Canon launches device to improve black plastics recycling with high precision

Canon Inc. has launched a new sorting device capable of high-precision identification and separation of black plastic fragments, a development that could significantly enhance recycling processes. The company began taking orders for the device, named the “TR-S1510,” marking its foray into the recycling equipment sector.

The TR-S1510 utilizes a proprietary technology called “Tracking Raman Spectroscopy,” which enables the simultaneous sorting of various types of plastics, including the particularly challenging black plastics. Traditionally, black plastics have been difficult to sort because they do not transmit or reflect visible light, making it hard to distinguish them from other materials using conventional near-infrared spectroscopy methods. This limitation has hindered efficient recycling, as black plastics are widely used in household appliances and automobile interiors.

Canon’s new device addresses this challenge by employing Raman spectroscopy, a technique that involves shining laser light on individual plastic fragments to obtain molecular information. This method allows for the identification of black plastics, which typically scatter less light, making them harder to detect and sort. The TR-S1510 integrates this technology with Canon’s advanced measurement and control systems, achieving sorting speeds of up to 1.5 meters per second and a capacity of up to 1 ton per hour. This represents a significant advancement over previous methods, which struggled with the efficient sorting of black plastic fragments.

The introduction of the TR-S1510 is a response to the growing demand for more effective recycling technologies amid rising concerns over environmental sustainability. Currently, only about 20% of discarded plastics are recycled into new products, a process known as material recycling. The rest is either incinerated or left unused, contributing to significant environmental waste. High-purity plastic is crucial for successful recycling, necessitating accurate identification of different types of plastics, such as ABS (acrylonitrile, butadiene, styrene) and polypropylene (PP).

Canon’s entry into the recycling equipment market with the TR-S1510 is part of a bigger effort to support the circular economy. The company is offering the TR-S1510 as part of its “TR series” and is open to customizing the system to meet the specific processing volume and installation space needs of its customers. This includes adjusting the modules used for tracking and measuring plastic fragments, as well as the conveyor belt configurations.

Originally published on CE Hub (Japanese).