Plastic Scanner

The Plastic Scanner project focuses on developing a portable, cost-effective scanner that can identify various types of plastic. This device uses discrete infrared spectroscopy technology to quickly and reliably recognize plastic types. The scanner is particularly useful for informal recyclers in low- and middle-income countries, where plastic sorting is often manual and error-prone[1][3][5].

The main mission of the Plastic Scanner project is to reduce plastic pollution worldwide by making plastic identification technology accessible to everyone. The project advocates for the disclosure and further development of the technology to improve recycling processes and reduce environmental impact from plastic waste. The open and transparent approach of the project allows experts and interested parties worldwide to contribute to its advancement[1][3].

The Plastic Scanner project has several key sustainability goals:

• Improvement of Recycling Infrastructure: By providing a cost-effective and easy-to-use technology, the efficiency of plastic sorting in low- and middle-income countries is to be increased.
• Reduction of Plastic Waste: By simplifying the identification and sorting of plastic, the project helps ensure that more plastic is recycled and less ends up in the environment.
• Open Development and Collaboration: The project promotes open development and knowledge sharing to continuously improve the technology and make it accessible to all[1][3][5].

The Plastic Scanner uses discrete infrared spectroscopy to identify various types of plastic. This approach is less expensive than conventional methods and is still capable of recognizing most common types of plastic. The scanner is portable, easy to use, and can operate for up to 6 hours on an internal battery. Additionally, the device offers cloud connectivity and an app that allows for the storage and analysis of scan data[1][4].