We are very happy to announce that we have already received the plastic scanner model PSMK2 – Plastic Scanner, the most urgent and essential machine to start up the PlasticLab Menorca.
A key tool to boost recycling on the island
The PlasticLab Menorca was born with the aim of offering a viable recycling option for plastic waste that currently has no alternative in Menorca.
For example, the more than 800 kg of plastics collected in recent years by Plastic Free Menorca, during the cleaning and waste analysis campaigns, cannot be deposited in the recycling points, as they are materials fragmented and/or dirty.
Thus, we have stored large quantities of plastics from beaches that we could not identify their type, since many are small fragments. In order to be able to properly recycle plastics – especially if a melting process is applied – it is essential that are of the same type, from among the seven main existing categories.
With the new scanner we will be able identify each of these fragments and separate them according to their type, thus allowing to recycle them properly.
Technology at the service of the environment
The new scanner will allow identify up to 25 different materials, including:
PET, PE, PVC, PP, PS, PC, ABS, PMMA, PA, PLA, PETG, PU, PVDF, PEEK, POM, PAI, ASA, PSU, PEI, SAN, EVA, NBR, silicone, rubber and neoprene.
This device works through a process of NIR reflectance spectroscopy, which analyzes the light reflected on the material to determine its composition. Thanks to this technology, we will be able to accurately classify plastic waste and move towards a more efficient and sustainable local recycling.
One more step towards a more circular Menorca
The arrival of this scanner marks a important milestone at the start of PlasticLab Menorca, a space that seeks to give a second life to recovered plastics and promote circular economy on the island.