The consortium aims to transfer the marker technology to other (technical) fields of application besides post-consumer packaging sorting: We would like to find potential product cycles, where it is worth to first mark a material or product in order to later separate it from other materials or products by detecting them spectroscopically (IR laser + fluorescence identification). Keep in mind that it has to be economically viable to first mark the material or product to later collect and detect it. Also, remember the relationship between the stakeholders: What is the benefit of the organization which marks the material/product? What is the benefit of the organization that later detects/identifies/recycles the marked product/material?

As of now, TBS focuses on plastics recycling/plastics packaging recycling. Ideas can address this topic (with an application also in other regions of the world than Germany and Europe). However, submissions on other materials and products are highly welcome. It could also be worth adjusting the process towards other application fields and materials addressing unsolved circular economy or identification issues in production.

Lead questions could be:

• Do you know a current challenge in general where TBS could provide a solution? Describe in detail how a solution by applying TBS would look like!

• Do you know a current unsolved challenge concerning plastics recycling where TBS could provide a solution (NOT regarding plastic packaging)? Describe in detail how a solution by applying TBS would look like!

• Are there any other use cases you could imagine for the TBS technology? Describe in detail how a solution by applying TBS would look like!

We are looking for your creativity and expertise no matter where you come from and in which industry you are working in. Just keep in mind the following topics when you are submitting your ideas:

• Does your idea improve current processes? What exactly is being improved here?
• Does your idea make the world more sustainable? How is this?
• Does your idea contribute to circular economy? Which material or products is addressed here?

We are looking forward to your submissions!