Over $4 million in funding handed out by The Recycling Partnership for the Material Recovery Facility in Houston
In a significant step towards improving recycling processes, FCC Environmental Services in Houston, Texas, will undergo a retrofit, thanks to a grant of $4.25 million from The Coca-Cola Company, provided through The Recycling Partnership.
The modernization project includes the installation of TOMRA optical sorters and additional conveyors. However, the most intriguing aspect of this upgrade is the adoption of Polytag's technology, which could potentially revolutionize the recycling process by increasing transparency and traceability.
Polytag's technology applies invisible, GS1-standard QR codes directly to packaging labels using food-safe fluorescent ink. These QR codes are compatible with standard printing methods like digital, flexographic solvent-based, and UV-cure inks, ensuring seamless integration into existing infrastructure.
Citeo, one of Europe's busiest Materials Recycling Facilities (MRFs), has already implemented Polytag's UV tagging solution to track and trace 100% of single-use plastic bottles it recycles. This move could serve as a model for other MRFs looking to improve their recycling efficiency and accuracy.
The QR codes applied by Polytag's technology are said to be readable by existing sorting equipment at MRFs. This means that the new data generated by these codes could potentially create new opportunities to return the material to foodservice packaging supply chains.
The grant also aims to improve the facility's ability to recycle film and flexible packaging, a challenge due to the complexities of recycling plastic film, contamination of other recyclable commodities, high processing costs, and limited end-market demand.
Closed Loop Partners has published new data on high volumes of recycled food-grade polypropylene (PP) captured at materials recovery facilities. The technology used by Polytag, which involves the application of invisible QR codes, does not affect the appearance of the packaging.
Investments to build recycling infrastructure for FFP are critical as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation has been passed in seven states, including California. The adoption of Polytag's technology by Citeo and the modernization of FCC Environmental Services' MRF in Houston are significant strides towards addressing these challenges.
The QR codes applied by Polytag's technology can be scanned at any point in the recycling process, from the MRF to the final recycling facility. This could potentially lead to a more efficient and accurate recycling process, ultimately benefiting the environment and the recycling industry as a whole.
