Artificial intelligence as a game changer in the circular economy

The circular economy and artificial intelligence (AI) are key topics at the FACHPACK the European trade fair for packaging, technology and processes in Nuremberg. Without AI, a circular economy is hardly conceivable, says sustainability expert Volker Muche. In his presentation at the Packbox expert forum, he presented promising AI-supported technologies.

Written by Reinhold Gebhart

Man giving a presentation at the Forum Packbox during FachPack, with a slide shown behind him.

Learning from experts is one of the benefits of visiting the trade fair in Nuremberg. At FACHPACK, Volker Muche, among others, presented exciting concepts for sustainable packaging solutions. His company, the Hamburg-based packaging agency pacoon, has been driving the topic of sustainable packaging for more than 15 years. As Managing Director of the Sustainability Concepts Unit, he trains customers in this context, illustrates the effects of the new EU packaging regulation (PPWR) and develops solution scenarios with them.

In the interview, he explains the importance of the circular economy in the sustainability debate and the special significance of AI in this context.

Mr. Muche, what are the challenges of the circular economy and how can AI help?

Managing plastics in general, and packaging plastics in particular, in the circular economy is a Herculean task: incorrect disposal in the yellow bag or garbage can, contamination in the recyclable material streams, packaging that has not been developed according to Design4Recycling criteria or only insufficiently so, the large number of plastics and additives, permanent changes in the properties of plastics, the effects of certain material parameters on the performance of processing machines - the interplay of influencing variables is extremely complex. This cannot be mastered using conventional methods, which is why many players in the circular economy - research institutions, industry and start-ups - are already working on AI solutions. Our presentation offered a brief overview of the process stages in which AI solutions are already being used and the areas in which AI solutions are being worked on.

Large audience gathered in front of the Forum Packbox presentation area at the FachPack trade fair. — Learning from experts, sharing specialist knowledge - that's what expert forums like the Packbox are all about.

How important is the circular economy for greater sustainability?

A very high one. This is certainly also due to the fact that the EU's Green Deal expects the circular economy to reduce dependency on raw materials from other economic regions in addition to achieving climate targets. In addition, a circular economy requires new innovative technologies that can be exported to the world, made in the EU.

A circular economy for plastic packaging, especially lightweight packaging (LVP fraction), is much more challenging to implement than is the case for materials such as glass, paper and tinplate. This is not least due to the fact that new fossil-based plastic is very cheap and plastic recyclate therefore generally offers no economic advantage. This situation is different for other material fractions.

What makes AI a game changer in the circular economy?

Without AI, a circular economy in the sense of an alternative to virgin material is hardly conceivable. Plastic recycling is extremely complex. Especially if the plastic recyclate is to replace the use of new plastic - in the best case scenario, it will be used in cosmetics or food packaging. Digitalization of the processes is a prerequisite (keyword "digital product passport") to enable plastic packaging from the dual system to be used for packaging applications in the food sector.

AI technologies help us to learn to master complexity and, to an increasing extent, to compensate for a lack of resources - AI can be a game changer in this area. However, AI technologies also mean additional investments, e.g. in sorting or recycling systems. Against the background of an already large cost delta between virgin plastic and recyclate, the intended use must be examined very carefully.

Busy entrance hall of NürnbergMesse during FachPack with "Fast-Lane" signs overhead. — FACHPACK has been the central meeting place for the packaging industry and its users for over 40 years.

What do you take away from FACHPACK?

The topics of sustainability and the circular economy are now firmly established on the agendas of all market players. Sustainability has to do with a holistic approach. As far as possible, all perspectives on an issue should be known in order to approach the optimum packaging. For many trade fair exhibitors and keynotes, the topic of collaboration was at the top of the list of the most important insights. This is in line with our "wisdom" about sustainable packaging, so we are pleased to have received broad confirmation of this.

Thank you very much for the interview!

Author

Reinhold Gebhart

Online-Redaktion // Editor for Vincentz Network