Plastic Packaging Recycling using Intelligent Separation technologies for Materials (PRISM)

PRISM is a new way of rapidly sorting packaging based on intelligent labels with invisible markers that can be detected and
sorted using existing high-speed optical sorting systems used in MRFs with minor modifications. The labels and the
markers are removed completely by the recycling process. This technology uses commercial labelling and decoration
methods which are coded with high performing luminescent compounds to sort targeted streams including food-contact
plastics, bioplastics, chemical packaging, automotive plastics, black plastics and different grades of one plastic. Sorting is
accomplished using modifications to existing NIR sorting machinery. The new technology can boost recycling plant yields
with efficient ways of sorting materials such as PP packaging used for food, HDPE milk bottles and sleeved PET and
increase recovery of food grade plastics and open up new markets for recovered plastics. This technology will be
compatible with all NIR sorting equipment. It will help brand owners to ensure that packaging reaches the recycling loop
and boost UK recycling performance.

Who will benefit?
Manufacturers of plastic bottles and other plastic containers will benefit in two ways, a) they will be able to safely re-use
recycled polymers knowing they have not been contaminated with anything unwanted or dangerous in the waste stream; b)
the processing temperatures compared to virgin polymer will be less and hence less energy will be required and less new
virgin material will be required.
The food manufacturing industry will be able to boast the use of recycled material to underline their green credentials that
can be further recycled.
Local councils will need to dispose of less packaging materials by landfill or incineration and the waste will have a positive
monetary value.
The environment will benefit since there will be less waste materials and less virgin polymer required.
The successful conclusion of the project will lead to this technology going into widespread use for all kinds of waste
recognition not just for polymers but it could also be applied to many manufactured parts such as automobiles, electrical
goods, textiles. Hence to whole recycling industry where there is enough waste material to make a commercial case.
These labels could be develop for many materials, not just polymers. Therefore the environmental benefits of the
technology will be huge.