June 12, 2025 –
AsiaMB Exclusive: French AI Breakthrough Revolutionizes rPET Quality for Masterbatch Applications
A groundbreaking collaboration between French recycler Nord Pal Plast (NPP) and technology leader TOMRA is setting new standards in PET purification. Their newly deployed AI-powered sorting system achieves unprecedented material purity levels – a development with significant implications for color masterbatch formulators working with recycled content.
The AUTOSORT™ with GAINnext™ system represents a quantum leap in sorting technology:
• Delivers 99.99% pure PET streams (≤100ppm impurities)
• Specialized algorithms distinguish subtle color variations
• Processes 40,000 metric tons annually with just six units
“This isn’t just about meeting France’s Circular Economy Law requirements,” explained NPP’s Operations Director. “We’re creating rPET that performs like virgin material for demanding masterbatch applications.” The system’s ability to separate transparent from opaque white PET – historically a major industry challenge – particularly excites color specialists.
TOMRA engineers revealed the secret lies in machine learning: “Our system continuously improves through analyzing millions of sorting decisions. It adapts to contamination patterns in real-time.” This dynamic capability proves crucial for maintaining consistent feedstock quality – a key concern for masterbatch producers.
For the color masterbatch industry, this innovation addresses two critical needs:
- Reliable access to high-purity recycled PET
- Consistent color reproduction in recycled-content formulations
As Europe pushes toward full plastic circularity, NPP’s facility has become Citeo’s preferred partner, with output already reserved by major packaging converters. Industry analysts suggest this technology could reduce masterbatch formulation costs for recycled applications by 12-15% through minimized reprocessing.
AsiaMB will monitor how this AI solution impacts color matching precision in recycled plastics. Our next issue features an in-depth look at formulating masterbatches for high-end rPET applications.