10 Innovative Technologies Combating Plastic Waste

This May, GIFT’s Global Leaders Programme will focus on the theme of plastic waste and circularity in Indonesia. Therefore, today we will be shining the spotlight on some innovative companies seeking solutions to the global issue of plastic waste.

Globally only 9% of plastic is recycled, with most waste ending up in landfills or the environment. This is soon set to change, however, as demand for recycled plastic grows across the world, and as governments and individuals look for new ways to manage their plastic consumption. In 2022, for example, the UK government started requiring companies to include 30% recycled content in their packaging, while Unilever has committed to 25% recycled plastic use by 2025. By 2024 the UN is expected to reach a historic and legally binding agreement to end plastic pollution. It is clear then that business as usual for plastic production cannot continue for much longer.

So, given this changing climate, let’s look at ten companies that are seeking to pave the way towards a zero plastic waste future.

  1. Little Yellow Dog 

Little Yellow Dog is a Chinese waste sorting and recycling company established in 2017. It operates out of 45 cities across China and has 12,000 smart recycling machines.

Adhering to the concept of “no waste in the world”, it promotes a circular economy model of production and boasts 6.5 million registered users. Users can come down to any of the locally-placed “smart recycling machines” and deposit their household waste. From there, the machines use cloud-based AI computing to sort the waste into relevant bins. It can then calculate the value of the goods deposited via current market rates and pay users through an app. Full time staff collect waste when machines are at capacity.

2.Topolytics

One of the major challenges facing waste management is that supply chains can often be very long and obscure. That is why Topolytics, a UK data analytics firm, has created a digital “waste map” which can trace the movement of plastic waste around the world. This map is created through a mixture of data analytics and big data. This allows users to trace the movement of their plastics and gain better insight whether partners are following through on their commitments. This product has applications for governments, producers, companies, and recyclers alike.

3. Diwama

One of the key obstacles to plastic recycling comes from improper sorting. Part of the reason so little plastic is recycled globally is due to the contamination of plastic by organic waste materials. That is why Diwama provides a hardware and software solution for waste-sorting facilities. Their technology uses AI-based image recognition software which automates waste analysis. This works by placing cameras at the front and end of conveyor belts and employing their software to efficiently detect what types of waste is passing by for workers to then sort. This allows for faster and more effective sorting and thus higher profitability for waste sorting sites. Diwama is one of many startups using AI in the sorting process. Its use in Lebanon suggests its practicality for developing countries.

4. Clearbot Neo

It is common knowledge that a lot of plastic waste ends up in waterways, where it endangers aquatic life and impacts water quality. That is why researchers in Hong Kong and Singapore have created an AI-driven robot to help tackle this problem. Known as Clearbot Neo, the system travels along the water’s surface and uses machine vision to recognise and catalogue trash, which it then picks up. The autonomous robot can collect up to 200 kilograms of trash per day and 15 L of oil, all from a solar powered battery. Currently Clearbots retail for up to 900 USD, however the team aims to bring down this cost in the future.

5. The Plastic Flamingo

The Plastic Flamingo (PLAF), is a social enterprise based in the Philippines. It was founded by husband-and-wife team, Francois and Charlotte, during their honeymoon cycling from France to Cambodia. Here they witnessed first-hand how nature was being destroyed by mass consumerism and production of cheap plastic and decided to do something about it. Through its innovative manufacturing system PLAF takes waste plastic and turns it into products ranging from recycled pellets, plastic lumber, full shelters, and even furniture! By the end of this year they aim to have collected 2000 tonnes of plastic waste for use in their products.

6. Wasser 3.0

Microplastic contamination is a major global concern. Worse still, few people realise that humans are directly ingesting plastic from the air, water, and food that we consume. In an attempt to tackle part of this growing issue, German company Wasser 3.0 is looking at innovative, cost effective, and environmentally friendly ways to remove plastic from our from drinking water. This is done through introducing silica solutions which encourage the formation of plastic clumps in water, which can then be removed and repurposed. Wasser 3.0 is aimed at industrial and municipal water treatment processes, is transportable, and can be integrated into existing treatment projects.

7. Carbios

So far in this list we have explored companies promoting circular economies, yet in truth, real circularity is a challenge to the plastic recycling industry. This is because recycling often degrades plastics, meaning that eventually even recycled plastics must be landfilled. French company Carbios is seeking to remedy that. It is one of the first companies in the world to use enzymes in its recycling process. These enzymes can depolymerise PET plastic and return it to its constituent components. This allows it to create products that are made of 100% recycled content and provides a rare example of "closed loop" recycling in the market.

8. Plastic Bank

For many developing economies, informal workers play a key role in waste collection and sorting. These workers are at the forefront of the global plastic crisis. In spite of this, workers often live precarious lives and lack access to several important resources, such as housing and education for their children. Plastic Bank is an organisation that attempts to rectify this issue. Through its stated aim of stopping waste before it enters waterways, it collects plastic which can then be sold as social plastic to progressive corporations at a higher price. This price allows for traceability in the supply chain and higher wages given to collectors.  This means that waste collectors can expect better livelihoods for themselves and their dependents. Thus, supporting social justice in the circular economy.

9. Rebound Plastic Exchange

The global market for recycled plastics is disjointed, multipart and dense, making it difficult to source quality, reliable material globally. Based in the UAE, Rebound Plastic Exchange is a platform that allows buyers and sellers to trade plastic with trust and confidence. Rebound Plastic Exchange introduces globally recognised standards, certification, insurance, and quality assurance into the supply chain. The platform also helps to connect waste collectors, recyclers, and manufacturers in countries that may not have access to effective recycling infrastructure, thus improving global environmental outcomes and employment. Rebound opened for trading in 2022.

10. UBQ

One of the major issues in the plastic recycling industry is that valuable plastic sources can easily become contaminated by organic waste and end up going to landfill. Luckily UBQ from Israel has stepped in to combat this issue. It is one of the few companies able to take unsorted household waste and transform it (using its patented and secretive UBQ process) into pellets. These pellets can then be used in a range of commercial applications. UBQ claims to be the missing link between waste disposal and the circular economy. They have recently partnered with major companies such as Pepsi Co, McDonalds, and Mercedes.

This year as part of the Global Leaders Programme, participants will be helping to create a Circular Centre in Bali, which will act as a Centre for Excellence for Plastics Recycling for South and Southeast Asia. As part of this project, they will be looking at innovations in plastic recycling and exploring ways that these methods can be scaled up to meet global demand.

If you are interested in influencing the future of recycling in Asia while developing your leadership skills, check out the Global Leaders Programme running from May 8-19!