Caglia's new robot sorts PET plastic into three specialized streams

A grant from The Recycling Partnership's PET Recycling Coalition has enabled Caglia Environmental to install EverestLabs' RecycleOS-powered robotic sorters at its Cedar Avenue Recycling & Transfer Station (CARTS). The RecycleOS software is designed to identify #1 PET plastic into three specialized streams then each robot sorts the materials into three different bunkers. Caglia Environmental says that this process is unique as most facilities that recycle PET collect and bale the three streams as one.

"The Recycling Partnership is excited to work with CARTS as they implement a bold and replicable new system for PET recycling," says Adam Gendell, director of material advancement at The Recycling Partnership. "Being at the forefront of separating PET into specialized streams is a proactive leap towards the bigger and broader recycling landscape that extended producer responsibility (EPR) will bring to California and the industry."

Caglia Environmental's new investments in EverestLabs robotic sorters increase the efficiency of PET plastic recycling and ensure the purity of recycled materials. The facility can now sort clear PET bottles, thermoforms, and pigmented/opaque PET into separate streams, improving the recycling process and output quality.

"EverestLabs is delighted to extend our partnership with Caglia Environmental to increase PET recovery under The Recycling Partnership's grant from their PET Recycling Coalition," said JD Ambati, founder and CEO of EverestLabs. "The Caglia team saw right away that RecycleOS-powered robotics and data dramatically improved their bottom line on their Last-Chance line. This overwhelmingly positive experience has led to the expansion of robots on their PET line. We are excited to work with Caglia's forward-thinking leadership on AI and robotics solutions that drive their recovery and revenue growth while addressing labour challenges."

This collaborative approach to recycling is expected to have a substantial impact on the recycling capabilities within the San Joaquin Valley and serve as a model for other facilities nationwide. Caglia Environmental says that the Recycling Partnership's initiative paired with robots and AI operating systems made by EverestLabs.AI at the Cedar Avenue Recycling and Transfer Station has put Fresno, California, at the forefront of advanced PET recovery.