Turning Magnetic Density Separation into Green Business Using the Cyclic Innovation Model

Abstract

Abstract:The industrial implementation of Magnetic Density Separation (MDS) in the recycling of raw materials requires more than just the science of understanding why it works ('know-why') and the technology of how that can be accomplished ('know-how'). In addition, detailed knowledge of the market for streams of end-of-life products (supply side) and the market for recycled raw materials (demand side) are paramount to optimize the practical implementation and the design of an industrial plant. Indeed, in such a plant MDS is used to separate mixed streams of recycled materials into product streams which comply with market demands on grade and purity of the product compared with virgin streams. A recently developed non-linear innovation model is used to connect four fundamental cycles which continuously interact in the process of turning MDS technology into green business. The strength of this Cyclic Innovation Model lies in connecting technical capabilities with societal market needs. Only when a good match between the two is found a new technology such as, MDS develop into an innovation. The separation of polyolefins from end-of-life product is selected as one of the first industrial-sized applications of MDS in recycling. CIM is used to identify opportunities and challenges which need to be addressed to turn the MDS technology into an innovation that builds an economically attractive business in the context of a green society.

Upgrading of PVC rich wastes by magnetic density separation and hyperspectral imaging quality control

“…The apparent density of the liquid in the channel varied exponentially with the vertical coordinate z in the magnetic field (B 0 ) according to the following equation (Bakker et al, 2010):…”

Case Analysis of Innovation in the Packaging Industry Using the Cyclic Innovation Model

“…A contemporary model that addresses these limitations is the cyclic innovation model (CIM; Figure 1). CIM represents a change from traditional sequential models by presenting a circle with four 'cycles of change' within which activities can occur simultaneously in four cycles which connect the four nodes (Bakker et al, 2010). CIM is differentiated from other models by asserting that innovation can be initiated in any of the four cycles (See Figure 1).…”

“…Van der Duin et al (2007, p. 205) stress the importance played by entrepreneurship within the innovation arena, stating that, "Without entrepreneurship there would be no innovation". In CIM, the entrepreneur occupies the central position and initiates and oversees the activities in the four cycles (Bakker et al, 2010). There are many economic models of innovation (Lundvall, 1992;Kim, 1993, Nelson, 1993Freeman , 1995;Malerba, 2010) that incorporate the role of entrepreneurship at the national and regional level, such as those that explore knowledge spillovers and geographic clusters (for example, Silicon Valley and science parks).…”

“…We argue that the family of linear models is a false representation of what really happens in innovative environments. Innovation projects must not be managed along the familiar linear pipeline but should be organised via cross-disciplinary networks along an innovation circle with ample internal feedback paths (Bakker et al, 2010). Innovation may start anywhere on the circle and previous innovations will inspire new ones: innovations build on innovations (Kroon et al, 2008).…”

“…This case study included twenty-eight interviews with various R&D Managers, Product Managers, and other members of the development team. Previous articles using CIM have shown it to be both a unique concept, as well as a useful framework for demonstrating how firms can deal with the new challenges of innovation (Berkhout and Van Der Duin, 2007;Van Der Duin et al, 2007;Kroon et al, 2008;Bakker et al, 2010). These articles, however, much like the majority of literature on R&D and Innovation have focused on technologically intensive industries, with lower technology industries (including process industries) being overlooked.…”