RECYCLING


Could imaging-enabled advances help solve the plastics pollution problem?


Imaging plays a vital role in sorting waste, but there are further opportunities for the technology to help tackle the challenges plastics pose to the recycling industry, writes Jessica Rowbury


O


f the 8.3 billion tonnes of plastic waste that has been produced since


the 1950s, just nine per cent has been re-used1


. Te plastics waste problem


has hit headlines repeatedly over the past few years, with reports of plastic disturbing ecosystems in some of the most


remote environments on our planet, including the Arctic. Governments across the


globe are recognising the need to change this and are introducing laws to improve recycling rates. Proposed EU legislation, for example, sets minimum targets for recycled content in plastic packaging,


such as 30% for drinks bottles by 2030 and 65% by 2040. Waste is therefore becoming


an important raw material as companies battle to meet these critical targets. And, with the price of crude oil – and therefore virgin plastic – increasing due to rising crude oil costs, recycled material is becoming even more attractive. But there is a reason why


plastics aren’t recycled at the same rate as paper, glass or metals: the sheer amount of different packaging products on the market makes it challenging


A new iron oxide pigment from Lanxess reflects 20% of infrared light so it can be detected by NIR detectors


to identify, separate and sort. Imaging technologies such


as infrared, hyperspectral and CCD line cameras have been crucial in enabling reliable detection and sorting of plastic waste, but the recycling industry faces unique challenges with plastics that the imaging industry could continue to help it overcome.


Black plastic recycling Sesotec is an OEM that develops sorting systems for recycling and has more than 2,300 instruments installed worldwide today. Te company’s machines


feature a range of cameras and sensors that are tailored


‘Black plastic is one of the biggest problems in recycling’


12 IMAGING AND MACHINE VISION EUROPE AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2023


@imveurope | www.imveurope.com


Lanxess


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