Collaborating on advanced plastic recycling research
At Ad Rem, we strongly believe that innovation happens when research and industry work hand in hand. A great example of this is the collaboration with researcher Ahmad Ehsan, who conducted part of his PhD research at Ad Rem in collaboration with KU Leuven, VITO and Galloo.
Ahmad's research focuses on improving the recycling of plastics from electronic and automotive waste streams. These materials often contain a complex mix of polymers, additives and contaminants, making high-quality recycling a significant challenge. Understanding the exact composition of these waste streams is a crucial step towards producing recycled plastics that can be reused in demanding applications.
To support this work, Ahmad used an automated plastic flake analysis system developed by Ad Rem. The system combines FTIR and XRF technologies with robotic particle handling, allowing individual plastic flakes to be analysed automatically and with a high level of accuracy. By identifying both polymer types and contaminants, the system provides detailed insights into material composition while drastically reducing the time required for analysis.
Over the course of the research, thousands of measurements were performed, generating valuable data that helped accelerate the development of advanced recycling processes. The project demonstrated the benefits of combining automation, material characterisation and data-driven research.
The prototype used in this research served as the foundation for the Ad Rem OWL, a commercially available solution that delivers fast, reliable and automated material characterisation for industrial and research laboratories. By integrating FTIR and XRF analysis into a single platform and automating flake handling, the OWL enables users to obtain detailed information about plastic composition, contaminants and additives with minimal operator involvement. The technology supports applications ranging from quality control and supplier evaluation to research and compliance monitoring.
We would like to thank Ahmad for his enthusiasm, dedication and contribution to this project. His work has not only supported important research into advanced plastic recycling but has also helped shape a technology that is now available to the wider recycling and research community.
This project demonstrates the value of collaboration between industry and academia and highlights how innovation can contribute to a more circular and sustainable future.
Partners: KU Leuven, VITO, Galloo and Ad Rem.