Five recycling trends to watch for in 2025
Advancements in AI technology allow sorting facilities to reduce backlogs and improve accuracy, says TOMRA

Advancements in recycling technology occur at an incredibly fast pace. This year, improvements in AI technology for sorting, decarbonization for aluminum, and ambitious goals for packaging will be at the forefront of the industry, paving the way for the next generation of innovations.
Dr. Volker Rehrmann, executive vice president and head of TOMRA Recycling, a company focused on sensor-based sorting solutions, provides insights into the key trends in sorting and recycling that will shape the future of the industry.
1. Machine learning to assist with sorting practices
Deep learning will continue to shape the recycling industry in 2025. This subset of Artificial Intelligence (AI) achieved milestones in sorting last year, such as high accuracy and sorting of opaque white packaging, textiles, and foils from PET as well as high-throughput, high-purity used beverage can (UBC) aluminum recovery. Deep learning can assist with tackling increasingly complex sorting tasks and expand into new segments, such as metal sorting.
Traditional systems, which remain critical due to decades of refinement, focus on sorting by material type with NIR sensors, or colour with VIS sensors. Deep learning's value lies in object recognition using full-colour cameras that recognize the types of objects based on shape, size, and dimensions. Systems like TOMRA's GAINnext use deep learning to mimic human vision and can be trained to automate sorting challenges previously undertaken manually.
2. Real-time monitoring in sorting facilities
In 2025, advanced AI and cloud technologies will be used even more for waste analysis, improving transparency in sorting facilities. Platforms like TOMRA Insight collect data directly from sorting systems, while tools like PolyPerception's waste analyzer use cameras for real-time waste monitoring and classification at sorting points.
Digital twins of sorting lines allow detailed object tracking and analysis. These systems enable operators and recyclers to make data-driven decisions to improve the final result, prevent material loss, and stop potential disruptions. The benefits include enhanced efficiency and compliance with regulatory standards.
3. European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR)
European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) will become a key goal for the industry in 2025 due to its far-reaching impact.
The ambitious target of 70% recyclability for all packaging by 2030 has forced companies to adapt to strict requirements for recyclability. The PPWR mandates that plastic packaging must contain a minimum of 10-35% recycled content by 2030 - depending on the type of plastic and its intended use - with higher targets set for 2040.
These targets will drive innovations in eco-design and recycling technologies, including advanced mechanical recycling and chemical recycling.
The PPWR provides the industry with planning certainty and encourages investment and innovation, particularly in recycled content demand for plastics, potentially helping to stabilize prices for recycled materials.
4. Decarbonization for aluminum recycling
Decarbonization will remain a priority in 2025, particularly in the aluminum sector. Many large companies are committed to net-zero targets, driving demand for recycled aluminum and high-quality feedstock.
Using recycled aluminum yields significant CO2 savings compared to other materials. Achieving a fully circular system for aluminum requires increased sorting and greater granularity. Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) technology remains new in this area, and TOMRA plans to install several AUTOSORT PULSE systems globally in 2025.
5. Focus on lesser-known material streams
While recycling plastics, organic waste, and aluminum is well-established, other material streams are still in their infancy and will gain attention in the coming year.
For example, wood sorting technologies now enable the production of recycled materials matching the quality of virgin raw materials. Processed and unprocessed wood can be separated and medium-density fiberboard can be recovered efficiently. This year could see these solutions implemented on an industrial scale.
Similarly, advancements in textile recycling are poised to showcase what's technologically feasible, paving the way for larger-scale adoption.
Company info
TOMRA of North America - 4820 Holtz Dr.
Wixom, MI
US, 48393
Website:
tomra.com/en/collection