818 E Electric Resource-saving material sorting
02.07.2025 Harelbeke, Belgien Author: Lisa-Maria Heigl, Lela Van Berkel

Sorting plant relies on emission-free material handler

Efficient, electric, and low-emission – since October 2024, the SENNEBOGEN 818 E Electro has been supporting the waste management company IMOG in Harelbeke, Belgium, in its resource-saving material sorting operations. The fully electric material handler is a central link in the state-of-the-art GV8 sorting plant and helps to optimally process waste streams – for consistent implementation of the circular economy.

Progressive waste management with sustainable technology

The SENNEBOGEN 818 E Elektro feeding the GV8 plant in Harelbeke.

IMOG - the "Interkommunale Maatschappij voor Openbare Gezondheid in Zuid-West-Vlaanderen" - serves 12 municipalities in the West and East Flanders region in the field of waste prevention, collection and processing. In recent years, the company has transformed itself from a traditional landfill site into a modern competence center for waste processing with an annual throughput of around 60,000 tons.

"Environmental legislation has changed significantly. Today, the focus is on recycling solutions rather than pure disposal," explains Managing Director Johan Bonnier. "With the investment in our new GV8 plant - around 15 million euros - we are not only increasing our processing capacities, but also enabling the recovery of valuable materials."

Precise pre-sorting according to VLAREMA 8

Reliable in continuous operation: The 818 E Elektro also masters dust-intensive hall areas.

A large proportion of bulky waste and industrial waste used to be directly incinerated - and many recyclable materials were lost in the process. This has changed fundamentally with the commissioning of the GV8 plant . Sorting is now carried out according to the specifications of the VLAREMA 8 directive - a legal framework that sets out requirements for the separation, sorting and recycling of waste.

Sorting is supported by state-of-the-art technology such as drum and air separators, infrared detection, magnetic separators, dust extraction - and the SENNEBOGEN 818 E Elektro, supplied by Belgian sales and service partner SMT.

"The SENNEBOGEN 818 E electric is not only emission-free, but also ensures a quieter, cleaner working environment - ideal for indoor use."

Charlotte Martens
Manager of the GV8 plant

Electric material handler impresses in the hall

"The SENNEBOGEN 818 E best met all our requirements in the tender process - load capacity, grab performance and maneuverability were decisive," says Bonnier. "And as the saying goes: 'The proof of the pudding is in the eating' - the machine impresses day after day in use."

The electrically powered material handler reliably supplies the sorting system with material and scores points with the hydraulically height-adjustable cabin, which allows a direct view into the feed hopper.

The emission-free drive is particularly advantageous for use in the hall, adds Charlotte Martens, head of the GV8 system: "It makes for a cleaner, quieter and more pleasant working environment - a real plus for our team."

CIRCULAR ECONOMY CONTINUED - contribution to COâ‚‚ reduction

"Our goal is to convert up to 50% of waste into recyclable materials - from wood, paper and cardboard to plastics and metals," explains Bonnier. "What is left over is used to generate energy. In this way, we are making an active contribution to reducing COâ‚‚ emissions and closing material cycles."

Another plus point: the project creates new jobs. The team at the plant is currently being expanded to up to 18 employees - with targeted training from SMT on how to operate the technology safely and efficiently. For Bonnier, one thing is certain: "The electric material handler is an important piece of the puzzle on our way to more sustainable waste management."