Employer profile
Plastic Scanner
Impact-drivenNon-Profit EnterpriseClimate & Environmental ProtectionRenewable Energies & Environmental Technology
About Plastic Scanner
Plastic Scanner is an initiative developing an open-source device for identifying common plastic types using near-infrared spectroscopy. Its core mission is to make plastic recycling simpler and more accessible, especially for informal recyclers in low and middle-income countries, to combat plastic pollution and improve waste management globally. Although active development has been paused since November 2022, all project files, documentation, and designs remain open-source and available on platforms like GitHub, inviting community continuation. The organization is a gGmbH, classified as a non-profit enterprise and start-up, active in climate and environmental protection, as well as science and research. It primarily focuses on SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).
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Sustainability Goals
Responsible Consumption & Production
Enabling efficient plastic recycling for resource conservation
The organization develops an open-source device for simplified plastic identification, aiming to accelerate recycling processes and thus promote the sustainable use of resources.
Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure
Innovations for improved waste infrastructure
Plastic Scanner promotes open-source innovation by developing a plastic identification device, aiming to enhance global waste management infrastructure, especially in emerging economies.
Decent Work & Economic Growth
Economic opportunities for informal recyclers
The organization's technology aims to simplify plastic sorting, thereby increasing recycling viability and opening new economic opportunities for informal recyclers in low- and middle-income countries.
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FAQs
Q1What is Plastic Scanner's core mission?
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Plastic Scanner develops an open-source device for identifying common plastic types using near-infrared spectroscopy. Its mission is to make plastic recycling simpler, more accessible, and more viable, especially for informal recyclers in low and middle-income countries, thereby combating plastic pollution.
Q2What is the current development status of the Plastic Scanner project?
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Active development on the Plastic Scanner project has been paused since November 2022. This is due to challenges in achieving reliable accuracy (70% was insufficient for practical use), difficulties in consistently sourcing key components, and limited developer bandwidth. However, all project files and documentation remain open-source and publicly available.
Q3Which Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) does Plastic Scanner support?
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Plastic Scanner primarily focuses on SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). Secondarily, the initiative contributes to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by fostering innovative solutions for the circular economy.
Q4What technology does Plastic Scanner use for plastic identification?
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Plastic Scanner develops an open-source device that utilizes discrete near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. This technology enables the identification of common plastic types to optimize the recycling process.
Q5What is Plastic Scanner's legal form and organizational type?
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Plastic Scanner is a gGmbH (non-profit limited liability company) and is classified as a non-profit enterprise and a start-up. The organization pursues its goals in climate and environmental protection, as well as science and research.
