UK 
RAPID 8000 Metal Detector
Metal detector for gravity free-fall applications
Improve Your Sustainability with Magnetic Separation and Metal Detection
Magnetic separation and metal detection systems significantly contribute to sustainability in a range of industries from food processing to plastic recycling. They help reduce product wastage and improve efficiency by removing metal contamination from the product.
Reduce Waste and Improve Productivity
By utilising effective metal separation and detection equipment, food manufacturers can avoid discarding whole batches of product, reducing waste and saving them money. Furthermore, the ferrous material removed from the processing line can often be recycled. This reduces the amount of waste sent to landfill.
If left in the product the metal contamination can cause damage to machinery, resulting in machine downtime and costly repairs. Primary magnetic separators such as Magnetic Separation Grids and Magnetic Drum Metal Separator, can be deployed early in the process to remove larger tramp metals such as screws from the product before it reaches any pumps, mixers or grinders. Further separators c
an then be placed before each machine to remove smaller ferrous materials from the product, these are known as secondary magnetic separators, which includes the Pneumag Magnetic Separator and Auto-Shuttle Magnetic Separator. Not only is the product quality improved, but the lifespan of machinery is extended, offering a more sustainable solution.
Magnetic separation plays a key role in sustainable plastic processing by removing metal contaminants, improving the purity of recycled plastics, reducing waste, conserving resources, and safeguarding processing equipment. Improving the quality of recycled plastics means manufactures use fewer virgin plastic pellets.
Some magnetic separators and metal detectors do not require manual operation and are able to automatically separate and remove contaminated material quickly and safely from the production process. This improves production flow by reducing stoppages and the need for manual inspection.
Environmental Benefits
Permanent magnetic separators require no power at all to run, making them an energy efficient solution to removing metal contamination from products such as plastic, flour, chocolate and bread.
Whereas auto cleaning magnetic separators such as the Auto-Rota Shuttle Magnetic Separator do require power as they operate via compressed air. Similarly metal detectors require compressed air and therefore they need power to operate.
By improving energy efficiency and minimising waste, magnetic separators enable food manufacturers to reduce their carbon footprint and promote more sustainable production practices. Being seen as an environmentally conscious company also improves brand reputation.
Reducing product loss from contamination is great for the environment and saves manufacturers money through decreased wastage and product recalls.
In addition, the maintenance requirements of food processing metal detectors and magnetic separators are simple and environmentally friendly. They are easy to clean and don’t require any harsh chemicals, offering yet another way to support a healthier, more sustainable environment.
The metal separators and detectors also have a long lifespan as they require minimal parts, and the magnets won’t demagnetise over time. Eclipse Magnetics offers annual servicing and system testing to ensure your equipment is working as well as its first day in operation.
Improved Efficiency
Some metal separators and detectors are able to identify contaminants in packaged products as a last line of defence on the processing line. This improves wastage by rejecting individual products rather than entire batches.
Magnetic separation technologies in food manufacturing continue to advance as food safety standards tighten and production demands increase. Our magnetic separators and detectors follow BRC and FSA guidelines and can be made ATEX certified to work in hazardous and explosive conditions.
Self‑cleaning magnetic separators are a great example of how magnetic technology has advanced. These systems automatically remove captured metal contaminants, improving efficiency and greatly reducing the maintenance demands associated with manual separators. They also allow the 24/7 operation of machinery as they don’t need to be stopped to be cleaned. Equipped with strong rare earth magnets or enhanced metal detection features, they provide real‑time contamination monitoring, issue alerts, and automatically remove contaminants to ensure the highest levels of food safety.
Integrating magnetic separation equipment into processing lines enhances operational efficiency. By reducing contamination risks, and improving material flow, these systems help optimise overall production performance.
Conclusion
Magnetic separation and metal detection systems help manufacturers operate more sustainably by reducing waste, protecting equipment, and improving product quality. Their ability to remove contaminants efficiently also supports recycling efforts and reduces reliance on virgin materials. With low energy usage, long service life, and minimal maintenance requirements, these technologies offer an environmentally friendly solution for modern processing lines. As advanced features continue to improve efficiency and safety, magnetic separation remains an essential tool for manufacturers aiming to enhance sustainability and operational performance.
