Many items that can be recycled simply end up in the wrong place as a result of improper sorting but the SPRITE recycling scheme has the potential to make sure more materials end up in the right place. Thanks to NFC labels that uniquely identify packaging, NFC-enabled digital identification technology has the potential to be used to encourage people to properly recycle their plastics.
SPRITE (sustainable plastics recycling innovation by tagging electronically) is supported by the UK government’s Sustainable Innovation Fund and there are great implications for this technology. According to UK-based flexible electronics provider PragmatIC, "Under SPRITE, PragmatIC will deliver a system that… uses ultra-low-cost NFC to uniquely identify fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) packaging so that consumers can collect rewards anywhere using a network of smart recycling points."
NFC-Enabled Recycling Programs
The SPRITE Recycling Scheme Leverages Near-Field Communication Tech
Trend Themes
1. Nfc-enabled Recycling - The use of NFC technology for better recycling and sorting of materials has the potential to dramatically reduce waste and increase recycling rates.
2. Digital Identification Technology for Recycling - Leveraging digital identification technology can lead to better recycling rates as it enables tracking and sorting of materials with higher precision.
3. Smart Recycling Points - The use of smart recycling points helps incentivize proper recycling and can lead to increased involvement from consumers and businesses in recycling programs.
Industry Implications
1. Waste Management and Recycling - The waste management and recycling industry can benefit from using innovative technologies like NFC and digital identification to improve efficiency and reduce waste.
2. Consumer Goods - Consumer goods industries can leverage NFC and digital identification technology to promote sustainable practices and incentivize proper disposal of their products.
3. Electronics - Electronics providers like PragmatIC can capitalize on the demand for NFC-enabled recycling programs and develop more innovative and cost-effective solutions for FMCG packaging identification.