PET Packaging – DataBeyond Innovates with Advanced PET Bottle Sorting Technology, Partnering with New Ruibang Fiber Technology for Large-Scale Recycling Project 12-08-2024

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Mura Technology Secures Grant for Sustainable Development of Hydro-PRT

UK-based chemical recycler Mura Technology, in collaboration with the Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) at the University of Warwick, has secured a grant from Innovate UK for a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP). This partnership aims to advance Mura’s Hydro Plastics Recycling Technology (Hydro-PRT) by developing sustainability models for its future projects. PET Packaging

The KTP grant, awarded by the UK government’s innovation agency, will support a two-year project where WMG will create operational sustainability models for Mura’s chemical recycling technology. These models will include Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) to ensure that Hydro-PRT meets environmental standards across all Mura project sites. The sustainability platform developed through this project will serve as an educational and informative tool for stakeholders such as global regulators, policymakers, and the plastics value chain, highlighting the low carbon potential of Hydro-PRT.

A peer-reviewed LCA published by WMG last year revealed that Mura’s hydrothermal treatment of plastic waste reduces the carbon impact by approximately 80% compared to incineration, on a tonne-for-tonne basis. This significant reduction underscores the environmental benefits of Hydro-PRT. PET Packaging

Mura anticipates that the operational sustainability models will enhance the commercialization of its technology through licensing agreements. The first commercial Hydro-PRT plant is expected to be operational in Teesside, UK, by the end of 2024, with additional plants under construction in South Korea and Japan in partnership with local entities.

Dr. Geoff Brighty, Mura’s head of sustainability and R&D, emphasized the importance of the ongoing collaboration with WMG. He stated, “Hydro-PRT has sector-leading sustainability credentials, but every prospective site will be unique, influenced by the local energy grid, plant configurations, as well as its material supply chain. PET Packaging

The KTP project models will inform options appraisals and decision-making, ensuring sustainability is at the heart of our global growth programme.”

Unlike pyrolysis, Hydro-PRT uses water under high pressure and temperature to convert post-consumer, multi-layered, flexible, and rigid plastics into hydrocarbon feedstocks. This process can handle various plastic waste forms, including films, pots, tubs, and trays.

WMG’s LCA also identified that electricity consumption is the primary contributor to global warming in the hydrothermal treatment process. PET Packaging

Electricity grids rich in renewable energy sources have the potential to further reduce the Global Warming Potential (GWP) of the technology. Additionally, plant configurations that recycle process gas can enhance environmental performance.

The sustainability models developed through this project will enable stakeholders to identify opportunities for further improving the environmental performance of the Hydro-PRT process. This initiative not only strengthens Mura’s commercial prospects but also positions Hydro-PRT as a leading technology in sustainable plastic recycling. PET Packaging

DataBeyond Innovates with Advanced PET Bottle Sorting Technology, Partnering with New Ruibang Fiber Technology for Large-Scale Recycling Project

China-based technology company, DataBeyond, known for its expertise in artificial intelligence (AI) and optoelectronic sorting equipment, is making significant strides in the recycling industry. The company has announced a strategic collaboration with New Ruibang Fiber Technology, a prominent producer of recycled hollow polyester staple fiber (PSF). This partnership is focused on developing a highly advanced recycling operation in Suqian, China, where eight state-of-the-art PET bottle sorting lines are being constructed. These lines are designed to process an impressive 300,000 tonnes of PET bottles annually, transforming them into high-quality recycled hollow PSF. PET Packaging

The project’s ambitious scale is evident, with the aim to recycle around 20 billion PET bottles every year. This massive recycling effort is projected to contribute significantly to environmental sustainability by reducing carbon emissions by approximately 450,000 tons annually. The initiative is part of a broader effort to address the growing concerns around plastic waste and carbon footprint, aligning with global sustainability goals.

The first of the eight sorting lines was successfully commissioned in March of this year, marking the beginning of this large-scale operation. PET Packaging

The next two lines are slated to become operational by August, with the entire project being supported by a substantial investment of CNY 5 billion, equivalent to around €639 million. Once fully operational, these sorting lines will play a crucial role in the production of recycled hollow PSF, a material widely utilized in a variety of industries including home goods, toys, and apparel.

DataBeyond is deploying its cutting-edge optical sorting technology in this project, ensuring that the recycling process is both efficient and precise. The initial phase of the project saw the installation of six AI+SPEC AI hyperspectral sorters. These sophisticated machines are capable of identifying up to 256 different wavelength bands, enabling the accurate removal of various unwanted materials such as PC, PVC, PP, PE, PO, PETG, and complex composites. This precision is crucial in maintaining the high purity of the final recycled product. PET Packaging

The sorting process developed by DataBeyond is meticulously designed, encompassing 11 stages of sorting and processing. The workflow includes a wide array of equipment spread across nearly one kilometer, featuring unpackers, conveyors, vibrating screens, de-labeling machines, bottle sorting mechanisms, and pre-washing units. PET Packaging

Each of these stages is optimized to ensure that the PET bottles are processed as efficiently as possible, minimizing waste and maximizing the quality of the recycled output.

To further enhance the operational efficiency and reliability of the sorting lines, DataBeyond has integrated its proprietary DataBeyond Cloud Brain technology.

This system allows for continuous monitoring of the equipment, facilitating remote upgrades, predictive maintenance, and real-time management around the clock. This advanced level of control ensures that the equipment operates at peak performance, reducing downtime and maintaining the high standards required for such a large-scale recycling operation.  PET Packaging

Founded in 2018, DataBeyond has rapidly established itself as a key player in the global recycling technology market. The company is committed to providing sophisticated yet cost-effective AI-based sorting solutions that cater to the needs of the recycling industry worldwide. Its product portfolio includes a range of high-performance optical sorters that incorporate cutting-edge technologies such as the MSWDataBase and deep neural network algorithms. These technologies are complemented by various optical sorting methods, including near-infrared (NIR), infrared (IR), hyperspectral imaging, fluorescence detection, and X-ray scanning. PET Packaging

DataBeyond’s influence extends far beyond its home market in China. The company’s advanced sorting solutions have been successfully exported to numerous countries, including Brazil, India, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Japan, Malaysia, Nigeria, various European nations, and the United States. This global presence underscores the company’s ability to meet the diverse needs of recycling operations around the world, further solidifying its reputation as an industry leader. PET Packaging

In conclusion, DataBeyond’s partnership with New Ruibang Fiber Technology represents a significant advancement in the recycling industry, both in terms of scale and technological innovation. With its cutting-edge sorting equipment and commitment to sustainability, DataBeyond is poised to make a lasting impact on the global recycling landscape, contributing to the reduction of plastic waste and carbon emissions on a massive scale. This project not only highlights the capabilities of DataBeyond’s technology but also sets a new benchmark for the recycling industry as a whole. PET Packaging

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