Join project brings cutting-edge terahertz imaging into real-world recycling environments to drive circular economy outcomes
Vanden Recycling is supporting Prof. Michael Johnston at University of Oxford’s Department of Physics to tackle one of the most pressing challenges in the recycling industry: identifying and sorting complex plastic waste with greater precision. This partnership, supported by the UK Research and Innovation Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (UKRI EPSRC) through an Impact Acceleration Account, brings together academic excellence and industrial experience to accelerate science-driven innovation in plastic recycling.
The initiative is spearheaded by Vanden’s Technical Director, Beril Baykal Yesilırmak, and aims to translate advanced laboratory research into practical solutions that can be deployed across recycling infrastructure in the UK and beyond.
“We are committed to delivering absolute certainty and transparency to our clients and that means using the best available science to solve real-world recycling problems,” said Beril. “Working with one of the world’s most prestigious universities is a major step forward in achieving that goal.”
Turning Science into Solutions
At the core of this partnership is terahertz spectroscopic imaging – an emerging technology that has the potential to revolutionise how plastic is sorted and recycled. Unlike traditional technologies such as Near Infrared (NIR) or Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), terahertz imaging can:
- See through all colours of plastic (including black) overcoming one of the biggest limitations of conventional systems.
- Penetrate multilayer packaging to analyse internal structures and chemical compositions.
- Detect signs of degradation and embedded contaminants, offering deeper quality insights.
- Deliver high-speed, 3D imaging in real-time, supporting automated, inline industrial sorting systems.
These features make terahertz imaging an ideal candidate for enhancing the efficiency, accuracy, and economic value of plastic recycling operations.
From the Lab to the Line: Real-World Impact
Vanden’s team recently toured Oxford’s state-of-the-art physics laboratories, where the groundwork is being laid to adapt this technology for recycling applications. Discussions between Vanden and university researchers Kun Peng, Yi Zhu and Prof. Michael Johnston focused on the operational and technical barriers currently limiting the effectiveness of sorting systems – including black plastics, multilayer formats, and degraded materials. Vanden’s experience in global markets means they are well-positioned to provide real-world examples of the reality these barriers present when it comes to building closed-loop supply chains and the wider circular economy.
The goal is clear: to build and trial solutions that can be scaled, ensuring more plastic is captured, recycled, and returned to the supply chain – rather than being lost to landfill or incineration.
“We are bridging the gap between academic discovery and industry execution,” added Beril. “This isn’t just about research, it’s about real, practical change.”
Potential for the UK and Beyond
The impact of this project could be transformative for the UK recycling system:
- Improved sorting accuracy will boost the quality of recycled plastics, supporting compliance with UK Plastics Pact targets.
- Recyclers will be able to accept and process previously ‘difficult’ materials, including black plastics and complex packaging formats.
- Manufacturers will gain access to higher-quality feedstock that meets specific technical requirements, supporting closed-loop systems.
- Less plastic waste will be lost, creating both environmental and economic gains.
Globally, terahertz imaging offers the potential to standardise high-quality recyclate and leapfrog older technologies, especially in regions building modern recycling infrastructure from the ground up.
A Trusted Partner for the Circular Economy
This announcement cements Vanden’s position as a trusted and respected leader in responsible plastic recycling – known not just for trading materials globally, but for understanding and solving the systemic issues that hinder progress. Through consulting, material analysis, and a deep focus on compliance and innovation, Vanden helps clients stay ahead of global regulations while delivering measurable circular economy outcomes.
“This is about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible,” Beril concludes. “And we welcome collaboration with others who share our ambition to turn today’s challenges into tomorrow’s solutions.”