Narrative
Researchers from the Sustainable Materials Innovation Hub have developed a novel solution to identify the quantity of post-consumer recycled materials used in the production of plastics and part of the Recon2 project (Recycled Content Reconnaissance).The group’s latest innovation utilises a fluorescent marker that can be added to raw polymer materials during standard recycling processes. Subsequent dilution of the marked recyclate induces a change in the concentration of the fluorescent marker and alters the material’s fluorescent behaviour. Measurements of modified fluorescent behaviour allows quantification of recycled content. The research group now have a patent in place for the fluorescent marking system and continue to trial its use on a variety of plastics including HDPE, PET and PP.Impact date | Nov 2020 |
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Category of impact | Economic, Environmental, Awareness and understanding, Attitudes and behaviours, Technological |
Impact level | Benefit |
Research Beacons, Institutes and Platforms
- Sustainable Futures
- Sustainable Consumption Institute
- Henry Royce Institute
- Manchester Environmental Research Institute
- Advanced materials
Documents & Links
Related content
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Research output
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Recycled plastic content quantified through aggregation-induced emission
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
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Projects
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RE3 - Rethinking Resources and Recycling
Project: Research
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Impacts
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Sustainable Materials Innovation Hub
Impact: Awareness and understanding, Environmental, Environmental, Economic