TOMRA Recycling, a world leader in sensor-based sorting solutions, has proudly announced the appointment of Lars Enge as its new Executive Vice President (EVP). This judicious leadership change is more than a simple personnel update; it’s a clear signal of the company’s commitment to advancing the circular economy for wood, an area of growing importance to the woodworking industry.
Enge, who joined TOMRA in March 2022 as EVP of Group Strategy, brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of innovation. He has been instrumental in establishing “TOMRA Horizon,” a portfolio of new ventures, including initiatives focused on reuse and feedstock. His appointment to lead the recycling division comes at a time when the woodworking industry is facing unprecedented pressure to embrace sustainability and reduce its reliance on virgin timber.
For the woodworking industry, the ability to effectively recycle and reuse wood is becoming a cornerstone of sustainable business practices. The process begins with advanced sorting. Mixed waste streams, often containing a combination of clean wood, engineered wood products like MDF and particleboard, and contaminants such as metal, glass, and plastics, must be meticulously separated to produce a high-quality, reusable material. This is where TOMRA’s technology, particularly its sensor-based sorting systems, plays a transformative role.
TOMRA’s solutions, such as the X-TRACT™ and AUTOSORT™ units, utilise a combination of X-Ray Transmission (XRT) and Near-Infrared (NIR) sensors. The X-TRACT machine efficiently removes impurities based on atomic density, while the AUTOSORT, often paired with TOMRA’s GAINnext™ deep learning technology, can differentiate between various types of wood and composites. This level of granularity is essential for creating clean fractions of Wood A (non-processed wood) and Wood B (processed wood composites), which can then be used in the production of new boards and panels. This technology allows for the creation of new materials from recycled content that meet stringent quality standards, reducing costs and preserving natural resources.
TOMRA’s recycling division has been on a remarkable journey since its acquisition of Titech in 2004. With the global push for increased recycling rates and a more sustainable approach to manufacturing, the market for wood recycling solutions is poised for significant growth. Lars Enge’s background in strategy, finance, and mergers and acquisitions (M&A) makes him an ideal leader to capitalise on this potential.
“The underlying drivers to increase recycling rates across the globe continue to represent substantial growth potential for the sorting arm of our business,” Enge commented. His vision aligns with the industry’s need to transform this potential into tangible success. He has a unique ability to foster collaboration, a critical skill for navigating the complex landscape of global recycling, which involves manufacturers, waste managers, and policymakers.
Enge’s appointment follows a period of strong performance and strategic growth for TOMRA’s recycling arm. The company has invested heavily in its wood segment, recognising its importance in the broader circular economy. A dedicated team of specialists works with customers to improve recycling processes, underscoring TOMRA’s role as a partner, not just a technology provider.
The economic and environmental imperative
For the woodworking industry, the benefits of embracing this advanced recycling technology are twofold: economic and environmental. Economically, recycled wood can be up to 40% cheaper than virgin wood, offering significant cost savings for manufacturers. Furthermore, it is often drier, which translates into lower energy consumption during the production of panel boards, further reducing operational costs.
Environmentally, the impact is even more profound. By recycling waste wood, the industry reduces its carbon footprint, conserves forests, and diverts valuable materials from landfills and incineration. This shift is not just about compliance with new regulations but about positioning companies as leaders in a sustainable future. The ability to create high-quality products from recycled content enhances a company’s brand and meets the growing demand from eco-conscious consumers and partners.
The appointment of Lars Enge is a clear indication that TOMRA is doubling down on its commitment to providing the woodworking industry with the tools it needs to thrive in this new landscape. As Enge takes the helm, the focus will be on further integrating strategic innovation, like the deep learning technology that can identify complex materials, with a global growth plan. This leadership change signals a future where the woodworking industry is not just a consumer of natural resources but a central pillar of a truly circular economy.
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