New ReMA Member Spotlight: LLA Instruments
Founded in 1993 in Berlin, Germany, LLA Instruments GmbH, specializes in advanced optical sensor technology for industrial sorting and real-time material analysis. The company develops customized hyperspectral imaging (HSI) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) systems designed for reliable material identification in demanding environments. LLA Instruments’ portfolio of spectral imaging and analytical measurement technologies, along with its hyperspectral camera portfolio, supports industrial sorting applications across the globe. This includes textiles, metals, paper, electronics, construction materials, and PET flakes.
Beyond recycling, their cameras and systems are also used in diverse industrial and geoscience applications. They include quality control in food processing and functional coatings, rock processing and mining, and even rare earth element and bottom ash recycling.
In November 2023, LLA Instruments became part of Tibidabo Scientific Industries, a global leader of highly differentiated technologies in the scientific and medical research, life sciences, agricultural, recycling, aerospace, defense and security, and industrial markets.
ReMA News chatted with Sunik Sharma, Technical Sales Engineer at LLA Instruments, about the company, what they offer to the recycled materials industry, and why they decided to join the association.
Can you tell me about the company?
We manufacture and supply advanced hyperspectral imaging and XRF (X-ray fluorescence) technology for the industrial recycling sector, as well as quality assurance in food processing. Our solutions form the analytical core of modern sorting systems/plants. We provide fully integrated modules that include our imaging technology (HSI/XRF), mounting bridges, illumination units, pre-configured AI-based evaluation tools, and the ejection unit. Our products provide both visual and spectral data to accurately determine material composition and improve sorting efficiency.
Instead of purchasing a standardized sorting machine, customers can design their own sorting systems using our technology, achieving highly accurate, application-specific, and cost-effective sorting solutions. Our systems arrive ready to install, with no alignment or integration requirements, delivering long-term value in applications where accuracy, robustness, and reliability are essential. With over 30 years in the industry, our expertise and close collaboration with customers have enabled us to support resource preservation and progress toward climate neutrality.
How can your products be used in the recycled materials industry?
By recovering valuable recyclables from household waste, construction debris, compostable waste, and other material streams, we return resources to the materials cycle. Our customized NIR measurement technology, paired with powerful analytical and classification software, provide real-time material recognition to recover valuables from different waste streams—reducing the consumption of raw materials and helping protect the environment.
Our systems can identify all major plastics and polymers including PA6 & PA6.6 polyamide (PA) with high accuracy. With the XRF system, analysis of the average metal composition or concentration material identification of metals and metal alloys can be used both for direct metal sorting or for controlling upstream or downstream processing steps.
How do your technologies work?
Hyperspectral Imaging Technology with KUSTA
Our KUSTA camera captures a full spectrum of every pixel within a material stream. Unlike standard cameras, it distinguishes materials with similar appearances by their spectral fingerprints. This enables accurate identification and separation of plastics, food products, and other complex waste streams in real time.
X-ray Fluorescence (XRF)
Our XRF identifies metals by measuring their elemental composition. When exposed to X-rays, each element emits a unique fluorescence signal, allowing the system to sort different metals and alloys or monitor material flows on conveyor belt.
How did you hear about ReMA and how did you decide to join the association?
We attended a ReMA event in June 2025, and were very interested in participating in more events, for both networking and expanding our presence in the U.S. recycling market. Joining the association was a clear choice.