Previous Editions
It takes commitment to innovate in a circular economy.
This is the work developed through the 4 editions of Re_Source, launched in 2021 – a collaborative open innovation program focused on transforming the packaging waste sector.
The 4th edition of Re_source focused on tackling key challenges across the packaging value chain, with three core missions: increasing glass recycling in the HORECA sector, reducing packaging waste through reuse and eco-design, and accelerating the digitalization of waste management systems.
Building on previous editions, the program addressed systemic challenges such as behavior change, operational efficiency, circular packaging models, and data-driven decision-making, fostering collaboration between industry players and innovators to develop scalable and real-world solutions.
Applications
Total Investment
Co-invested by SPV
Countries
Pilots Implemented
Pilot Partners
Supporting Partners
startups
FINALISTS
Re_source 4.0 – Wrap-up video
re_source
Program Partners
Re_source 4.0 was powered by a collaborative ecosystem of pilot partners, institutional partners, and mission guardians, bringing together key players across the packaging value chain to drive innovation and sustainability. In this 4th edition, the program was supported by:
Institucional Partners
Mission Guardians
Mission #1
Recycle 75% of Glass in Portugal by 2030 (Focus on HORECA)
Mission #2
Reduce Packaging Waste per Capita by 5% until 2030
Mission #3
Digitalize and integrate SIGRE’s information flows by 2034
Pilot Partners
re_source 2025 – Pilots
AI-powered operational vision system
Advanced computer vision system supported by AI to automatically detect recyclable materials and critical operational events in sorting facilities.
Real-time AI waste characterization cameras
Installation of AI-powered reading cameras on the waste line to characterize waste streams in real time within a packaging sorting unit.
Multi-point AI line monitoring system
Deployment of RGB cameras and AI software to determine, quantify, and characterize material flows at different points along a sorting line.
Digital twin for sorting optimization
Pilot of a digital twin simulation of sorting operations to identify efficiency gains and support optimized plant design.
Reusable and traceable shipping envelope system
Pilot of reusable, sealable, and traceable envelopes designed for up to five reuse cycles, significantly reducing single-use packaging waste.
Behavioural nudging in shopping centre food and beverage
Deployment of behavioural nudging tools and a smart nudging platform to increase recycling rates within a shopping centre’s food and beverage area.
Characterization and selection of polymers
Characterization and monitoring of raw material input flow in a recycling process, including layout definition, assembly, and testing.
Aluminum aerosol refill validation pilot
Industrial validation of refillable aluminum aerosol packaging supplied by Colep and tested at refill stations.
Non-intrusive AI final quality control system
Implementation of a non-intrusive AI-based monitoring system at the end of sorting lines to measure separation quality and generate real-time performance metrics.
Glass recycling incentive system at service stations
Deployment of an incentive-based glass recycling system using the Trash4Goods app and Smartbin validation to reward users for correct recycling.
Smart glass bin digital ecosystem
Implementation of retrofit smart modules in glass bins to validate deposits, quantify recycling, and connect physical recycling actions with digital incentives.
HORECA Glass Recycling Monitoring System
Deployment of monitoring sensors in HORECA establishments to track glass waste generation patterns and improve recycling performance.