PET RECYCLING | INNOVATION


to a feasibility study aimed at delivering a forward- thinking, sustainable solution for mixed plastic collection in Switzerland. A primary challenge was to accurately distinguish between food-grade and non-food-grade PET, something not reliably achievable using conventional sorting techniques. Here, Sesotec played a pivotal role by merging


proven sensor-based sorting with the power of AI in its Varisort+ Unity sorting system which uses Object-AI technology to enable material classifica- tion via NIR (near-infrared), colour differentiation, or shape recognition. The sorted packaging was then shredded into flakes, screened, and washed. Each fraction underwent additional purification with the help of Sesotec’s Flake Purifier+. Finally, the material analysis system Flake Scan was then utilised, which enables fast and reliable analysis of material composition. After sorting and quality control, the pure flakes were then extruded into mono-recycling films which were thermoformed back into equivalent packaging. European organisations have continued their work to support PET recycling improvements. The European PET Bottle Platform (EPBP) announced the Quick Test – Accelerated Impact Test.Circularity


(QT-AIT.Circularity) to its Circularity Test Protocol. This provides the value chain with a fast, cost-effec- tive way of simulating the impact of multiple recycling loops on recyclate quality, strengthening EPBP’s toolkit for assessing circularity. The organi- sation recently completed an industry-wide consultation to collect stakeholder feedback on the latest Design for Circularity (DfC) guidelines for PET bottles, concluding that while Design for Recycling (DfR) ensures high-quality recyclate after a single use, DfC sets a more ambitious benchmark, maintaining material quality and functionality across multiple recycling loops, consistent with EU policy expectations and industry requirements for closed-loop systems.


Other developments include updated guidance


for PET bottle manufacturers from RecyClass around how labels and adhesives are used and how they might affect recyclability. The revision followed months of collaborative work within RecyClass’s PET Technical Committee involving experts from across the value chain, including label and adhesive manufacturers, recyclers, and converters. “We believe that understanding how each packaging component behaves during the


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