IoT: The technological transformation 2024—2026
In the Nordic metal recycling industry, logistics has historically been one of the biggest challenges, characterised by heavy shipments and fluctuating volumes. But in the period 2024—2026, a technological transformation has redrawn the map. By implementing the Internet of Things (IoT), logistics flows have gone from being a reactive necessity to becoming a proactive, strategic asset.
Here we delve into how IoT sensors and real-time logistics optimization work, and why digital platforms are now leading the way towards a more efficient and sustainable future for Swedish industry.
What are IoT sensors and how do they work?
IoT stands for Internet of Things and involves equipping physical objects with sensors and connectivity to exchange data. In the recycling industry, this is mainly applied to containers and vessels via fill rate sensors (Sensori di fille).
Using ultrasonic technology, the distance to the material in the container is measured with extreme precision. This data is then sent via the mobile network directly to a cloud-based platform, allowing us to see exactly how much scrap is in each vessel without being on site.
From guesswork to demand-driven collection
Traditionally, the industry has rested on “static routes” -- trucks that run fixed routes whether the containers are full or not. This leads to inefficiency where air is collected in half-empty vessels while others have time to become overcrowded.
With IoT, the industry is shifting to demand-driven collection. By integrating systems from leading players, the recycler gains full visibility across its entire fleet in real time.
The strategic advantages:
- Reduced CO2 emissions: By driving only when needed, the number of miles driven is dramatically reduced, lowering Scope 3 emissions under the new CSRD directives.
- Operational efficiency: Algorithms automatically calculate the most fuel-efficient route between the containers that actually need to be emptied.
- Asset Management: Built-in GPS acts as anti-theft protection. If a container of high-value material, such as copper, moves outside a predetermined area (geofencing), the alarm goes off immediately.
Skrotify Portal as Control Tower
In 2025—2026, real-time data has become a hygiene factor. Skrotify Portal has taken the lead by integrating complex IoT data into a user-friendly interface. For the customer, this means a whole new level of transparency:
- See the current status: Full control of the filling rate in all containers spread across different facilities.
- Order with precision: Order replacement exactly when needed, or let the system do it automatically.
- State of the goods: Temperature monitoring (important for lithium batteries, for example) and alarm in case of unauthorized opening create an unbroken safety chain.
By combining smart hardware with digital platforms, we create a recycling process that is not only profitable, but also optimized for the environmental demands of tomorrow.
Do you want to optimize your business with smart containers?Read more about Skrotify Portal and our logistics solutions here
