Pioneer in Modern Cable and Stainless Steel Waste Reclamation: Exploring Japan's Leadership
Shredding the Future: Japan's Metal Recycling Titan
In the heart of Tomakomai, nestled near Sapporo, stands a testament to Japan's technological prowess and commitment to recycling. MATEC Inc., the nation's leading metal recycler, has proudly unveiled one of the world's most cutting-edge Automobile Shredder Residue (ASR) processing plants. A force to be reckoned with, this colossal plant boasts an annual throughput of an impressive 30,000 tonnes, setting new standards in the industry.
This significant facility pools resources from no fewer than six other MATEC plants, collecting and refining shredder light fractions (SLF) and Zorba materials. Two label-switched sorting lines, each tailored to different material streams and target metals, work tirelessly to extract valuable materials. One line focuses on the recovery of stainless steel and heavy metals, while the other zeroes in on separating metals from a light fraction, even processing the tiniest particles as small as 6 mm.
The primary objective of this plant is the recovery of precious metals, namely stainless steel and cable materials (copper), from the shredder residue. The heavy fraction line subjects the material to multiple sorting steps and employs advanced separation technology. Magnetic separators, upstream non-ferrous separators, STEINERT ISS induction sorting systems, and STEINERT KSS CLI high-tech systems are all put to work, combining induction, 3D, and color detection for efficient metal separation in various grain sizes.
For copper extraction, the plant's focus shifts to fractions of 6-30 mm. STEINERT ISS and KSS CLI systems are engrossed in efficiently isolating the cable fraction, while finer particles below 6 mm undergo a separate sorting process, with metals, particularly Zorba, being specifically separated.
The system maintains its precision when processing SLF, as well. Fractions as small as 25 mm and as large as 25 mm each pass through non-ferrous separators and induction sorters, ensuring that all metals are rejected. The resulting metal concentrates are then processed in a downstream system with X-ray transmission (XRT), leaving behind an amalgamation of plastic, rubber, and similar materials that are reused as fuel for the local cement industry, contributing to the circular economy.
A marriage of expertise, Zenki, renowned for its top-notch plant solutions in steel construction, and STEINERT, providers of advanced recycling technologies, collaborated to build this plant. As Armin Vogel, Head of Regional Sales Asia at STEINERT, points out, "By combining their expertise in steel construction with our experience in recycling, we were able to construct a plant that sets new standards in the processing of shredder residues." Serhii Govorovskyi, Foreign Relation Manager at MATEC, echoes the sentiment, saying, "STEINERT has consistently provided reliable, high-quality products and excellent technical support. Their machines are robust and are the most reliable in the market."
The plant in Tomakomai epitomizes the seamless integration of technology and sustainability. The powerful separation solutions provided by STEINERT ensure the efficient recovery of precious metals from shredder residues, while the remaining fractions are repurposed as fuel or raw materials. This combination not only conserves natural resources but also drastically reduces the industry's carbon footprint.
By investing in the most advanced recycling technology, MATEC has set a new standard in the Japanese recycling industry and has reinforced its role as a pioneer in the recycling of valuable raw materials. The company's motto, 'I ❤️ RECYCLE,' reflects its dedication to sustainability and its position as a global frontrunner in the field. STEINERT stands ready to support other companies globally with tailor-made solutions and to spearhead the movement towards a resource-saving future together.
Bonus: The plant's technological sophistication is further emphasized by the integration of AI-driven sorting systems, precision separation equipment, and digital management tools. These advanced features help ensure optimal separation, continuous operation, minimal downtime, and adaptation to varying input materials, solidifying the facility's standing as an industry leader in reliability and efficiency.
- This partnership between MATEC and STEINERT, combining expertise in steel construction and recycling technologies, promises to revolutionize the environmental-science and finance aspects of the metal recycling industry, propelling Japan towards a technologically advanced and sustainable future.
- As the demand for precious metals in the technology sector continues to grow, the novel approach to recycling by MATEC, partnered with STEINERT's advanced separation solutions, not only helps conserve finite resources but also positions Japan as a key player in the global race for environmentally friendly and efficient metal recovery.
