Characterisation, sorting and washing
The goal this program component is to develop open facilities to improve sorting efficiency and recyclate quality. In addition, general programs will be established to develop recyclate quality testing methods, process analysis and characterization methods, mitigation strategies for microplastics and an artificial intelligence (AI)-based system for predicting recyclate value.
The Circular Plastics NL grant scheme from RVO covers this program line for research projects in 2025.
Description of the program line
To accelerate the circular plastic supply chain and move toward higher recycling rates, characterizing, sorting and washing are crucial steps in addition to designing and setting up the waste management system. Characterising to determine what materials and interfering substances are in a stream, sorting to recover valuable materials from a waste stream and washing to increase material quality by removing adhering dirt, inks, adhesives, odour and other interfering substances.
Purpose of the program line
The objective is to research or develop processes, methodologies or techniques aimed at improving materials and product design, characterization, sorting and washing of plastic waste streams or processes for conversion of plastic waste streams into new raw materials to increase recycling efficiency and recyclate quality (including chemical recycling output).
Topics Grant Scheme 2025
At the CPNL grant scheme in 2025, this program line focuses on:
- Development of in-line analysis techniques for the purpose of sorting processes
- Automatic sorting of the waste stream of large plastic items
More information and eligible activities:
Projects 2024
MoQuP-R: Monitoring Quality in Plastic Recycling.
Research on quality assurance in plastic recycling. With that project, NTCP, Maastricht University, TNO, LyondellBasell, Danone, Graham Packaging and Verpact are focusing on the quality monitoring tools needed and the application of existing models related to recyclate quality prediction to increase the use of PCR in packaging. An integrated approach should enable adjustments along the circular value chain to improve PCR quality.
Learn more:
MoQuP-R on the Wall of Innovations November 2024
MoQup-R during CPNL project launch May 2024
UPTYRE: Unique Process Solutions for Advanced Recycling of Car Tyres
Research on Unique Processes for Sorting and Separation of Used Auto Tires to Promote High Value Recycling. This project is a research project appropriate within KSW with the topic: Development of specific pretreatment and sorting techniques for the synthetic rubber from automobile tires.
The consortium consists of the following parties: RecybemB.V., Hogeschool Windesheim and University, Twente, and industrial partners Reedijk Used Tyres B.V., Kargro Recycling B.V., Apollo Tyres (Europe) B.V., Avantes B.V., Spectral Industries B.V., Rubber Resources and New Born Rubber
Learn more:
UPTYRE on the Wall of Innovations November 2024
UPTYRE in Plastic Magazine September 2024
UPTYRE during CPNL project launch May 2024
NTCP
NTCP, an independent non-profit organization is open to cooperation with all parties in the chain and provides objective results and advice. Since 2019, NTCP is the leading research institute in Europe in the field of characterizing, sorting and washing plastics from (household) waste streams. On a relevant industrial scale, the center provides the opportunity to conduct tests and research, evaluate new technologies, and develop and test processes for both mechanical and chemical recycling routes. Conducting experiments and research at this scale will accelerate industry implementation. CPNL is investing 12 million Euros to expand NTCP by 2024.
NTCP during CPNL project launch May 2024
Want to know more?
Contact the experts on the CPNL team.