UK-based Cambridge Consultants has developed a new concept that aims to encourage consumers to recycle more packaging.
According to a survey, seven million coffee cups are used every day in the UK, the majority of which are not recycled.
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The new technology is designed to identify the type of waste using image recognition and then guide the customer to the correct section of a waste disposal unit.
After disposing of recyclable waste, customers can receive a digital reward via a mobile app to encourage proper recycling.
The company noted that the technology, which uses machine vision with machine learning, can be upgraded to identify new items.
Cambridge Consultants food and beverage commercial manager Sajith Wimalaratne said: “To date, the focus has mainly been on developing new products and materials that are more recyclable or compostable, but there still remain challenges collecting and sorting recyclates.
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By GlobalData“The smarter recycling system gives a brand a real reason to be in contact with the consumer while showing a commitment to make a positive impact.”
The technology can be implemented for consumer brands or at food outlets to encourage customer loyalty through reward schemes.
Though it acts as a marketing tool, the technology is expected to develop consumer insights on recycling practice and materials while also reducing the loss of potentially recyclable materials to landfill.
Image: Cambridge Consultants introduces new technology to facilitate recycling. Photo: courtesy of Cambridge Consultants.
