The new challenge of the circular economy
Recycling is no longer just an ecological issue it has become a critical infrastructure for our future. Waste volumes are growing exponentially, global supply chains are under pressure, and the demand for secondary raw materials and resources is rising rapidly. At the same time, regulatory frameworks are tightening through EU taxonomies, CO2 pricing, and product responsibility laws. Companies are under pressure: they must deliver recyclables and raw materials with consistently high quality and do so economically. The challenge: current imaging and sorting systems can no longer meet these demands. This is precisely where hyperspectral imaging comes in as a bridge between technological advancement and sustainable resource management.
Limitations of conventional sorting techniques
Sorting plants currently mostly use RGB cameras, near-infrared sensors (NIR), or inductive methods. However, these technologies view surfaces only one-dimensionally: through optical or physical features like color, shape, or density. Problems arise with materials that have similar colors, are muted, or coated. Black plastics such as PE, PP, or PS are barely distinguishable. Multilayer packaging, bioplastics, or additive-containing compounds are misclassified. Valuable fractions are lost or contaminate others. The result: downcycling, material loss, significant costs, and unnecessary waste — an ESG dilemma demanding intelligent solutions.
Hyperspectral Imaging: Spectral Intelligence as a Differentiation Factor
Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) captures not only visible light but measures reflection across a broad spectrum of wavelengths. Each pixel becomes a spectral fingerprint — a quantifiable signature of the material composition. This allows detecting differences invisible to conventional multispectral cameras or NIR systems: additive plastics vs. recyclates, cellulose fibers vs. synthetic fleeces, PLA vs. PET. HSI separates not by color but by chemical signature.
The real-time processing of these data is made possible by Cubert’s snapshot technology. Time-consuming scanning is eliminated: full spectral images are captured, processed, and classified directly — inline, without process delays. This advanced development elevates sorting to a new level and makes machines and processes smarter.
Application Areas: Where Sorting Becomes Strategic Value Creation
- Plastic Recycling: Differentiation between PE, PP, PS, PET – even with dark colors or additive compounds. Detection of bioplastics like PLA or PBS, separation of food and industrial packaging.
- Textile Recycling: Analysis of blended fabrics, detection of synthetic fibers, differentiation between natural and synthetic fibers. Supports the development of high-quality recycle chains in the fashion and automotive industries.
- Electrical and Electronic Waste: Identification of circuit boards, insulating materials, housings, and carriers based on their spectral properties—enabling clean fractionation in urban mining.
- Construction and Waste Wood Sorting: detection of impregnations, coatings, adhesive residues, or composite materials. Prevents contaminants in wood-based materials and enables better resource utilization.
These diverse applications demonstrate how the targeted use of hyperspectral vision and imaging systems helps companies improve processes and reduce waste.
System Integration: From Pilot to Industrial Implementation
Integrating hyperspectral solutions does not require a complete redesign of existing plants. Cubert provides modular HSI platforms that can be adapted to existing conveyor systems, sorting logics, and ejection units. The advantage: minimal downtime and maximum process continuity. AI-supported image data processing enables adaptive sorting strategies: the system learns from each batch and continuously optimizes its decisions.
Operating costs decrease due to reduced manual interventions, fewer incorrect ejections, and improved process stability. At the same time, equipment availability increases — a crucial KPI for operations managers aiming to use their machines more efficiently.
Strategic Benefit: Achieving ESG Goals, Strengthening Market Position
In a market environment where sustainability criteria increasingly influence purchasing decisions, sorting quality becomes a factor of reputation. Companies using HSI technology not only document higher material efficiency but also demonstrate technological competence, regulatory foresight, and environmental responsibility.
HSI-based sorting provides transparent data on material composition, purity levels, and sorting rates. This data can be prepared for reports and audits—a crucial advantage for customers, certifiers, and investors. Hyperspectral imaging thus becomes a strategic differentiator in the competition for high-quality products and valuable raw materials.
From Technology to Transformation
Hyperspectral imaging is more than just a sensor — it is a strategic tool for redefining industrial recycling. It elevates the separation of valuable materials to a higher level: from superficial observation to spectral material analysis. Those who invest in hyperspectral solutions today secure not only economic advantages but also position themselves as pioneers of a circular industry. Cubert provides the practical technology to make this possible. Now is the moment for decision-makers to make the invisible visible — for greater value creation, compliance, and impact.
About the Author
Dr. Matthias Locherer has been the Sales Director at Cubert GmbH since 2017. With a PhD in Earth Observation from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, he brings extensive expertise in remote sensing, spectral imaging, and data analysis. Matthias has contributed to numerous research projects and publications, particularly in the hyperspectral monitoring of biophysical and biochemical parameters using hyperspectral satellite missions. His deep knowledge of optical measurement techniques and physical modeling makes him a key driver in advancing innovative hyperspectral technologies at Cubert.
