KISS project: rethinking the circular economy for plastics with AI

Waldems, February 2025 – Since its launch in July 2024, the KISS project (“AI-based qualification, management, and optimisation of material flows to close regional resource cycles”) has demonstrated that artificial intelligence (AI) can make the circular economy for plastics more efficient and sustainable. As a key partner, plastship is working alongside RIGK GmbH, RAM GmbH and Veridis Technologies to improve the targeted collection and high-quality recycling of used plastics from industry, commerce, and agriculture in Hesse.

plastship drives AI-supported optimisation of material flows

At the heart of the project is the development of an AI platform for classifying plastics by quality and type. By leveraging more precise data and intelligent management, recycling processes are optimised, resources are used more efficiently, and CO₂ emissions are reduced.

plastship plays a central role in this initiative: the company is developing a comprehensive database that forms the foundation for AI-based classification. This database collects all relevant information on the quality and potential applications of recyclates, ensuring the AI has access to reliable, practical data. In addition, the AI will be directly integrated into the plastship online platform. Companies can input their waste streams and material requirements, and the AI will provide concrete recommendations for optimising recycling processes – an approach that not only saves time but also improves the quality of recyclates.

Only with structured and meaningful data can AI take the circular economy to the next level.

– Andreas Bastian, Managing Director of plastship

Strong partnerships for a common goal

While plastship drives the technical development, the project partners contribute valuable expertise:

- RIGK, through PlastCert, provides laboratory analyses to assess recyclate quality.

- RAM analyses contaminants in plastics and supports the optimisation of production processes.

- Veridis supplies precise data on material composition, which is crucial for AI-based classification.

This close collaboration brings together diverse areas of expertise, aiming to set new standards in plastic recycling.

Early successes: progress in recyclate assessment

Over the past year, initial test phases have been successfully completed. These tests have not only accelerated AI development but also provided new insights into the classification and processing of used plastics.

The database developed by plastship records all test results and analyses them in a structured manner. This creates a solid foundation for the AI to continuously improve recycling processes.

Impact on the circular economy and the environment

The KISS project demonstrates how digitalisation and sustainability can go hand in hand. By leveraging AI, recycling processes become more efficient, resource use is optimised, and CO₂ emissions are reduced.

Looking ahead: scaling and further development

Funded by the Hessian Ministry of Economic Affairs, Energy, Transport, and Housing as part of the “Ressourcenwende Hessen” programme, the KISS project will run for three years. The results so far highlight the potential of AI-supported optimisation of material flows – not just in Hesse, but also for other regions and industries.

plastship is confident that this project will have a lasting impact on the circular economy and set new standards in recycling.

If you have questions or suggestions, please contact me!

Andreas Bastian, Founder and Managing Director
+49 6126 589 80 10 · bastian@plastship.com