Mark Neitzey

Developments in Sorting Film and Flexible Packaging at a MRF

Mark Neitzey, Director of Sales, Van Dyk Recycling Solutions

Film and flexible packaging have long challenged material recovery facilities (MRFs) due to contamination, equipment fouling, and limited end-market demand.  This presentation will highlight recent developments in sorting technologies, system design, and operational strategies that are improving the recovery of films and flexible packaging at MRFs.  Topics include advances in optical sorting, mechanical separation, and preprocessing approaches, as well as lessons learned from pilot projects and full-scale deployments. The presentation will highlight technology that helps properly prepare film and flexible to be processed by sensor based optical sorting.  This presentation will also discuss how improved sorting performance is aligning with evolving end-market specifications, extended producer responsibility initiatives, and recycled-content goals, offering practical insights for MRF operators, policymakers, and brand owners seeking to increase recovery while maintaining system efficiency.  

Mark has been involved in over 200 recycling equipment projects in the last 24 years, including: simple roll cutting and baling sites, large baling systems, wood waste screening, C&D sorting systems, an automated MSW/fuel system, commercial sorting systems, PET/ Plastics sorting systems, various single stream sorting systems and system retrofits. Mark lives in Houston, TX and travels throughout North America, gaining a broad perspective on the industry and its current trends.