Plastics Recycling with Tracer-Based-Sorting: Challenges of a Potential Radical Technology

Johannes Gasde, Jörg Woidasky, Jochen Moesslein and Claus Lang-Koetz
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Johannes Gasde: Institute for Industrial Ecology (INEC), Pforzheim University of Applied Sciences, Tiefenbronner Str. 65, 75175 Pforzheim, Germany
Jörg Woidasky: Institute for Industrial Ecology (INEC), Pforzheim University of Applied Sciences, Tiefenbronner Str. 65, 75175 Pforzheim, Germany
Jochen Moesslein: Polysecure GmbH, Sankt-Georgener Str. 19, Geb. 23, 79111 Freiburg, Germany
Claus Lang-Koetz: Institute for Industrial Ecology (INEC), Pforzheim University of Applied Sciences, Tiefenbronner Str. 65, 75175 Pforzheim, Germany

Sustainability, 2020, vol. 13, issue 1, 1-16

Abstract: To improve the recycling quality of plastics packaging and achieve high recycling rates new identification and sorting technologies are required. Tracer-based-sorting (TBS) is an innovative identification technology based on fluorescent tracers and a corresponding detection unit. TBS can be considered a radical technology change towards a circular economy for plastics and to support sustainability as it has the potential to render several established sorting and/or recycling steps obsolete. This article shows which drivers and barriers are perceived by stakeholders with regard to the implementation of TBS in the market and how challenges are addressed responsibly in the early phases of the innovation process. Influencing external factors and framework conditions of TBS are identified and suitable business models for TBS in a circular economy are discussed. Further, practical recommendations on how to optimize technology and market development for TBS are provided. To obtain these results a mixed method approach of integrated innovation and sustainability analysis, external environment analysis (PESTEL analysis), and business model development approaches was chosen. The research results can be understood as a practical contribution towards a responsible and sustainable implementation of a radical technology-based innovation for a circular economy of plastics.

Keywords: tracer-based-sorting; sorting and pretreatment; mechanical recycling; plastics packaging; implications for plastics recycling; circular economy; plastic value chains; technology innovation; sustainable business models (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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