PICVISA to display new metals vertical sorting system at IFAT 2026
The new system covers the full metal recovery chain through three complementary technology lines
PICVISA, the Barcelona-based specialist in AI-powered optical sorting for the recycling industry, will exhibit at IFAT 2026 in Munich from May 12 to 16.
Metals vertical sorts through ferrous and non-ferrous metals on the same line
IFAT 2026 marks the formal launch of PICVISA's metals vertical. The offering is built around three complementary lines: optical sorting for cable granulates and non-ferrous metals through Eldan Sorting (SPS and MPS systems developed exclusively for Eldan Recycling); magnetic separation for ferrous extraction, eddy-current non-ferrous recovery, and stainless steel separation through Regulator Cetrisa, following its acquisition by PICVISA; and real-time alloy identification via Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) through Austin AI, of which PICVISA is the official distributor in its target markets.
Creating a new solution for sorting black plastics
Conventional NIR systems cannot identify black plastics — carbon black pigments absorb infrared light, eliminating the spectral signal required for polymer classification. PICVISA has developed a sorting approach that combines mid-wave infrared (MWIR) hyperspectral imaging with AI and sensor fusion, enabling classification of PE, PP, PS, PC, and a range of engineered plastics regardless of surface pigmentation. Combined with X-ray fluorescence, the system also detects brominated flame retardants — a key compliance requirement for WEEE processors.
Innovations in glass sorting
As well, the introduction of a new pulsed lighting technology reduces energy consumption in the ECOGLASS optical system by up to 40 percent while delivering higher light intensity and improved AI-based detection of ceramics, stones, porcelain, and dark glass fractions.
Industrial solutions for sorting textiles
PICVISA and Girbau have delivered a fully automated post-consumer textile sorting line for a client in Northern Europe — one of the first in Europe to integrate automated feeding with advanced optical sorting in a single continuous process. PICVISA's ECOSORT technology now has ten installations across Europe.
