Litech's Hazard Detection Technology Expands Internationally with SUEZ Pilot
SUEZ is a French industrial giant with facilities in 40 countries across Europe, Africa, and Asia, handling tens of millions of tonnes of waste every year. Litech's hazard detection sensor is now installed on a dedicated test line at one of SUEZ's waste management facilities, where it is being validated in a real operating environment.
"SUEZ is one of the largest players in the industry, and the fact that they reached out to test our technology is a real acknowledgment of the work we've put in over the past years," says Synne Sauar, co-founder and CEO of Litech.
What Does the SUEZ Battery Detection Pilot Cover?
Lithium batteries and gas canisters that end up in general waste are a known fire risk at sorting facilities. When they are crushed or damaged during handling, they can ignite, putting equipment, staff, and entire sites at risk.
The scale of the problem is well documented. In the UK, an industry study by Eunomia Consulting found that of 670 fires recorded by waste sector members between 2019 and 2020, 38% were caused by or suspected to involve lithium ion batteries, at an estimated cost of £158 million (Source).
In July 2022, a fire destroyed roughly a quarter of the sorting facility at IVAR in Norway. An independent investigation by SINTEF and RISE found the fire was likely caused by self ignition involving electronics, batteries, or contaminated material, though the exact ignition source could not be confirmed with certainty (Source).
This pilot tests Litech's battery detection layer, which helps waste management operators remove hazardous objects safely, earlier in the sorting process, catching the risk before it reaches the crusher.
How Does MIS Technology Detect Batteries in Waste?
Litech's sensor sits underneath the existing conveyor belt and sends electromagnetic signals up through the waste stream. Every metallic object reflects a unique magnetic fingerprint depending on its material and shape, whether it is a lithium battery, a gas canister, or ordinary scrap metal. The sensor reads that fingerprint, and an AI model classifies what the object actually is in real time, based on the frequency that comes back.
Because the signal passes through bags and packaging, the sensor catches hazardous objects a camera could never see. Because it uses electromagnetic signals rather than X rays, no radiation is involved. Objects flagged as hazardous are identified before they reach the crusher, giving facilities the chance to remove them safely.
How Is Litech's Technology Tested and Validated?
The pilot runs on a dedicated test line at SUEZ, allowing Litech to validate how the battery detection technology performs on an active sorting line, in addition to laboratory testing.
"We're working closely with SUEZ throughout the pilot, from installation to the test protocol. That close dialogue is key to fine-tuning the technology," says Ida Marie Pedersen, co-founder and CPO of Litech.
This testing runs alongside research Litech is conducting together with SINTEF and the University of Manchester, aimed at developing MIS technology further to also cover even smaller hazardous objects — work backed by NOK 14.5 million in funding from the Research Council of Norway's Innovation Project for the Industry programme.
"The goal of the research project is to further develop our technology so it can also cover even smaller objects. R&D is really important to us, so this funding helps a great deal. The project is set to run for two and a half to three years," says Synne Sauar.
Why Does Battery Detection Matter for Waste Management in France?
France is progressing toward a 65% recycling target. As waste management facilities process more material, early and reliable battery detection helps make that transition safer for people, equipment, and the wider waste system.
What's Next for Litech's International Pilots?
This pilot marks two firsts for Litech: the start of the company's international expansion, and its first pilot with a dedicated focus on battery detection. It's also a first for the industry itself, testing MIS technology in a space that has mostly relied on X-ray. Litech's aim is to make fire prevention simple for the waste industry, one step at a time.
This is Litech's first international pilot, but not the only one in motion, the company has several new projects in the pipeline going forward. Litech will share updates as the SUEZ pilot progresses through installation, testing, and results.
Want to know more about how a Litech battery detection pilot works for waste management? Read about our commercial partnership with Oslo Municipality, or get in touch to discuss a pilot at your own facility.
About us
Litech is a Norwegian technology company that develops sensor technology to detect hazardous objects, such as lithium batteries and gas canisters, in the waste stream before they cause fires. Founded in 2021 by Synne Sauar and Ida Marie Pedersen, the company is based in Oslo.
Read more about SUEZ`s waste sorting here
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