The innovative waste processing at Twence
Twence plays a key role in sustainable waste processing, employing innovative solutions to minimize environmental impact and close the materials loop. Colubris made a significant contribution to this goal by developing and installing an advanced sorting facility at Twence’s main location in Hengelo, the Netherlands.
The project, which began in 2002, remains the foundation of Twence's operations and has evolved over time to meet changing requirements and regulations in waste management.
Flexibility and Efficiency
Twence's sorting facility is designed with flexibility and efficiency in mind, processing construction and demolition waste and separating it into various components suitable for recycling or as a resource for energy production. The system can also be adjusted to handle different types of waste streams, thanks to a semi-automatic adjustment of the machinery. This enables Twence to respond effectively to changes in the waste supply.
A key component of the design is the high-capacity storage and dosing hopper, which ensures a steady flow of material into the sorting system. Currently, this system is manually loaded with a loader, but there are advanced plans for an automated floor bunker to further enhance efficiency. The sorting process itself uses a combination of robust drum screens for primary and secondary separation and stretch decks for fine screening, with the latter specially designed to prevent clogging from wet materials.
Recovering Metals
An important aspect of the installation is metal recovery from waste using electromagnets, which efficiently extract valuable metals. Additionally, plastics are manually separated in the sorting cabins, commercially valuable materials for recycling. Future upgrades include the use of NIR technology, AI, and robotic sorting, enabling further automation and optimization of the sorting process.
Environmental considerations were central to the design of this facility. All equipment is electrically powered, with motors adjusting to load for efficient energy consumption. Odor and dust emissions are minimized as much as possible, and safety is ensured through thermal imaging sensors that automatically activate fire detection systems. Additionally, the design minimizes the need for personnel on the shop floor, contributing to a safer work environment.
The project at Twence reflects Colubris's core values: innovation, results-oriented focus, and expertise. The project is more than just a technical solution—it is a significant step toward a circular economy where waste is seen as a valuable resource.
About Twence
Twence is dedicated to a sustainable, circular, and bio-based society. Through innovations and new technologies, we are bringing more materials back into the cycle from waste and biomass. Additionally, the energy yield from waste, biomass, and solar energy continues to grow, making a significant contribution to regional sustainability goals.
For more information, visit the website of Twence.