Aktid has been awarded the project to modernize the European Metropolis of Lille (MEL) sorting center, located in Halluin in northern France.

It will be operated by Triselec, the local public company responsible for operating the MEL sorting centers. This strategic project aims to transform the sorting facility into a cutting-edge technological benchmark, through the integration of the full “Aktid Smart Solutions” range, combining automated systems and artificial intelligence.

As the lead contractor of a consortium, Aktid will oversee this transformation in collaboration with well-known partners, including Groupe Legendre for civil works, AT&E for architecture, Atossa for fire safety, and Trident Service as project management support.

A comprehensive system, at the cutting edge of technology and unmatched in France

To maximize the efficiency and performance of the facility while optimizing operating costs, Aktid will deploy advanced technologies to ensure more efficient, accurate, and intelligent waste sorting. The European Metropolis of Lille (MEL) sorting center in Halluin will therefore benefit from intelligent systems designed to optimize the entire operation of the sorting line. Among these solutions, the site will be equipped with Smart Scanner, enabling real-time monitoring of incoming waste stream composition and detection of unwanted objects, as well as Smart Regulation—an automated control system that ensures a consistent waste throughput.

Outgoing streams will also be monitored using Smart Quality, which measures the purity of sorted materials in real time and immediately alerts the operator in the event of a drop in quality, and +, which optimizes the material packaging process for sorting centers.

These systems are integrated into a comprehensive framework in which performance is monitored in real time via Aktid’s ABI tool, which also makes it possible to identify any malfunctions or opportunities for optimization. In addition, Smart Predict, an AI-based algorithm, anticipates blockages and alerts the operator before an incident occurs, ensuring proactive site management.

Following this in-depth transformation, the Halluin site—while maintaining its transfer activity throughout the entire construction phase—will process up to 40,000 tonnes per year of waste from selective collection. It will retain a distinctive feature that characterizes the site: the treatment of glass within the collection stream. Historically, in this region, glass was collected in the selective collection bin alongside other packaging. Despite communication efforts around new sorting guidelines, and although the proportion of glass in yellow bins has significantly decreased, some glass packaging is still present. Glass is therefore separated early in the process to ensure proper operation of the facility, while also enabling the recovery of this material.

An eco-responsible construction project that respects the environment

The modernization of the sorting center will be carried out by integrating eco-responsible solutions, such as the reuse of existing buildings, thereby avoiding a major site expansion and reducing the overall environmental impact.

The greening of the parking areas, with 36 parking spaces to be created, is also part of the environmental initiatives, contributing to sustainable land use.

In addition, Aktid plans to implement a state-of-the-art Building Management System (BMS), enabling real-time monitoring of all site equipment. This technology will ensure optimal management of energy consumption while helping to reduce the site’s carbon footprint.

Thanks to this BMS, the performance of the sorting center will be maximized through detailed monitoring of equipment, energy consumption, and air quality, thereby contributing to more sustainable operations.

The construction work, scheduled to begin in late 2025, is expected to reach final completion by the end of 2027.