Filigrade

Filigrade is a Watermark Solutions Company, specializing in Watermark Embedment that improve and optimize recovery and recycling. 

Given the multiplicity of polymers used in packaging, raising recycling rates based on a single collection stream depends on solving the challenge of efficiently identifying and sorting different plastics.

FiliGrade developed a 3D watermarking technology for plastics such as PET-bottles and trays, that provide waste sorters a unique method for selection. Nearly invisible to the human eye, the code can be read by a camera, in infrared, daylight or ultraviolet conditions. Covering the full product, the watermark’s readability is not affected by dirt, distortion or orientation. In addition, there is no chemical residue and therefore no impurities entering the recyclate.

The watermark is covering the full product so dirt and distortions have no influence on the readability.

FiliGrade patented technology makes a circular economy achievable.

Filigrade tested successfully their solution at TOMRA plant in Koblenz for reading watermarks on IML-tubs and transparent PET-bottles at a speed of 2 meters per second on a waste belt. The next step is to improve reading speed. The principle of the selection method with watermarks, printed or embedded is now approved as fully functional.

As well, if a consumer is equipped with the Filigrade Reader Application on his smartphone; he will be able to find out if the Filigrade packaging should end in the disposal bin or in a recycling bin.

The project "PET-recycling with watermarks" is being subsidized by the European Union via the programme OP-Oost.