BASF and Partners Use AI to Enhance Plastic Recycling Efficiency and Quality

BASF and Partners Use AI to Enhance Plastic Recycling Efficiency and Quality

(IN BRIEF) BASF, alongside partners Endress+Hauser, TechnoCompound, and the Universities of Bayreuth and Jena, is leading the SpecReK project to enhance the mechanical recycling of plastics using advanced spectroscopic technology and AI. Funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), the project enables real-time analysis of plastic waste composition to improve the quality and consistency of recycled materials. By optimizing recycling processes, SpecReK aims to meet growing demand for high-quality recycled plastics, support the circular economy, and complement chemical recycling methods for a more sustainable plastics lifecycle.

(PRESS RELEASE) LUDWIGSHAFEN, 20-Dec-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — BASF, in collaboration with Endress+Hauser, TechnoCompound, and the Universities of Bayreuth and Jena, is advancing the mechanical recycling of plastics through the SpecReK project. Supported by funding from the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), the initiative leverages innovative measuring technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze the composition of plastic waste in real time, enabling higher-quality recycled outputs and promoting a more robust circular economy.

The project utilizes advanced spectroscopic methods to determine how light interacts with materials, providing detailed chemical insights into recycled plastics. By integrating this data with AI algorithms, the system can identify plastic grades, additives, and contaminants during processing. The AI then recommends adjustments to the recycling process, such as introducing specific components, to enhance the quality of the recycled material.

Improving Recycling Efficiency and Output Quality

Dr. Bernhard von Vacano, who leads BASF’s Plastics Circularity research program, emphasized the need for real-time analysis tools: “Currently, we lack the capability to accurately determine the components in mechanically recycled plastics during processing. With these tools, we can evaluate and improve the quality of recycled plastics, enabling their use in high-value products and making recycling more efficient and sustainable.”

Plastic waste is primarily processed through mechanical recycling, which involves collecting, sorting, crushing, cleaning, and melting materials. However, the quality of the output varies due to inconsistent input materials containing mixed plastics, additives, and contaminants. SpecReK aims to address this challenge, ensuring consistent, high-quality recycled materials that meet increasing demand and regulatory standards.

Strengthening the Circular Economy for Plastics

The SpecReK project, with a total budget of €2.2 million, is funded two-thirds by the BMBF through its quantum systems research program, with the remaining third supported by the project partners. By improving mechanical recycling processes, the initiative aims to strengthen the circular economy for plastics, ensuring that recycled materials can be transformed into high-value products.

Dr. von Vacano noted, “Understanding the material properties and composition of recycled plastics is essential to optimizing processes and meeting the growing demand for high-quality materials. This project is a significant step forward in creating a more sustainable lifecycle for plastics.”

Complementary Roles of Mechanical and Chemical Recycling

While mechanical recycling remains the primary method for processing plastic waste, BASF is also focused on improving chemical recycling, which can reintroduce materials into the circular economy when mechanical recycling is not feasible. Both methods play critical roles in achieving a sustainable and efficient plastics lifecycle.

For more information about BASF’s initiatives to make plastics more sustainable, visit the Plastics Hub.

About BASF

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Around 112,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio comprises six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €68.9 billion in 2023. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the United States. Further information at www.basf.com.

Media Contact:

Holger Kapp
Corporate Media Relations
Research & Innovation
+49 621 60-20732
+49 174 348 1004
holger.kapp@basf.com

SOURCE: BASF