KIOptiPack
Holistic AI-based optimization of plastic packaging with recyclate content
Project details
Duration
Start: 01.09.2022
End: 31.08.2025
Project Initiator/Sponsor
- German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).
Project Partners
- Institut für Kunststoffverarbeitung an der RWTH Aachen
- Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e. V.
- Artificial Intelligence Center Hamburg (ARIC) e.V.
- Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen
- Hochschule Schmalkalden (HSM)
- Hochschule Albstadt Sigmaringen (HSAS)
- Technische Universität Dresden
- Universität des Saarlandes
- Aixtrusion GmbH
- Apheris AI GmbH
- Deutsche Institut für Normung e. V.
- Dida Datenschmiede GmbH
- Digimind GmbH
- Ehrenmüller GmbH
- Evonik Industries AG
- Foboha Germany GmbH
- GreenDelta GmbH
- HiPP OHG
- Hamburger Informatik Technologie-Center (HITeC) e.V.
- Institut cyclos-HTP GmbH
- Infosim GmbH & Co. KG
- Körber Pharma GmbH (ehem. Mediseal)
- LyondellBasell GmbH
- Pacoon GmbH
- Palaimon GmbH
- Peerox GmbH
- QuoData GmbH
- Remondis SE & Co. KG
- Reifenhäuser GmbH
- RKW SE
- Simcon kunststofftechnische Software GmbH
- Südpack Verpackungen GmbH & Co. KG
- Watttron GmbH
Goal
The emissions performance of packaging could be significantly improved by using as much recycled content as possible. But incorporating more recycled content in packaging is challenging because the processing properties of recyclate vary, recycled materials do not always meet safety requirements (particularly for food safety) and business models that include recycling can face viability issues. To address these challenges, the KIOptiPackproject is developing a suite of AI-optimization tools to assess the plastic packaging supply chain, including recycled materials, from a holistic perspective.
Approach
The project will develop a set of ready-to-use, AI supported tools in a combined AI tools and data space. These tools and the data space will enable companies in the plastic packaging value chain to optimize the design and quality conformity of plastic packaging which contains a high proportion of recycled materials. The project and its tools will cover the entire value chain, from secondary raw materials to material and packaging development, process design, packaging production and packaging production, as well as final consumers.
Carbon Minds’ Contribution
Carbon Minds is responsible for taking an inventory of existing data sets regarding the processing and manufacturing of packaging. This inventory will enable an objective evaluation of environmental impacts using LCA/LCSA. Additionally, we are responsible for analyzing and processing background data on the upstream supply chain for packaging processing and production. More specifically, we are collecting and processing relevant literature, as well as background data such as materials, production and processes, energy mixes, additives and further relevant information.
