HolyGrail 2.0 validates detection sorting unit

The results show that the digital watermark technology can achieve more granular sorting of packaging waste at scale, such as developing separate food and other new PCR streams that currently do not exist. This would open up new recycling streams, effectively overcoming the limitations of current near-infrared (NIR) sorting technologies and driving a true circular economy for packaging. 

Consistent high results across all tested categories of the plastic packaging material of 99 percent detection, 95 percent ejection, and 95 percent purity rates, on average, demonstrate an impressive performance of the prototype. 

Developed by the machine vendor Pellenc ST and the digital watermarks technology supplier Digimarc, the detection unit is now ready for industrial-scale pilots, which will start later this year. Details on industrial partners and packaging scope will be released at upcoming conferences.

‘We have achieved our objective of proving digital watermarks can increase intelligent sorting of packaging waste at scale, enabling new recycling streams that currently do not exist. This would be a fantastic leap forward in achieving the EU recycling goals,’ said Michelle Gibbons, general director of AIM. ‘Innovation and digital are the core drivers towards the Green Transition, and this has been brought to life through HolyGrail 2.0. The engagement across the value chain by dedicated experts and teams to get to this point has been remarkable; now, market participants can decide to be part of industrial-scale pilots to test this at an even bigger scale in Europe.’

‘The completion of the semi-industrial trials is a very important milestone in the HolyGrail 2.0 initiative. We are one step closer to making intelligent waste sorting a reality through digital watermarks,’ added Jacob Duer, president and CEO of the Alliance to End Plastic Waste. ‘The HolyGrail project is an excellent example of how engaged and committed businesses coming together around a very clear goal can accelerate the development of new solutions. As we move into the next stage of in-market demonstrations, we strongly encourage more businesses and partners to join us in scaling up testing and adoption.’

The semi-industrial tests of the Pellenc ST/Digimarc prototype started in October 2021 at the Amager Resource Center in Copenhagen. The purpose was to evaluate the technology by replicating real-world industrial conditions. 

Comprehensive sets of tests were successfully performed on approximately 125,000 pieces of packaging from 260 SKUs at 3 m/s belt speed, with soiling/crushing and throughput representing routine industrial operations. Additional tests were also performed at a higher belt speed of 4.5 m/s, with severe soiling and crushing, without performance loss.

Read more about HolyGrail project in L&L magazine Issue 1, 2021.