Plastic Pollution In Ocean - Turtle Eating Plastic Bag
Were you aware that the United States generated approximately 262 million tons of municipal solid waste (MSW) in the year 2015 alone? This information comes from a report issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). What’s more, according to a CBS news report, an astounding 14 million tons of plastic packaging is manufactured annually, solely within the borders of the U.S. We will look at how air knife systems can help alleviate this problem shortly, but these numbers are especially alarming when you consider that around 40% of this plastic is utilized only once and less than ten percent of it is subjected to recycling processes. All of this waste ends up in places we don’t want and can’t afford it to end up. One place the waste ends up is in landfills in communities around the country. This is a problem because it lowers surrounding property values, contaminates our water, attracts massive numbers of rodents and pests, and ruins the land. Plastic, paper, glass, and metal trash also end up polluting our oceans, which kill and threaten the existence of entire species of marine life. That’s why recycling companies are so critical, but waste management companies must do their part too, in pulling out recyclables from trash. Air knife systems offer an exciting solution and an important part to play in solving the problem of waste. But first, let’s discuss the challenges waste management companies have in culling recyclables from waste.

Challenge for Waste Management Companies

While a growing number of waste management companies want to help with recycling efforts, there are some challenges. Mixed waste streams often contain a mixture of different materials, including recyclables, organic waste, and non-recyclables. Sorting through this heterogeneous mix can be time-consuming and labor-intensive. This means the process can be costly and may not always be economically viable, especially if the value of the recyclables does not offset the expenses associated with sorting and processing. Air knife systems offer a great deal of automated technology in the effort of sorting through mixed waste to extract recyclables. Air knife systems can offset the need for human labor in separating trash from valuable recyclables, which provides waste management companies a viable source of additional revenue and a ‘cleaner’ brand image, as they contribute to the effort of reducing our carbon footprint and building a more sustainable planet.

Solution: Air Knife Systems by ACI

Air Control industries (ACI) offer the most cutting-edge air knife systems available. ACI has been delivering expert, custom air knife designs for various industries and applications for more than 50 years. Our air knife systems are commonly used for process drying, cooling, and cleaning of conveyed products. But, to the surprise of some, our air knife solutions are the ideal technology employed by waste management companies to separate trash from recyclables. For air knife systems to be a viable solution for waste management companies, waste must be sorted appropriately by air knife technology to maximize the number of materials that can be repurposed and sold. Contaminants, such as food, must be removed from recyclables to increase their quality and value. Our air knife systems remove contaminants and cleanse recyclables more effectively than other air knife options. ACI’s custom air knife systems for waste management employs precision-targeted, high-velocity air to separate waste by material:

  • Type
  • Weight
  • Density

Our cutting-edge air knife systems provide a quicker and more effective sorting process for:

  • Generating higher quality recycled products
  • Improving recycling volumes
  • Reducing labor costs
  • Increasing revenues

Even more, our air knife blowers are ultra energy-efficient, which deliver energy cost savings to waste management companies, as they extract treasures from trash, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. ACI’s air knife and fan systems are effective at separating sustainable resources and recyclable, including:

  • Wood fibers
  • Paper
  • Plastic
  • Glass
  • Aluminum
  • Non-conductive materials

Waste management companies are additionally amazed to learn how quick and easy it is to set up a recycling air knife system in their conveyor system.

Contact Us to Schedule a No-Obligation Discovery Call to Discuss Your Needs, Today.

ACI’s Air Knife Systems for Waste Management Companies

There are several reasons why more companies around the world choose ACI’s air knife systems for a wide variety of applications. First, the construction of our air knife systems is versatile – stainless steel, mild steel, or aluminum. Stainless steel air knife systems offer a highly durable machine that will withstand harsh operating conditions, such as high temperatures, corrosive environments, or heavy-duty usage, without deteriorating or deforming over time. Aluminum is lightweight compared to stainless steel or mild steel, making it easier to handle and install. This is the better option for applications where weight is a concern or where the air knife system needs to be mounted on movable or suspended structures. Next, we custom-design air knife systems for your unique production line and conveyor types. Regardless of your specific requirements, we offer hand-tailored air knife systems to solve your unique challenges. These tailored air knife solutions also means that we can design the air knife system in a variety of shapes, including chevron, squares, and multiple angles. Additionally, our air knife systems include ‘witness testing’.

Next Steps

We’re in a critical time of history. With the world population reaching new highs every day, the demand for more products and packaging is produced, used once, and tossed in the trash. Most of that trash does not end up being recycled, and waste management companies can change that. The detrimental impacts of unchecked waste accumulation, from landfills defiling local environments to ocean pollution endangering marine ecosystems, demand concerted action. Recycling companies play a vital role, yet waste management companies must also step-up efforts to extract recyclables efficiently. Enter air knife systems, offering a promising avenue for enhancing waste sorting processes. By automating the separation of recyclables from mixed waste streams, air knife systems not only reduce labor costs but also contribute to a cleaner environment and bolster revenue streams for waste management companies. ACI’s cutting-edge air knife solutions, with their durable construction and customizable designs, exemplify the potential of technology to revolutionize waste management practices, paving the way for a more sustainable future. Contact Us to Schedule a No-Obligation Discovery Call to Discuss Your Needs, Today.

Contact Us to Schedule a No-Obligation Discovery Call to Discuss Your Needs, Today.