VISION2REUSE Applicability of SMART camera technologies for quality control of reusable packaging
Context
Reusable packaging is an important pillar in the strategy towards more circular packaging at both European and Flemish level. Within Europe, it is stated that by 2030 all packaging must be recyclable or reusable. Fevia has set this target more sharply with a deadline by 2025. To promote the use of reusable packaging, many research and implementation questions still need to be answered, e.g. accurate and automated detection methods for defects and/or contamination. This is obviously very important to ensure consumer safety as well as the economic feasibility of the business model.
Objective
The VISION2REUSE project demonstrates the applicability of various smart cameras for automatic quality control (e.g. detection of scratches, tears, contamination) of reusable packaging in the food and packaging industry. Here, using various camera technologies (e.g. colour, depth and hyperspectral cameras) and state-of-the-art machine learning, it evaluates accurately and quickly whether the packaging material is still suitable for a new reuse cycle or should be processed in a specific end-of-life stream (e.g. recycling). On the other hand, it should also provide information on the degree of contamination, which is a direct input for the treatment of the packaging material before it can be reused (e.g. type of washing process). In addition, the influence of the washing process on the integrity and contamination of the packaging will be examined.
Target group
The target group of VISION2REUSE consists of producers and suppliers of reusable packaging materials, users of this packaging and technology companies (sensors, data processing). This project considers four sectors that contain high potential for the implementation of reusable packaging, giving the impact of this project a broad dimension with possibility of spill over of this technology to non-food sectors.
- B2B beverage & food packaging (e.g. plastic barrels, crates,…)
- Retail (e.g. reusable consumer packaging)
- Food services (e.g. catering)
- E-commerce
Concrete objectives within the project
Raising awareness of the target group about the possibilities of various camera technologies for automatic analysis of packaging according to damage, contamination, etc.
Organising matchmaking and supporting the start of co-creation trajectories between stakeholders of the target group to result in an innovative ecosystem.
Demonstration trials within the four sectors of the target group of VISION2REUSE
Preparation of Best Practice Guide around quality control of reusable packaging including Design4Reuse guidelines.
The project consortium will focus on sensitisation, demonstration and, in the medium term, aspires to co-create innovation pathways between reusable packaging producers, technology companies and food companies. In the longer term, the project results will provide companies with an automated monitoring system that is economically feasible to assess reusability of packaging.
Project consortium
The project consortium combines a broad network of target group companies (Flanders’ FOOD & Pack4Food) with the expertise on smart camera technologies (Imec). Bringing together Imec’s contacts within technology companies with the contacts within the target group companies creates all possibilities to establish an innovative ecosystem for automatic quality monitoring of reusable packaging.
The project came about with the support of the European Regional Development Fund
Contacts:
| Partner | Name | |
| Pack4Food | Hedwige Verherbrugghen | hedwige.verherbrugghen@pack4food.be |
| Flanders’ FOOD | Eline Stuyven | eline.stuyven@flandersfood.com |
| IMEC | Kris van de Voorde | Kris.VandeVoorde@imec.be |