Takeaways

• Sortera Technologies has raised $45 million to expand its AI-powered metal recycling operations in the U.S.
• The company will open a new processing facility in Tennessee to meet growing demand for high-quality recycled aluminium.
• The expansion is expected to boost capacity to 240 million pounds annually, supporting manufacturers’ sustainability and supply chain goals.

Sortera Technologies, an Indiana-based materials sorting startup, has secured $45 million in new funding to expand its role as a domestic supplier of recycled aluminium products. The investment will help the company scale its operations and meet rising demand for sustainable metal sourcing in the U.S.

Founded in 2020, Sortera uses AI-powered metal recycling technology to recover and upcycle valuable metals from end-of-life products. Its industrial-scale system combines artificial intelligence, image and data analytics, and advanced sensors to sort scrap with high precision. The process enables manufacturers to access high-purity recycled aluminium tailored to their alloy requirements.

According to the company, its multi-sensor sorting and blending capabilities help capture valuable aluminium that would otherwise be lost in traditional scrap streams. Sortera says its approach diverts billions of pounds of materials that previously would have been shipped overseas. The company also claims its method uses around 95% less energy than producing aluminium from virgin sources, offering a meaningful carbon reduction for manufacturers.

Read More: Grand Rapids Startup Raises $3.75M for AI-Powered Wood Recycling

Driven by growing customer demand, Sortera also announced plans for a new processing plant in Lebanon, Tennessee. The facility will replicate the capabilities of its flagship 200,000-square-foot plant in Markle, Indiana, which opened in early 2023. The company expects the Tennessee site to begin operations by next summer, improving regional logistics for recycled aluminium supply.

Michael Siemer, CEO of Sortera Technologies, said the strong performance of the Markle facility and the positive response from customers show that the U.S. market wants sustainable, high-quality recycled metal. He added that the new funding and the expansion into Tennessee will help Sortera scale capacity while moving closer to key customers, especially in the automotive sector.

With the new facility, Sortera aims to boost its annual metal production to approximately 240 million pounds, enhancing domestic recycling infrastructure and supporting the sustainability goals of manufacturers across industries.

Also Read: AI & Robots Drive A Cleaner Future for Recycling

The funding round was led by accounts advised by T. Rowe Price Associates and VXI Capital, with participation from Yamaha Motor Ventures and Overlay Capital. Sortera also received equipment financing from Trinity Capital, helping accelerate the next phase of its growth.

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Source: ESGtoday