Close the Loop is partnering with Recity and GS1 Australia to improve soft plastics recycling with enhanced traceability, aiming to bring transparency and accountability to Australia’s recycling sector.
This project focuses on post-consumer mixed soft plastics and aligns with the National Framework for Recycled Content Traceability (NFRCT), a voluntary standard introduced in December 2023 to streamline and automate data capture and reporting in the recycling industry.
As part of this initiative, Close the Loop is piloting a traceability platform that integrates standardised labelling with GS1 Australia and Recity’s data exchange technology. The platform, already in MVP trials, aims to provide verifiable tracking of recycled content, which the company says will add a “new level of transparency” for Australian end users and facilitate smoother supply chain operations.
“We are constantly building innovative products and solutions for Australia’s recycled content and are excited to deliver Circular Contracts with an unprecedented level of transparency,” said Steve Morriss, founder and head of circularity at Close the Loop.
He added that the platform is focused on “developing standardised labelling with GS1 Australia and trialling a traceability platform for efficient data exchange enabled by Recity”.
Recity, an India-based waste management and resource recovery technology provider, brings extensive experience in traceability technology to the partnership. Recently selected for the circular economy cohort of the India Australia RISE Accelerator — a joint initiative by CSIRO and the Atal Innovation Mission — Recity is leveraging this collaboration to scale its platform to Australian standards.
“We are thrilled to work with Close the Loop and GS1 Australia to bring our traceability technology to Australia. This is built on our extensive experience in offering this platform in India and Europe,” said Meha Lahiri, co-founder and COO at Recity.
The pilot phase, which involves standardised labelling by GS1 Australia, is set to conclude in December, with a full platform launch expected by early 2025. By focusing on Circular Contracts and potential credit schemes, the project aims to position Australian recycled content in global markets, opening opportunities across the recycling and manufacturing sectors.
