Recyclers can evaluate materials at TOMRA’s new testing and training centre

TOMRA Recycling has created a new era of support for recyclers in the Americas with its new Test & Training Center in Charlotte, N.C. A grand opening was held on April 22, 2026, to mark the occasion. Recyclers and partners gathered at TOMRA's Charlotte headquarters, where they received a first-hand tour of the expanded facilities, including a testing circuit complete with the latest sorting technologies, a warehouse for critical parts, and training facilities.

New technologies included at the training and testing facility

TOMRA Recycling's new, 4,500-square-foot test center is equipped with the company's latest sorting technologies to give recyclers a nearby facility to test waste and plastics materials. The installation includes the latest generation AUTOSORT equipped with TOMRA's deep learning AI technology, GAINnext. 

From municipal solid waste and paper to plastics and packaging, AUTOSORT combines a variety of leading-edge features in one machine with a flexible sensor configuration for a sorting system that meets the challenges of a dynamic market landscape. GAINnext leverages AI-based visual classification to identify hard-to-classify objects to maximize recyclate recovery and purity levels. 

For advanced testing of plastic flake materials, the installation includes TOMRA's AUTOSORT FLAKE and INNOSORT FLAKE technologies. Delivering simultaneous detection of polymers and colours, the flexible INNOSORT FLAKE features an advanced near-infrared (NIR) spectrometer and dual-sided imaging with high-resolution cameras to sort high-purity recyclable flakes, even from contaminated mixed streams. AUTOSORT FLAKE offers a powerful combination of NIR spectrometer, full colour camera, and metal sensor to deliver exceptional sorting performance, making it ideal for sorting high-purity end products. 

Providing end-to-end material tracking, the Waste Analyzer from PolyPerception, included in the circuit harnesses the power of deep learning AI. Colour cameras capture real-time images of material flow at strategic points in the line to analyze key performance metrics, such as throughput, waste composition, and yield loss. 

"Today, we celebrate much more than expanded material testing capabilities and efficiency for customers and partners operating in the Americas," said Michelle Landon, senior vice president and head of Americas for TOMRA Recycling. "This investment in testing, training, and warehouse space at our Americas headquarters is a commitment to a deeper level of support. From pre-sale consultation and machinery sales and installation to after-sales support and on-going technical training, TOMRA Recycling partners with our customers throughout the equipment's lifecycle."

The opening ceremony hosted a demonstration of the circuit 

Those attending TOMRA Recycling's open house were treated to a facility tour and comments from officials. Landon shared the company's vision for expanded material testing and training of both internal TOMRA technicians and external customers. 

The main event included three material testing demonstrations. TOMRA previewed the powerful object recognition capabilities of the AUTOSORT and GAINnext, which use deep learning technologies and neural networks to solve complex sorting challenges across paper, packaging, wood, and metals applications. The multifunctional INNOSORT FLAKE sorter, which can easily be used in different applications by changing programs, was configured to show different color applications from a mixed polyolefin (PO) material infeed. 

Finally, the PolyPerception Analyzer, configured for optimization at MRFs and plastics recyclers, provided insights into the live demonstration using real-world material sourced from the United States. Bringing transparency to operations, the real-time monitoring provided by the Analyzer increases performance and lowers costs through actionable data. 

"Customers can now enjoy expanded testing capacities, shorter lead times, and greater flexibility when it comes to scheduling tests," offered Andre Lehmann, test centre manager for recycling North America for TOMRA Recycling. "Recycling operations in the Americas are benefitting from collective global TOMRA expertise with our new Test & Training Center, since our Research & Development teams are continuing to innovate with new optical sorting and deep learning AI applications to meet customer needs." 

Addressing the expanded opportunities the new facility gives TOMRA, Mateusz Brezinski, TOMRA Recycling's customer experience director, said: "We can now expand and enhance our training capabilities at our Americas headquarters. We plan to conduct internal service technician training as well as offer external maintenance and performance training." 

Two, one-day external training programs have already been announced. Operational Maintenance Training teaches customers basic machine operation and safety, performance data back-up and system restoration, preventative maintenance measures, and fault code diagnostics. TOMRA's new Maximizing Performance Training overviews advanced settings, machine operation, understanding machine performance, stabilizing and improving performance, and diagnosing machine conditioning. 

"We are excited about the flexibility our new Testing & Training Center gives us in supporting our customers," mentioned Daniel Ghiringhello, head of sales Americas for TOMRA Recycling. "We invite all recyclers to bring their materials and sorting challenges to TOMRA to develop a flexible, customized solution that maximizes throughput, yield, purity, and profitability.