Market

Turning Europe’s circular economy ambitions into reality will depend on making it people-focused — in particular — making sure European Union rules in place work to make it a success for entrepreneurs, business owners, citizens and workers alike, according to two assessments published by the European Environment Agency (EEA).

Tomra Mining is supplying sensor-based sorting technology for Soma Gold Corp.’s El Bagre operation in Colombia as the miner advances its mineralized material upgrading strategy. Following test work at Tomra’s test centre in Wedel, Germany, Soma has decided to install a COM Tertiary XRT 1200 sorter in its processing flowsheet.

For secondary smelters, reliable feedstock quality and consistent supply are essential. At its site near Bergamo, Italian aluminium recycler Stemin processes around 180,000 tonnes of aluminium per year, representing about 17 to 18 per cent of the country’s secondary aluminium market.

Polykemi and Rondo Plast have invested nearly SEK 25 million over the past two years to expand their plastic recycling capacity. According to the companies, the additions increase production by around 7,500 tonnes of recycled material annually and broaden access to post-consumer recycled feedstock for engineering compounds.

Aimplas has obtained ABA and JBPA recognition for biodegradation and compostability testing, enabling certification processes for plastic products intended for the Australian and Japanese markets.

Edge Innovate will present its latest electric and hybrid waste processing equipment at IFAT 2026. The company will exhibit under the theme “Electric without Limits”, with a focus on electrification in waste shredding applications.

At IFAT 2026, Innovation4Waste will present an IoT ecosystem for waste collection designed to improve traceability, monitoring, and operational control.

At IFAT 2026, PICVISA presents a new development cycle focused on plastic, glass and textile sorting, alongside the introduction of the PICVISA metals vertical. The company exhibits system developments and operational case studies, including a digital representation of three industrial plants.

Agilyx ASA has secured a majority in GreenDot Global by increasing its shareholding to 50.1%. The move strengthens Agilyx’s position in the European plastic waste recycling market and enables full financial consolidation.

In Linköping, southern Sweden, the municipal utility Tekniska verken has commissioned a new MSW processing plant for mixed municipal and household waste. The facility is designed to increase material recovery and reduce the share of waste directed to thermal treatment.

IFAT Munich 2026 will take place from May 4 to 7, 2026 and will focus on the circular economy as a central topic for environmental technologies. The event will bring together representatives from politics, industry, associations and international institutions to address issues such as resource security, supply chains, climate protection and industrial transformation. Under the guiding theme “Circularity is a must,” the trade fair will connect political objectives with technological approaches and practical applications.