How to improve the sorting of bio-based plastics
With the AIDA research project, the SKZ Plastics Center, together with its partners, is developing the first industry-oriented test rig for the circular sorting of bio-based plastics. The aim is to demonstrate the sortability and recyclability of these materials in a practical manner, thereby laying the foundation for sustainable value chains.
The project partners Polysecure, SKZ, and Südpack at the kick-off of the AIDA project on February 12, 2026, in Freiburg (from left): Dr. Daniel Kirchenbauer (Polysecure), Peter Ryzko (Südpack), Julius Ort (SKZ), Dr. Hermann Achenbach (SKZ), Dr. Christof Stohhöfer (Polysecure), Julia Mann (SKZ), and Dominique Rommerskirchen (Polysecure). (Photo: Polysecure GmbH)
AIDA project launched: SKZ and partners develop new industry-oriented test bench
The official project launch took place on February 1, 2026. At the kick-off meeting in Freiburg, SKZ, Polysecure GmbH, and Südpack Verpackungen SE & Co. KG defined the strategic and technical direction of the project. The project will run until January 31, 2028.
Bio-based plastics pose major challenges for the circular economy: Different material classes, chemical structures, and degradability make reliable sorting difficult. At the same time, political requirements such as the new EU Packaging Regulation (PPWR) and the amendment to the EU End-of-Life Vehicles Regulation are increasing the pressure to provide high-quality recyclates and reduce misplaced waste. In practice, many non-degradable bio-based packaging materials are assigned to the residual fraction despite being theoretically sortable and are then thermally recycled.
This is where AIDA comes in: an industrial-scale demonstrator using the patented Sort4Circle® technology is being built at the Polysecure GmbH site. The process first separates plastics into individual objects and then analyzes each object using a multi-sensory system. On this basis, material classes can be clearly assigned and separated by type in real time – a decisive step towards high-quality secondary raw materials.
The test rig will enable the plastics and waste management industry to evaluate the technical feasibility and economic viability of the technology for specific applications – from packaging to electronics and medical technology to automotive and construction products. In order to demonstrate the actual recyclability of bio-based plastics even when reused, Südpack manufactures new packaging based on the sorted waste streams and tests it for its practical suitability. The strong industrial connections and established networks of the partners promise high utilization of the plant and good opportunities for subsequent market launch.
“Bio-based plastics can only establish themselves successfully if their recyclability is guaranteed from the outset,” emphasized Julia Mann, Scientist for Sustainable and Circular Products, at the kick-off. “With AIDA, we are creating a technological basis for making sorting much more reliable and thus enabling a true circular economy for bio-based materials.”
The project makes an important contribution to strengthening regional value creation, conserving resources, and reducing dependencies in global supply chains. At the same time, AIDA is specifically driving innovation for sustainable plastics solutions in Germany.
Further information on the Sustainable and Circular Products research group
The project makes an important contribution to strengthening regional value creation, conserving resources, and reducing dependencies in global supply chains. At the same time, AIDA is specifically driving innovation for sustainable plastics solutions in Germany.
