2
min read
Feb 19, 2025
Paris, February 11, 2025 – NextWaste, a French integrator and distributor of innovative recycling technologies, and Waste Robotics, a global leader in AI-driven robotic waste sorting, are announcing a strategic partnership to modernize waste management operations across France.
The Need for Advanced Sorting Technology
Recycling performance in France remains below optimal levels. According to Citeo (2023), only 27% of plastic household packaging and 37% of aluminum waste are currently recycled. Additionally, industrial and commercial waste (DIB) faces major inefficiencies, with just 50% of these waste streams being processed through dedicated sorting centers (ADEME data).
To bridge this gap, advanced technologies such as optical sorting, automated material separation (trommels, ballistic separators), and AI-driven robotics are essential. Artificial intelligence plays a key role in reducing recyclable waste misclassification, with the goal of limiting rejected recyclable materials to 10% or less.
Despite this need, most of France’s 364 waste sorting facilities, which process household, commercial, industrial, and mixed residual waste (OMR), lack modernization and still rely heavily on manual sorting. This reliance limits efficiency and slows progress in improving national recycling performance.
A Strategic Alliance to Transform Waste Sorting
Through this partnership, NextWaste and Waste Robotics will combine their expertise to offer advanced robotic sorting solutions tailored for:
- Household waste collection
- Commercial and industrial waste (DAE, DIB)
- Metal recovery and material separation
Waste Robotics’ AI-powered sorting systems will benefit from NextWaste’s expertise in project integration, implementation, and operational training, making cutting-edge technology more accessible to waste operators. This comprehensive approach aligns industrial needs with sustainability policies, ensuring compliance with public sector objectives while maximizing efficiency.
Executive Perspectives
"At Waste Robotics, we believe that meaningful collaborations are the key to building a sustainable future. Our partnership with NextWaste allows us to deliver practical solutions that help sorting centers overcome today’s challenges while paving the way for a cleaner, more efficient industry."— Eric Camirand, CEO, Waste Robotics
"By combining our expertise, we’re delivering innovative, customized solutions to address the unique challenges of complex waste streams, while maximizing safety and operational performance."
— Eric Voisin, Managing Director, NextWaste
"Waste Robotics’ technology directly addresses the waste industry’s biggest challenges—enhancing profitability, ensuring worker safety, and optimizing sorting efficiency. These solutions will be a game-changer for the competitiveness of the French recycling sector."
— Guillaume-Henri Hurel, Managing Director, NextWaste
AI-Powered Robotics for a More Efficient Waste Industry
Waste Robotics’ customizable AI-grippers allow sorting facilities to handle a wide range of waste materials, including hazardous and high-risk items such as gas cartridges, pressurized canisters, and batteries. Robotic automation not only improves safety by reducing direct risks for operators, but also enhances facility efficiency by handling repetitive tasks with high reliability and uptime.
Currently adopted in select French sorting facilities, this technology has already increased recycling rates by 20%, leveraging spectrometric vision systems and precision-engineered grippers. By making waste sorting more efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable, Waste Robotics is accelerating the transition to a circular economy and environmentally responsible waste management practices.
About NextWaste
NextWaste is a French company specializing in the integration and distribution of innovative recycling technologies. Committed to delivering proven, high-performance industrial solutions, NextWaste also provides strategic consulting in marketing and business development in France and internationally.
About Waste Robotics
Waste Robotics is a global leader in AI-powered robotic waste sorting solutions, combining cutting-edge technology to help sorting centers increase efficiency, improve material recovery accuracy, and reduce operational risks. By addressing the industry’s toughest challenges, Waste Robotics is driving the future of sustainable, high-performance waste management.
Media Contact:
katherine.diamond@wasterobotic.com
Katherine Diamond
Marketing Manager at Waste Robotics
irina@nextwaste.fr
Irina Lamour
Press Relations Manager at NextWaste
