Case Study

Introduction

The staggering impact of untreated plastic waste on our environment, ecology, and public health has become an urgent concern. To combat this issue, recycling of used plastics has gained prominence as a crucial technological and societal subject. Unfortunately, in many countries, plastic waste is manually graded and recycled into low-value raw materials, leading to unhygienic processes and subjective errors. However, there is hope on the horizon as a Near Infrared (NIR) spectroscopy-based plastic waste sorting system has emerged as a game-changer. Leveraging Near Infrared Spectroscopy and Chemometric techniques, this innovative technology sorts plastics on a conveyor, offering real-time, accurate, and efficient recycling solutions.

The Power of NIR Spectroscopy in Plastic Waste Sorting

The NIR spectroscopy-based plastic waste sorting system harnesses the potential of Near Infrared Spectroscopy, an analytical technique that detects unique molecular vibrations in materials. When applied to plastic waste, NIR spectroscopy can accurately identify and classify different types of plastics based on their distinct molecular patterns. This non-destructive, real-time sorting process eliminates the need for manual grading and streamlines the recycling process.

Applications and Value-added Benefits

The plastic waste sorting system delivers a range of applications and benefits, including:

1.     Efficient Recycling: By segregating waste plastics into distinct polymer fractions, such as Poly-Ethylene Teraphthalate (PET), Poly-Propylene (PP), Poly-Vinyl Chloride (PVC), Poly-Styrene (PS), and Poly-Ethylene (PE), the system enhances the efficiency of plastic recycling.

2.     Automated Sorting: The technology sorts approximately 100 plastic items per minute or approximately 4 tons of plastics per day, significantly increasing recycling capacity.

3.      Real-time Analysis: With its real-time, non-destructive capabilities, the system ensures quick and accurate classification of plastics, achieving near 100% accuracy for PET

4.     Cost-Effective Solution: Built on open-source hardware and software with embedded motion control using a microcontroller, the system presents an automated, low-cost recycling solution

5.     User-Friendly Interface: The sorting system features a user-friendly Graphical User Interface, simplifying operation and monitoring.

A Step Towards Sustainable Plastic Waste Management

The Near Infrared Spectroscopy sorting system offers a step towards a more sustainable approach to plastic waste management. By automating and optimizing the recycling process, it minimizes the environmental impact of untreated plastics and reduces manual errors. Moreover, its ability to accurately identify different plastic types ensures that recycling efforts are maximized, leading to higher-quality recycled materials.