CARE has announced the release of CarpeTell, a new handheld device designed to rapidly and accurately identify contemporary carpet fibers and fiber blends, supporting faster sorting in recycling operations. The device is aimed primarily at post-consumer carpet recyclers, while also serving post-industrial recyclers and nylon compounders.
Development of CarpeTell began in 2021 after CARE learned that microPHAZIR, a widely used carpet fiber identification tool, was being phased out by its manufacturer. Seeking a more effective replacement tailored to recycling needs, CARE initiated a research and development program to deliver a next-generation solution for the industry.
Following extensive evaluation, carpet industry veteran Frank Endrenyi partnered with CARE to identify the most suitable technology. The organization subsequently collaborated with Matoha, a U.K.-based specialist in near-infrared (NIR) identification technologies for textiles and plastics. After testing and review, CARE’s board approved an ergonomic redesign to optimize the device for carpet recycling environments. Endrenyi worked closely with Matoha over a two-year period to refine the technology and finalize the CarpeTell design.
“We’re delighted to have partnered with CARE and Frank Endrenyi to bring our material identification technology to the carpet and flooring industry,” said Darlene Sammut, Chief Operating Officer of Matoha. She noted that CARE’s support enabled the development of AI algorithms specific to carpet materials, along with a handheld format suited to demanding recycling operations.
Faster Sorting, Higher Efficiency
CarpeTell delivers near-instant fiber identification in under half a second, significantly boosting sorting efficiency across all carpet fiber types and blends currently in production. Its identification library can be expanded as new materials enter the market, ensuring long-term relevance.
Bob Peoples, Executive Director of CARE, said the device will play a critical role as extended producer responsibility (EPR) legislation expands. “With EPR already active in California and expected in New York, efficient fiber sorting will be essential. CarpeTell makes identification instant, accurate, and cost-effective,” he said.
Read more: CARE Opens Registration for 2025 Carpet Recycling Conference
The unit features a compact, durable, and ergonomic design, weighing approximately 12 ounces. A removable rechargeable battery provides up to 10 hours of operation, depending on use. With minimal components, CarpeTell is designed to maximize uptime in warehouse environments, while its pistol-grip handle helps reduce operator fatigue during extended shifts.
Early users have reported positive results. “We received our first Matoha analyzer at our Lincoln, California facility and were impressed with its lightweight design, fast response time, and long battery life,” said Wes Nelson, Director of Sourcing and Sales at Circular Polymers by Ascend. He added that additional units have since been ordered to replace older analyzers across operations.
CarpeTell is priced significantly lower than microPHAZIR and includes a modest monthly subscription covering software updates and expansion of the identification library. Frank Endrenyi of Marketing Collaborative LLC serves as the U.S. distributor and provides customer support, while additional technical resources and user guidance are available through Matoha’s online platforms.
With CarpeTell, CARE aims to remove a key bottleneck in carpet recycling—accurate, fast fiber identification—supporting higher recovery rates and more efficient circularity across the flooring industry.
