Tested Chemical "Barcodes" to Assist in Sorting Plastics

A new collaboration aims to better identify plastics with various chemistries or additives by using digitalization technology.

To support recycling plant operators in tracking and tracing plastics with varying additives or chemistries, Security Matters (SMX), a company concentrating on digitizing physical objects to create a circular and closed-loop economy, is collaborating with the North American Flame Retardant Alliance (NAFRA) and the International Bromine Council (BSEF).

The project will showcase SMX's latest scanning technology, which recognizes plastics labeled with barcodes and forwards them to the right destination via a chemical-based "hidden barcode" system.

Chemical ‘barcodes’ tested to help sort plastics

In a news statement, NAFRA and BSEF stated that they are financing their member firms' installation of the barcodes and scanners. 

A news statement stated that the initiative "has the potential to help boost plastics recycling by enhancing efficiency, reducing needless procedures and obstacles, and helping transport the items to the correct destination more quickly,” said Robert Simon - representative of NAFRA and the American Chemistry Council. 

SMX plans to use its technology in several industry areas, including the fashion industry.  

Read more: Be Careful When Scanning, Advises the Better Business Bureau