A joint development agreement to develop solutions for plastics traceability and circularity has been announced by Security Matters and BASF. Plastics, with unique characteristics and when used properly, contribute to a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. However, to move toward a circular economy, more plastic waste needs to be recovered and re-used

Although there is great progress toward chemical recycling, the more common method is to mechanically recycle plastic. Currently, recycled plastic loses its mechanical performance properties and quality when compared to virgin plastic due to polymer degradation and residual impurities. The recycling infrastructure is also expensive and complicated, and simply doesn?t exist in many parts of the world.

In their cooperation, Security Matters and BASF aim to offer a solution for this. Security Matters will contribute its technology to enable physical and digital tracking of closed-loop recycling, authenticate sustainability claims and improve sorting of plastic waste. The partnership leverages BASF?s experience in plastic additives, regulatory know-how and understanding of the plastics value chain. Both companies will also combine their R&D capabilities and required resources as part of the agreement.

Security Matters will provide its track-and-trace solution that marks physical objects with a unique and unalterable chemical-based barcode and connects them to a digital twin. The barcode withstands manufacturing and recycling processes, without altering the appearance or performance of the object. Using proprietary technology, the barcode captures a wide variety of information embedded in the plastic and can be used for closing the plastic loop.

?To tackle the global challenge, we have to rethink plastic applications with their end of life in mind,? stated Achim Sties, senior vice president, Performance Chemicals Europe, BASF SE. ?It is essential to progress towards a circular economy approach that closes the loop on end-of-life resources and allows us to recover and recycle plastics as efficiently as possible. We are jointly developing this game-changing technology that could capture information of the polymer and how the plastic moves through the entire production and distribution process. We will be able to devise an appropriate additive package for our customers and other players in the value chain using recycled material to capture more material value and increase resource productivity.?

?We are honored to be working with BASF as the global leader in Plastic Additives,? added Haggai Alon, founder and CEO of Security Matters. ?This collaboration is the first step in demonstrating how our technology can be used in a circular application. By providing transparency of product life-cycles, we can create an entire technology-driven ecosystem that promotes circularity and sustainability for plastics. Together we can accelerate the progress of the plastic industry toward a more innovative, resilient and productive economy.?

The rescheduled Plastic Free World Conference & Expo 2020 will take place at Cologne Messe, Germany, on Monday 9 November and Tuesday 10 November. To register for this highly focused, solutions-driven event, please click .?For sponsorship and exhibition opportunities, please email?peter@trans-globalevents.com

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