Vortair technology takes recycling to the next level, helping manufacturers reduce a reliance on virgin resources and reduce emissions.
Growing concerns about resource availability and sustainability targets are driving industries to explore new technologies that can maximise recycling efficiency and produce secondary raw materials with minimal environmental impact.
Jeff Lang, Vortair Chief Executive Officer, says one of the key challenges is preparing waste materials to the precise specifications required for downstream processes, such as chemical recycling or other advanced techniques such as pyrolysis, gasification, and solvolysis.
These methods can recover high-quality intermediates and petrochemical alternatives for use in manufacturing, helping replace virgin raw materials and reducing emissions. However, their effectiveness hinges on having waste feedstock in a form that’s easy to process, typically below 250 microns in particle size.
That’s where Vortair technology stands out. Vortair autogenous grinding systems can mill waste into liquid or solid form at particle sizes from five to 75 microns, well below the typical 250-micron limit of conventional methods.
The Vortair system combines several pulverising principles that release stored kinetic energy in the material being milled to reduce particle size without crushing or mechanically shearing the product.
“This precision unlocking of particle size directly enhances the efficiency of secondary recycling steps, reducing overall energy consumption and facilitating the creation of higher-value commodities,” Jeff says. “By enabling precise milling, Vortair also helps recyclers meet tightening regulations and consumer demands for cleaner, greener solutions.”
Jeff says that beyond performance, Vortair’s technology aligns with broader trends in green waste management. Valorisation of organic, biomass, and other waste streams requires a method that not only lowers disposal costs but also transforms what was once considered trash into valuable materials.
“Milling organic waste to ultra-fine particle sizes, for instance, can significantly improve its potential for composting, biogas production, or even specialised industrial applications. This means fewer materials end up in landfills and incinerators, further curbing greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants,” he says.
Additionally, by ensuring feedstock is optimally prepared for chemical recycling, Vortair’s milling systems directly support the growing market for secondary raw materials.
“These materials play a crucial role in helping manufacturers reduce reliance on virgin resources, while meeting ever-stricter environmental standards. As new recycling technologies emerge and scale up, the ability to finely mill inputs will be an indispensable advantage for both established waste processors and start-ups.”
Jeff says the Vortair system’s efficiency also translates into tangible cost savings.
Traditional grinding methods often rely on multiple steps or equipment changes to achieve acceptable particle sizes, driving up both energy use and maintenance expenses.
In contrast, Vortair’s autogenous milling solution, with its controlled, high-speed vortex, ensures a streamlined approach that lowers operational costs, reduced wear and tear of equipment while delivering top-tier performance.
“Ultimately, Vortair technology represents a key evolutionary step for the waste management sector by bridging the gap between raw waste streams and advanced recycling processes,” Jeff says. “Whether tackling biomass, plastics, construction debris, or other complex waste streams, Vortair provides the efficiency, precision, and scalability needed to transform waste into value – ushering in a new era of resource recovery and environmental responsibility.”
For more information, visit: www.vortair.com.au
