Our aim now is to further develop and innovate these results through a novel optical fusion of LIBS and other spectroscopy tecnique in a powerful hybrid device, enabling the detection of both elemental and molecular compounds. As such, in PVC waste sorting during recycling processes we will be able to detect the concentration of not only lead stabilisers but also phthalates plasticizers using the one affordable system. The system will be assisted by novel ensembling machine learning spectral data fusion for enhancing monitoring capabilities. This innovation will significantly increase the speed and scanning capability, thereby increasing throughput to meet the demands of high-speed, high-volume industrial applications. This will represent a significant leap forward for PVC recycling. We are seeking early adopters from the PVC, waste processing and recycling industries who would be interested in collaborating with us in a codesign process, in providing samples for testing or who would be interested in hosting a prototype of the system in their (pilot) facilities for industry testing and validation work, in exchange for having early and preferential access to the innovation.

Currently, a system capable to identify and sort PVC containing lead at high concentrations and sort accordingly PVC pieces is available. This LIBS-based technology system that can be integrated in a continuous recycling line processing PVC waste is available.

The system today is available at TRL 4.

The actions that should be considered in the future are: 1) Improve the LIBS capabilities and test it with other type of PVC samples with other colours or characteristics; 2) develop new chemometric models for better identifications; 3) study the technical and economic feasibility of scaling-up the sorting system; 4) study fusion opportunities with other spectroscopy techniques.