This will be the prize project in the field of engineering for 2022-2023. The goal is to build a system that automatically scans products coming into a recycling centre, via scanning technologies detects the batteries and ultimately separates them from the other streams. This way it becomes possible to help peopleat the disassembly line and create a safer and optimized recycling industry. This technology can also help reduce fires outside of the recycling industry, that’s why we are investigating collaboration with AVIs and other incinerators to see if we can reduce the number of battery fires. The result will be an installation working at Huiskes and potentially other partners like Wecycle and AVI.

You can’t have ignored it, in October 2021 we revealed our big project, CORE TITAN, focused on reducing the number of battery fires in the e-waste recycling industry to zero. It does so by safely shredding batteries in brine solution.This project got massive media attention both on a national level (EditieNL, AD, BD, NRC, Qmusic, Radio538, 3FM, Radio 1) but also on an international level (Innovation Origins). The reveal itself lured the top of the recycling sector all into one place and several new project leads came out of it. The outcome of the project is a test shredder installation, a business case for implementing the technology in the Netherlands, and a new partner network.

The very first project of CORE focussed on building a factory that could turn fly ash, pyrolysis residual, and post-shredder residual into a safe basalt product. For this, FOURNOS was built, an oven that could reach 1450 degrees Celsius, but another casting installation was needed.  Therefore, MAGMA was created, an installation designed to remelt the materials coming out of Fournos and cast that into the shape of a garden tile, which could later be broken, either by cooling fast or a breaking machine, into the ballast. 

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The very first project of CORE focussed on turning streams like polluted sand, fly-ash and post-shredder residual into basalt products. This was done using a smelter installation that could go up to 1450 degrees Celsius. For this project we created several in-depth models that could predict the behaviour inside the oven, which allowed us to create basalt products that can be safely used in the environment again.

A project set up together with Schiphol focused on designing and testing an installation that could remediate soil polluted with PFAS (a huge problem back then). It started with 2 Bachelor End Project students within CORE focused on building a model and working out the prototype. This was combined with a stakeholder research and business case analysis. The project never got into the pilot stage, as Covid nearly bankrupted Schiphol, however, we are in talks again to see if we can bring the project back from the grave.

The Zero Age project is CORE's way to create more awareness about recycling. With an emphasis on battery recycling, our target group with this project are high school and university students.

We interact with them through the use of Technasium challenges, partnerships with other organizations and by inviting classes of students to our compound.

Events and guest talks are organized by us to spread information and awareness.

So next to all the technological innovations Team CORE is investing in societal behavioral change.