Turning waste plastic into valuable resources requires advanced sorting, processing, and technology. Effective software can optimise recycling operations, improve material quality, and drive a circular economy for plastic.
Plastic recycling and reprocessing are processes aimed at recovering and reusing plastic materials to reduce waste, conserve resources, and mitigate the environmental impacts of plastic pollution. The recycling process involves the collection, sorting, and processing of discarded plastic materials to create new products. Reprocessing takes the recycling process a step further, transforming recycled plastic into valuable raw materials for manufacturing.
The dream of a circular economy for plastic faces a harsh reality, and that reality is contamination. A vast variety of plastic types, and inconsistent labelling make sorting a nightmare, so standardised labels are a crucial first step. Advanced facilities and technology are also needed, but economic considerations like oil prices can tip the scales against recycling.
Additional challenges such as limited consumer demand for recycled plastic can create stockpiling issues and even high-quality recycled materials may not fully match virgin plastic. Promising new methods like depolymerisation face technical hurdles and high energy use.
Costs can outweigh benefits, especially in a volatile market, and inconsistent regulations and a complex global supply chain add further strain. Single-use plastics, notoriously difficult to recycle, only exacerbate the problem.
There is hope, but a multi-pronged attack is needed. Governments, industries, consumers, and waste management companies must all play their part. Innovation, improved infrastructure, public education, and supportive policies can pave the way for a more sustainable future for plastic recycling.
Plastic recycling’s efficiency hinges on tackling the complex puzzle of sorting and managing diverse plastics with varying properties, and software is needed to do that. The right software can help identify different plastic types, reduce contamination and streamline the process, maximising the quality and yield of recycled plastic.
Software can also empower optimisation for plastic recyclers, tracking plastic flow across the supply chain, from collection to reprocessing, allowing for efficient routing and resource allocation. With the data insights a business gains from effective software, it can uncover areas for improvement. Improvements can include identifying regions with low sorting accuracy or high contamination rates.
Our flagship software product, WR1, empowers businesses to take control of their plastic waste management efforts, providing a comprehensive suite of tools and features tailored to their specific needs.
WR1 facilitates real-time waste tracking and monitoring, enabling businesses to make data-driven decisions, optimise recycling processes, and minimise waste generation. With WR1, businesses can confidently engage with accredited recycling facilities, ensuring responsible and sustainable plastic recycling.
