The project was financed by Tetra Pak as part of the company’s investment into food and beverage carton recycling infrastructure across the UK, and was delivered with technology start-up Recycleye.
Angus Hamilton, CEO at Levenseat Resource Management, commented: “Strengthening our carton sorting capability means we can provide even greater value to the Local Authorities and communities we serve.
“Together, we are demonstrating how collaboration and innovation can make a real difference in building a more sustainable recycling system for Scotland and beyond.”
Levenseat serves local authorities across Lanarkshire, Ayrshire and Dunbartonshire.
Recycleye’s AI-sorting technology
Recycleye’s QuantiSort system uses a combination of artificial intelligence (AI) and high-resolution cameras to identify beverage cartons within the mixed material waste stream.
Once detected, the cartons are automatically separated by pneumatic valves and directed onward for recycling.
Victor Dewulf, Co-founder and CEO of Recycleye, said: “This first installation of the Recycleye QuantiSort in Scotland is a major milestone for us.
“AI has the capability to transform waste management, and we hope that our work with Levenseat and others will show MRFs and local authorities the possibilities this flexible technology offers.”
Tetra Pak invests in UK MRFs
The investment forms the final phase of Tetra Pak’s three-part 2025 investment programme to upgrade carton sorting capabilities at UK MRFs.
Earlier this year, J&B Recycling in Hartlepool received two new robotic sorting arms, also developed by Recycleye, while Cumbria Waste Management in Carlisle became the first UK site to use the Recycleye QuantiSort.
In total, Tetra Pak’s UK investment in sorting infrastructure during 2025 amounts to £1.4 million, as part of its broader annual global commitment of over £34 million to expanding carton collection, sorting and recycling capacity.
Awantika Chadha, Sustainability Manager, Tetra Pak UK, commented: “We are delighted to be able to demonstrate the power that investment in cutting-edge AI technology holds when it comes to improving the UK’s recycling infrastructure.
“We are committed to supporting the transition to a circular economy in the UK, and will continue to advocate for our approach at Levenseat Resource Management, and elsewhere, to be seen as a blueprint for the future of food and beverage carton sorting capabilities both in Scotland and across the UK.”
Mandy Kelly, Chief Executive of ACE UK, added: “With almost three quarters of UK councils now collecting liquid cartons at the kerbside, it is vital that there is investment in MRF infrastructure to ensure that cartons are being effectively sorted and sent for reprocessing.
“The installation at Levenseat marks another welcome step towards the widespread use of advanced sorting technology, with a clear focus on providing high-quality materials for reprocessing.”
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