Guangzhou Donoyo Chemical Co., Ltd
Guangzhou Donoyo Chemical Co., Ltd
Cases
Home /

China Guangzhou Donoyo Chemical Co., Ltd Company Cases

Google and Dow use AI to break the bottleneck of plastic recycling

Recently, Google and Dow Chemical announced a groundbreaking collaboration to use artificial intelligence (AI) technology to break the technical bottleneck of film and flexible packaging plastic recycling. This collaboration is expected to help process 70,000 tons of plastic waste that is currently almost impossible to recycle each year. According to reports, the collaboration plans to use the huge plastic database built by Google, combined with machine learning and molecular vision technology, to train the AI ​​system to identify the molecular composition of plastic packaging at millisecond speeds and perform high-precision classification. Dow's material science capabilities have become an important support for this system. Through the cooperation between the two parties, a technological breakthrough has been achieved in the proof-of-concept stage: AI can not only identify the types of complex materials, but also predict their composition ratios, which creates new possibilities for automatic sorting in recycling centers and the production of high-quality recycled raw materials. Currently, the system has been put online for testing in Oregon, USA. During the test, the sensors provided by Google combined with AI algorithms to perform real-time molecular-level identification and sorting of plastic flows, significantly improving recycling efficiency and accuracy. Dow provides actual material samples and application data to assist in optimizing AI algorithms and improve their practicality and generalization capabilities. In addition, Dow recently acquired Circulus, a plastic recycling company, further strengthening its influence in recycling infrastructure and laying a solid foundation for the practical application of this AI system. "By combining Dow's deep accumulation in materials science with Google's advanced AI technology, we hope to completely change the way plastics are recycled." said Zhang Han, global sustainability director of Dow Packaging and Specialty Plastics. The relevant person in charge of Google X Lab also emphasized that in the next few months, it will continue to deepen cooperation with Dow to promote the commercialization and large-scale application of the system and realize a true closed-loop cycle of soft plastics.

CLOSED LOOPS MAY HELP BOOST US FOOD-GRADE PCR SUPPLY

TIME:April 7, 2025 Postconsumer recycled content that can be used in new food and beverage packaging still faces obstacles to widespread use. Companies like Nova Chemicals and Atlantic Packaging are trying to leverage B2B closed loops to increase supply. Some states have also passed laws mandating minimum levels of recycled content in certain types of packaging. There’s also some evidence that the shift to more PCR use could win brands favor with customers. In a recent Nova Chemicals consumer insight survey, three-quarters of respondents agreed that companies ought to increase their use of packaging made from recycled materials. But there are barriers to achieving this ubiquity, and industry participants lament imbalances in the recycled plastics economy. “One of the issues that I see is a real disconnect between supply and demand,” said Crystal Bayliss, who leads the PCR workstream at the U.S. Plastics Pact. She said that procurement teams need to think about the long term, working with converters to establish a supply of the PCR grades they need. It’s a pressing issue: A recent study by Closed Loop Partners highlights an increasing demand for food-grade polypropylene, citing infrastructure challenges as a key barrier to increasing supply. Today, food-grade PCR is most often found in the form of recycled PET in soda and water bottles. Many companies include recycled content targets among their voluntary packaging sustainability goals, though progress toward those goals has varied. A recent report from Smithers noted that 1.2 million metric tons of food-grade PCR was used for packaging in 2024. That’s up 9% from 2019 and “driven by strong demand in end-use sectors such as food and drinks, as well as greater emphasis on the use of recycled material in the manufacture of plastics packaging,” the report said. And a 2023 McKinsey & Co. report said that “if brands with public recycled-content commitments follow through on their plans, the U.S. demand for recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) in 2030 would outpace supply by about three times.”

TO WHICH INDUSTRIES CAN PCR RECYCLED MODIFIED PLASTIC CERTIFICATION BE APPLIED?

PCR (Post-Consumer Recycled) recycled modified plastic certification is gaining increasing attention in today’s society. The purpose of this certification is to ensure the recyclability and reusability of plastic products. As environmental awareness continues to grow, many industries are adopting PCR recycled modified plastic certification to reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste. I. Background of PCR Recycled Modified Plastic Certification PCR, or "Product Recycling," refers to the cyclical reuse of products in the process of resource recovery from waste. Recycled modified plastic, on the other hand, is plastic material obtained by processing and modifying discarded plastic products, which retains excellent performance and practical value. PCR recycled modified plastic certification ensures the quality and sustainability of these products, reducing resource waste and environmental pollution. II. Industries Applying PCR Recycled Modified Plastic Certification Packaging Industry The packaging industry is one of the primary fields for PCR recycled modified plastic certification. Packaging containers made from PCR recycled modified plastic can reduce the consumption of natural resources and minimize environmental pollution. For example, beverage bottles, shampoo bottles, toothpaste tubes, and other packaging containers can all be manufactured using PCR materials. Additionally, express packaging, cushioning materials, and other packaging solutions in this industry can also replace traditional materials with PCR recycled modified plastics. Household Goods Industry The household goods industry is another key application area. Daily household activities generate significant waste, much of which can be recycled. Items such as plastic basins, buckets, washbasins, and even furniture components can be produced using PCR recycled modified plastics. This substitution reduces reliance on natural resources like wood in furniture manufacturing. ​ Electronics Industry The electronics industry is an emerging field for PCR certification. With rapid technological upgrades, electronic waste is accumulating. PCR materials can be used to produce components like phone cases, tablet covers, and other parts, replacing non-biodegradable materials such as glass fiber-reinforced plastics or ABS plastics. This shift not only reduces pollution but also enhances product sustainability and recyclability, while allowing for more diverse designs. Automotive Manufacturing The automotive industry heavily relies on raw materials and energy, contributing to environmental strain. PCR recycled modified plastics can be used in components like car seats, door interior panels, and more. These materials not only lower resource consumption but also improve mechanical properties such as impact resistance and high-temperature tolerance, enhancing vehicle safety and reliability.  ​​ Agriculture and Water Conservancy Agriculture and water conservancy are critical sectors for PCR certification. Agricultural practices, such as using plastic films for crop covers and greenhouses, often harm the environment. PCR materials can replace conventional plastics in films, pipes, and other infrastructure, reducing pollution while improving weather resistance, durability, and lifespan. ​   In summary, PCR recycled modified plastic certification has broad applications across industries including packaging, household goods, electronics, automotive manufacturing, agriculture, water conservancy, construction, and medical device manufacturing. By adopting this certification, industries can reduce resource depletion and environmental pollution, aligning with the goals of sustainable and green development.

UPM RAFLATAC LAUNCHES PP LABEL MATERIAL WITH RECYCLED CONTENT

UPM Raflatac has launched the first polypropylene label film made from post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic, which uses Sabic's TruCircle technology for the certification of recycled PP products. UPM Raflatac's PP PCR transparent and white products are manufactured using a chemical recycling technology that uses mass balance methods to provide raw resin materials. These PP PCR films have the same performance as standard PP films and can be used for different labeling applications, including rigid food packaging. Customers and brand owners can achieve the same product performance and reduce their carbon footprint by simultaneously reducing the amount of raw materials used. "We are very pleased to participate in the transformation of our industry towards more circular solutions. This innovative product is the first practical product on the market. This is the concrete result of our efforts to achieve 'smart labeling and leading the future' beyond fossil materials by developing products that reduce the use of non-renewable materials and treat waste as valuable resources," said Antti J?? skel? Inen said. The new product is a continuation of the company's vision of using recycled or renewable raw materials. This task began with Forest Film, where (UPM Raflatac) replaced practical fossil-based raw materials with renewable wood materials. The entire value chain of PP PCR film is certified by ISCC PLUS, a widely recognized sustainability certification program that verifies the predefined and transparent rules of quality balance. Furthermore, it provides traceability of the supply chain from raw materials to the final product. The PP PCR film leverages Sabic's TruCircle complete technology portfolio, which spans from recyclability design to mechanical recycling products, from certified recycled products from raw material recycling plastic waste streams to renewable products from certified bio-based raw materials. High-quality post-consumer recycled plastics are produced through chemical recycling, which returns plastic polymers to their original molecules. These can be synthesized into polypropylene, which is made from raw materials and meets strict food safety regulations. The chemical recycling process enables recycled plastics to be used in applications where recycled materials could not be used before, such as food applications. "Sabic is continuing to reshape and lead sustainability, and we are truly pioneering the path towards a circular economy for plastics. TruCircle is an important milestone in our journey, and with it, we are more committed than ever to collaborating to achieve a closed loop for waste plastics and make our planet better," said Mark Vester, head of circular economy at Sabic.

SPRINKLE STYLE DESIGN - INNOVATIVE APPLICATION OF PCR MATERIAL ON LAPTOP SHELL

Consumer electronics products, including mobile phones, laptops, etc., are not only one of the main sources of plastic waste, but also an important application area for plastic waste recycling and reuse. In recent years, consumer electronics terminal brands have continuously carried out green product design, actively introducing recycled materials such as PCR and OBP into product design. Taking laptops as an example, Lenovo promises to have 100% recycled plastic in all computer products by 2025; Acer continues to implement its goal of using 20% to 30% of post consumer recycled materials in personal computers and display products by 2025; Asus promises to achieve 100% recyclable material manufacturing by 2035;HP's products have used 1315 tons of marine biodegradable plastics since 2016, with a product and packaging recycling rate of 41% In the process of innovative application of a large number of PCR materials, there are also issues such as unstable performance of different batches of PCR materials, appearance design and durability of products containing PCR materials. According to supply chain personnel, currently there are significant differences in batch stability control among different suppliers. In addition, as PCR is a recycled material, color or foreign matter mixing is basically unavoidable. If the appearance of the laptop adopts a spray free design, color and foreign matter will be very prominent, and the appearance design will be affected. So, how can PCR materials achieve excellent appearance design without spraying? Today we will take a look at an innovative application example - Acer's Future Hummingbird lightweight and environmentally friendly laptop. Acer's Future Hummingbird lightweight and environmentally friendly laptop uses 30% PCR environmentally friendly material for the body, 50% PCR environmentally friendly material for the keyboard, OBP marine environmentally friendly material for the touchpad, and no spray coating process for the body. Due to its use of environmentally friendly materials, each laptop reduces carbon emissions by approximately 21%. According to official information from material supplier Teijin, Acer has officially launched environmentally friendly personal computers with PCR (post consumer recycled material) plastic added to the casing since 2019. In order to reduce VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions, Acer is considering upgrading the casing to spray free. However, the use of PCR plastic may result in noticeable discoloration and foreign objects, making it difficult to meet the appearance design requirements without spraying. Therefore, in order to achieve environmental protection while enhancing its appearance, Acer, after multiple communications with Teijin, accepted Teijin's proposal to incorporate a small amount of foreign objects mixed in during recycling into the design of the "sprinkle style design" as a means of regeneration and material recycling. Sprinkle style design is a new way of expressing appearance, which can meet customers' appearance design needs and help enhance their environmentally friendly corporate image by using polycarbonate resin with added PCR (with different specifications and amounts ranging from 30% to 40%).    
1