MRF Sampling Data: The Challenge of Flexibility
At SortFlow, we place our customer’s needs at the core of our innovation. When we first developed our MRF sampling application, SortFlow IO, our primary goals were simple yet impactful:
- To make recording samples faster and easier
- To generate reliable data extracts for Environmental Agency compliance reporting
Over time, we’ve refined and added new features, such as a sampling schedule, while staying true to these original principles. However, as we engaged more deeply with our customers, it became clear that the value of sampling data extends far beyond compliance. Many of our customers rely on this information for other critical purposes, such as reporting to suppliers and calculating gate fee rebates. Recognising this, we’ve taken significant steps to make the data more adaptable to their needs.
The Challenge of Flexibility
We understand the challenges Operators face when managing data for different stakeholders. The EA requires very specific categorisation of materials, including the handling of fines (Particle), which is unique to their reporting requirements. Meanwhile, for commercial purposes, this data often needs to be presented differently to deliver actionable insights and meet varying business requirements.
Introducing the Commercial Sampling Report
To address this, we have launched a new commercial sampling report. This feature gives Operators a new level of flexibility, allowing them to adapt their data presentations based on their target audiences.
One key enhancement is the ability to include glass fines as part of the total glass composition instead of treating it as a separate fraction. This inclusion enables Operators to conduct basket value calculations with greater accuracy. As a result, gate fees can be more precisely determined, trends such as input quality and basket value become easier to evaluate, and Operators can base decisions on high-quality insights.
Furthermore, the commercial sampling report empowers Operators to track quality by individual vehicle. This feature can reveal collection-specific patterns, providing suppliers with clear feedback on any changes in habits or processes within specific collection rounds. Such transparency is essential, as it can lead to improved recycling behaviour and enhanced recyclate quality throughout the value chain.
Advancing Our Vision
We believe that data flexibility isn’t just a convenience—it’s a necessity. The ability to adapt, analyse, and act on data in diverse ways will enable Operators to make smarter decisions while contributing to broader goals like improving national recycling rates.
But we aren’t stopping there. Our team is actively working on future updates to further enhance the platform’s capabilities. These initiatives focus on processing more data, enabling deeper insights, and integrating seamlessly with other software and hardware solutions. Our mission remains clear—to create tools that grow with you and empower you to achieve more.
Stay tuned for updates as we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in MRF sampling and data management. Together, we’re driving better recycling solutions for a sustainable future.
SortFlow Limited, 2025
