CP group expands AI sorting capabilities with Recycleye acquisition
Next-gen AI-based capabilities will transform MRF system operations with real-time alerts, driving higher purity levels
CP Group (CPG), a designer, manufacturer, and integrator of advanced material recovery facilities (MRFs) and automated sorting technologies, has acquired a majority stake in Recycleye. This strategic move significantly expands CPG's AI-driven sorting capabilities while further enabling MRF operators to increase recovery, improve purity, and generate valuable operational data.
Recycleye, headquartered in London, specializes in high-accuracy AI-vision systems used across robotic and belt-based sorting applications. The acquisition unlocks technical synergies that enable alignment of products and technologies across the two companies, leading to innovations that strengthen the company's position as a global leader in advanced recycling sorting systems.
"This acquisition brings together the industry's leading MRF integrator with Europe's most established AI-based sorting company. The combined organization accelerates AI-enabled sorting and plant control across the full MRF — delivering the performance and purity levels that define the next generation of material recovery," said Terry Schneider, CP Group CEO.
Enhancing material purity through an improved system
The integrated AI platform enables facilities to process materials to a higher purity, reduce reliance on manual sorting positions, and achieve real-time analysis of material composition. Additionally, it reinforces last-chance AI sorting capabilities — deployed at the tail end of sorting lines to recover residual material value and drive measurable improvements in end-to-end plant purity.
The transaction unlocks multiple next-generation AI-based capabilities that transform system operations, offering real-time alerts, performance, and material insights, and expert advice. Recyclers will also gain access to extended 24/7 technical support enabled by Recycleye's U.K.-based engineering team, broadening coverage across time zones.
"The applications for AI-based capabilities are significant in MRF systems, and the Recycleye team will enable us to bring powerful new capabilities to the industry in the months ahead," added Schneider.
A new collaboration pushing recycling possibilities even further
CP Group and Recycleye began collaborating in 2023, deploying the Vivid-AI optical sorter through CPG's Optical Sorting Division, MSS. Vivid AI is the industry's first AI system paired with air ejection, which enables higher volume sorting and less maintenance than an AI-enabled mechanical arm. MSS and Recycleye have already completed over 23 live installations together in the U.S. and Europe.
With Recycleye's installations across Europe, CPG now operates the largest deployed fleet of AI-only optical sorters in Europe — strengthening its position as the technology leader in AI-driven material recovery and waste-stream intelligence.
Recycleye's entire team and leadership will remain in place, continuing to serve customers internationally. CPG, MSS, and Recycleye will collaborate to expand sales across the U.S. and Europe, while maintaining independent divisional operations to support each regional market.
Victor Dewulf, Recycleye CEO, said, "This acquisition creates a significant opportunity for both companies and our customers. By combining near-infrared technology with advanced AI, we can deliver higher-quality sorting solutions to the market. CPG's industry expertise will accelerate our growth, supported by Recycleye's multidisciplinary engineering team working toward the shared goal of extracting value from all waste."
