Return Systems
Return system research
Europe
Dansk Retursystem
China
- Internet Plus Recycling Strategyhttps://www.endplasticwaste.org/what-we-do/projects/aifenlei-lovere
- LOUVRE (2019)— smart recycling bins for cities
- Incentivises residents by providing micropayments directly into their WeChat account
- AI-powered smart cameras that classify each deposited item based on its weight and shape to determine its recyclability. If a resident makes an incorrect deposit, LOVERE can even follow up via their WeChat account to explain which items the system can accept. This direct feedback loop has proven effective, with approximately 90 per cent of materials collected being properly recycled.
EPR
- Eco-modulation: more sustainable packaging, less producers need to pay processing fees.
- EPR is powerful for companies that want to do the right thing, but didn’t have the market advantage —> first movers pay less
Digital Watermarking
- HolyGrail 2.0 — https://www.endplasticwaste.org/what-we-do/projects/aim-holy-grail-digital-watermarking
- How it works
- Combines near-infrared (NIR) spectrometry and digital watermark detection technology to enhance sorting accuracy
- The NIR provides insights into products' chemical composition, while digital watermarks deliver the SKU—each product's unique commercial reference as defined by its barcode. Together, these technologies enable instant access to detailed product information, such as whether the item is food or non-food, and much more
- high-resolution cameras are required to scan large volumes of digital watermarks quickly and for long periods, a lot of computing power is needed
- Results
- The industrial trials were a success. The modules achieved a detection efficiency rate of between 87.9% and 93.8%.
- Digital watermarking technology companies
- Sorting machine providers
MRFs
C&D
Best practices
- source seperating waste at C&D site makes processing it easier, cheaper, and you get cleaner materials
C&D End Uses
Wood