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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: EP/N508974/1
Title: Plastic Packaging Recycling using Intelligent Separation technologies for Materials (PRISM)
Principal Investigator: Silver, Professor J
Other Investigators:
Fern, Dr G Tarverdi, Professor K
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Department: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Organisation: Brunel University London
Scheme: Technology Programme
Starts: 01 September 2015 Ends: 30 April 2018 Value (£): 166,566
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Manufacturing Machine & Plant Materials Processing
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Manufacturing
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
PRISM is a new way of rapidly sorting packaging based on intelligent labels with invisible markers that can be detected and

sorted using existing high-speed optical sorting systems used in MRFs with minor modifications. The labels and the

markers are removed completely by the recycling process. This technology uses commercial labelling and decoration

methods which are coded with high performing luminescent compounds to sort targeted streams including food-contact

plastics, bioplastics, chemical packaging, automotive plastics, black plastics and different grades of one plastic. Sorting is

accomplished using modifications to existing NIR sorting machinery. The new technology can boost recycling plant yields

with efficient ways of sorting materials such as PP packaging used for food, HDPE milk bottles and sleeved PET and

increase recovery of food grade plastics and open up new markets for recovered plastics. This technology will be

compatible with all NIR sorting equipment. It will help brand owners to ensure that packaging reaches the recycling loop

and boost UK recycling performance.
Key Findings
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Potential use in non-academic contexts
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Impacts
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Summary
Date Materialised
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Project URL:  
Further Information:  
Organisation Website: http://www.brunel.ac.uk