The Fibersort is a technology that automatically sorts large volumes of mixed textiles by fiber composition. The machine makes a prediction of the fiber concentration of each of the following fibers: wool, cotton, polyester, acrylic, viscose and nylon. Based on the thresholds set on the machine different categories can be defined on the fiber concentration prediction.
A color camera takes pictures of the textiles to be able to sort the both on fiber composition and color. The machine is running today with more than 20 different color tones configured but this number can be much higher. The machine can sort distinct colors very accurately. Today the machine detects the following colors : black, dark grey, grey, light grey, white, ecru, dark red, red, light red, dark blue, blue, light blue, pink, etc. The camera can also make a distinction between single and multi-color textiles.
The fiber prediction scanning technology is based on NIR Spectroscopy, based on molecular absorptions measured in the Near Infrared part of the spectrum. This technique is sensitive to organic constituents and since all textile is organic, there is no limit to the types of fiber that can be recognized.
Currently, at the Smart Fibersorting facility, it sorts into 45 different categories, but this can be adjusted to match the needs of the sorter. Once these materials are sorted they become reliable, consistent input materials for high value textile to textile recyclers. More details on the technology can be found in this report , this poster , and by contacting Valvan Baling Systems.