, the plant is an engineering marvel. One line prioritizes stainless steel and heavy metals, while the second line zeroes in on metals from a light fraction, even processing particles as tiny as 6mm. The facility boasts a whopping 10 STEINERT sensor sorting systems, 6 non-ferrous metal separators, and 2 electromagnets.
Steel and Copper Recovery
The primary goal is the recovery of stainless steel and cable materials (copper) from the shredder residue. The heavy fraction line processes materials with various grain sizes and navigates numerous sorting stages. The plant employs advanced separation technology, including non-ferrous separators, upstream magnetic separators, STEINERT ISS induction sorting systems, and STEINERT KSS CLI high-tech systems boasting a sensor combination of induction, 3D, and color detection. These systems, used in succession, ensure efficient separation in the 30-60mm and 60-120mm size ranges.
For fractions ranging from 6-30mm, the focus lies on copper extraction. STEINERT ISS and KSS CLI systems are deployed to efficiently isolate the cable fraction. The sub-6mm fractions undergo a separate sorting process, where metals, particularly Zorba, are specifically targeted.
Efficient Processing of Shredder Light Fractions
Precision is the driving force behind processing SLF. Fraction sizes below 25mm and above 25mm each pass through non-ferrous separators and induction sorters, which expel all metals. These metal concentrates are then processed in a subsequent system utilizing X-ray transmission (XRT). The remaining fractions, consisting mainly of plastics, rubber, and similar materials, are repurposed as fuel for the local cement industry, contributing to a resource-conserving recycling initiative.
Joint Endeavor: Zenki and STEINERT
Zenki, known for their high-quality plant solutions in steel construction, supplied the structure on which the sorting systems are based. Armin Vogel, STEINERT's Head of Regional Sales Asia, expressed pride: "Combining our expertise in recycling with Zenki's prowess in steel construction, we've built a plant that redefines the norm in processing shredder residues." Serhii Govorovskyi, MATEC's Foreign Relations Manager, praised STEINERT's reputation for dependability: "STEINERT consistently delivers reliable, high-quality products and exceptional technical support. Their machines are robust and lead the industry in reliability."
Sustainability and Technological Prowess
The ASR plant in Tomakomai stands as a beacon of how technology and sustainability can coexist. The advanced sorting solutions from STEINERT guarantee the efficient recovery of valuable metals from shredder residues, while reducing the carbon footprint of the industry. The facility's circular economy achievements not only conserve natural resources but also pave the way to a cleaner, greener future.
By investing in the industry's vanguard recycling technology, MATEC solidifies its position as a frontrunner in the Japanese recycling industry, reinforcing its commitment to the recovery of valuable raw materials and its dedication to a sustainable, eco-friendly world. With STEINERT by their side, the duo is poised to empower other companies worldwide with tailored solutions and continue steering the global recycling industry towards a more resource-saving, green future.
- The Tomakomai facility, equipped with STEINERT's advanced sorting systems, not only recovers valuable metals like stainless steel and cable materials (copper) but also establishes a strong link between the science of recycling and the industry, fostering a greener and more sustainable future in the realm of environmental-science and finance.
- The collaboration between Zenki, specialists in steel construction, and STEINERT, leaders in recycling technology, exemplifies the convergence of both environmental-science and technology, which, when combined, create a robust, efficient, and environmentally friendly solution for the recycling industry, paving the way for a greener, financially viable world.
