Michigan: Cirba Solutions has received a $193,155 state grant to install AI-powered battery sorting technology. This funding is part of the Circular Economy Grants program aimed at improving recycling operations and promoting sustainable supply chains across Michigan, benefiting both the economy and environment.
A company based in Wixom, Michigan, has been awarded a state grant aimed at promoting the reuse, repair, and recovery of materials within the circular economy framework. Cirba Solutions, located on Holtz Drive, is among the thirty projects announced to share a total of $5.6 million in Circular Economy Grants, which are designed to foster recycling initiatives and develop robust circular supply chains across the state.
The announcement was made on February 13, 2025, and the grant awarded to Cirba Solutions amounts to $193,155. This funding will be utilised to install an automated battery sorting line that employs artificial intelligence (AI) technology. The goal of this enhancement is to bolster the efficiency and economic viability of battery recycling operations, thereby increasing the capacity to process batteries and return essential materials to the domestic supply chain.
The Circular Economy Grants, administered by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) under the NextCycle Michigan initiative, aim to support innovative solutions and collaborative efforts in nurturing Michigan’s circular economy. The grants, which range from $50,000 to $250,000, are intended to develop various sustainable supply chains incorporating waste material streams through processes such as material reuse, repair, remanufacturing, recycling, organics recovery, composting, and expanding markets for recovered materials.
Matt Flechter, a recycling markets specialist with EGLE, commented on the grants, stating, “The Circular Economy Grants fund innovation and collaboration to reimagine the reuse and recycling of materials. Through programs like NextCycle and accompanying grants, Michigan is progressing toward the goal of a 30% recycling rate by 2029. Michigan’s economy and our environment both benefit when we attract and grow innovative businesses like these.”
Throughout Michigan, perceptions of the application process revealed a significant interest in addressing waste management challenges, with a total of 71 applications received, requesting more than $12 million in funding. The successful grant recipients represent a diverse array of urban, rural, and suburban areas across the state’s two peninsulas.
Further details regarding all grant recipients and their projects are available through the provided links.
Source: Noah Wire Services
