Top 10 Plastic Sorting Machine Manufacturers: Leaders in Recycling Innovation​

Plastic waste management has evolved from a daunting challenge to a solvable crisis—thanks to advancements in recycling technology. At the core of this progress are ​​plastic sorting machines​​, which separate, clean, and categorize plastic waste with precision. But with hundreds of manufacturers worldwide, how do you identify the most reliable, innovative, and effective brands? In this guide, we’ve compiled a list of the ​​top 10 plastic sorting machine manufacturers​​, based on technological expertise, customer reviews, industry impact, and commitment to sustainability. Whether you’re a recycling facility, a plastic manufacturer, or a municipality, this list will help you find the right partner for your waste management goals.

Why Trust This List? Our Evaluation Criteria

Before diving into the rankings, it’s important to note how we selected these manufacturers. We evaluated:

• ​​Technological Innovation​​: Use of advanced sensors (NIR, XRF, AI), automation, and energy efficiency.
• ​​Market Reputation​​: Years in business, client testimonials, and industry awards.
• ​​Versatility​​: Ability to handle diverse waste streams (e.g., black plastics, multi-layered packaging, industrial scrap).
• ​​Customer Support​​: Post-purchase services, maintenance, and training.
• ​​Sustainability Impact​​: Reducing landfill waste, lowering carbon footprints, and enabling circular economy practices.

Top 10 Plastic Sorting Machine Manufacturers

1. ​​ZenRobotics (Finland)​​

ZenRobotics is a global leader in AI-powered recycling solutions. Their ​​Recycling Robot​​ series uses machine learning to identify and sort plastics by type, color, and shape—even in mixed waste streams. Known for high precision (98% purity rates) and low energy consumption, ZenRobotics caters to large-scale facilities and e-waste recyclers. Their machines are a favorite in Europe, where strict recycling regulations drive demand for cutting-edge technology.

2. ​​TOMRA (Norway)​​

TOMRA is synonymous with sensor-based sorting. Their ​​AUTOSORT​​ and ​​XTRUCTION​​ lines dominate the market, using NIR, XRF, and high-resolution cameras to separate plastics, metals, and other materials. TOMRA’s machines are celebrated for their speed (processing up to 60 tons per hour) and adaptability, making them ideal for municipalities and large recycling plants.

3. ​​BHS-Sonthofen (Germany)​​

BHS-Sonthofen specializes in ​​mechanical-biological treatment systems​​, integrating sorting with waste processing. Their ​​Sortech​​ line combines vibrating screens, air classifiers, and NIR sensors to pre-clean and sort plastics efficiently. With over 150 years in waste management, BHS is trusted for robust, durable machines that handle high-contamination waste streams.

4. ​​KRS Recycling Systems (USA)​​

Based in California, KRS Recycling Systems focuses on ​​color and material-specific sorting​​. Their ​​ColorSort Pro​​ and ​​MaterialSort​​ machines use high-speed cameras and AI to separate plastics by hue (e.g., clear PET, blue HDPE) and polymer type. Popular in the packaging and food industries, KRS machines ensure recycled plastics meet strict quality standards for reuse.

5. ​​Eco-Robotics (Netherlands)​​

Eco-Robotics is a rising star in sustainable sorting. Their ​​EcoSort​​ series leverages lightweight robotics and laser scanning to handle delicate plastics (e.g., thin films, flexible packaging) without damage. Designed for small-to-medium facilities, Eco-Robotics machines are energy-efficient and easy to integrate into existing recycling workflows.

6. ​​Stadler Anlagenbau (Austria)​​

Stadler is a household name in waste processing, offering ​​turnkey sorting solutions​​ that combine mechanical pre-screening with advanced sensor technology. Their ​​STADLER® KRS​​ line is renowned for handling black plastics—a historically challenging material—using near-infrared and hyperspectral imaging. Stadler’s systems are widely used in automotive and electronics recycling.

7. ​​Crisplant (Denmark)​​

Crisplant, a subsidiary of the global group TOMRA, specializes in ​​automated sorting systems​​ for plastics and other materials. Their ​​ACM (Automated Sorting Machine)​​ uses air jets and sensors to separate plastics by density and composition, with a focus on reducing manual labor. Crisplant machines are popular in Asia-Pacific, where rapid urbanization drives demand for efficient recycling.

8. ​​PolySort (Canada)​​

PolySort is a niche player excelling in ​​black plastic sorting​​. Their ​​PolySort Black​​ machine uses laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) to detect carbon-black plastics, which traditional NIR sensors miss. This technology has made PolySort a go-to for e-waste recyclers and automotive manufacturers, who rely on black ABS and HIPS components.

9. ​​Waste Robotics (France)​​

Waste Robotics combines AI, robotics, and big data to optimize sorting workflows. Their ​​WasteBot​​ systems learn from real-time data to adapt to changing waste streams, improving accuracy over time. Popular in research institutions and pilot recycling projects, Waste Robotics is driving innovation in smart, adaptive sorting.

10. ​​Green Machine (USA)​​

Green Machine is known for ​​cost-effective, user-friendly sorting solutions​​. Their ​​GMS Series​​ includes compact, modular machines that handle small to medium volumes of plastic waste. Ideal for local governments and small businesses, Green Machine systems prioritize ease of use, with intuitive controls and minimal downtime.

How to Choose the Right Manufacturer for Your Needs

With so many options, selecting the best plastic sorting machine manufacturer depends on your specific requirements:

• ​​Waste Stream Complexity​​: Do you handle black plastics, multi-layered packaging, or industrial scrap? Choose a manufacturer with expertise in your waste type (e.g., PolySort for black plastics, Stadler for automotive waste).
• ​​Throughput Requirements​​: How much plastic do you process daily? Large facilities need high-speed systems (e.g., TOMRA’s AUTOSORT), while smaller operations benefit from compact models (e.g., Green Machine).
• ​​Budget​​: Balance upfront costs with long-term savings. While premium brands like ZenRobotics and TOMRA offer cutting-edge tech, budget-friendly options like Green Machine provide reliable performance at lower prices.
• ​​Sustainability Goals​​: Prioritize manufacturers that emphasize energy efficiency and low carbon footprints (e.g., BHS-Sonthofen, Eco-Robotics).

The Future of Plastic Sorting: Partnering for a Circular Economy

As global plastic production surges (experts predict 1.2 billion tons of waste by 2050), the role of plastic sorting machines will only grow more critical. These systems are not just tools—they’re enablers of a circular economy, where plastic is reused, not discarded. By partnering with one of the top 10 manufacturers listed above, you’re not just investing in a machine—you’re joining a movement to reduce landfill dependence, lower emissions, and build a more sustainable future.
​​Ready to Upgrade Your Plastic Recycling Process?​​
At [Your Company Name], we’re proud to be part of this transformative journey. Whether you need a high-speed NIR sorter, a specialized black plastic machine, or a compact solution for small-scale operations, our team of experts will guide you to the perfect system.
Contact us today to learn more about our products, request a free consultation, or schedule a demo of our cutting-edge plastic sorting machines. Together, we can turn plastic waste into a valuable resource—and pave the way for a greener tomorrow.