In the evolving landscape of waste management recycling and polymers, Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIR spectroscopy) stands out as a transformative technology. Its relevance in plastic sorting, recycling, and waste management cannot be overstated. NIR spectroscopy offers a rapid, non-destructive method to identify different types of plastics. Each plastic type has a unique NIR light reflection pattern, enabling precise classification. This accuracy is crucial for maintaining the quality of recycling processes and avoiding contamination of recycled materials. Furthermore, NIR spectroscopy streamlines sorting processes, reducing the need for manual labor, thus lowering operational costs. Significantly, its application in efficient plastic sorting plays a vital role in reducing environmental pollution by enhancing recycling rates. Versatile and adaptable, NIR spectroscopy is indispensable in modern waste management, contributing greatly to sustainability.
Polymer detection
Our handheld spectrometer is at the forefront of this technological revolution, capable of identifying over 50 different polymers in various forms, such as plastic rods, granules, foils, and plates. It adeptly handles diverse colors and surface textures, whether rough or smooth. The device’s substance library covers a broad range of polymers, including the “big five”: PE (Polyethylene), PP (Polypropylene), PS (Polystyrene), PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate), and PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride).
It also encompasses other polymers like ABC, POM (Polyoxymethylene), PMMA (Polymethyl Methacrylate), EVA (Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate), PC (Polycarbonate), TPR (Thermoplastic Rubber), and more. Additionally, our solution offers the capability to distinguish between similar polymers like PA6 and PA66 and to classify subtypes of Polyethylene, such as LDPE, HDPE, and MDPE.
Our database is dynamic and ever-expanding. As new polymers emerge, they are swiftly added to our library, making them immediately accessible to all users. We continually update our database to reflect the latest advancements in polymer technology and recycling practices.
Incorporation of the Full List (as of 12.05.25)
In our overview below, we’ve highlighted our detailed polymer catalog. This evolving document is a demonstration of our commitment to comprehensive detection and meticulous analysis.
For stakeholders seeking more detailed information or with specific inquiries about our capabilities, our dedicated team is ready to provide the latest insights and individualized assistance. Please contact us here.
| Name | Category | Description |
| ABS | Polymers | – |
| ABS-Nylon-Alloy | Polymers | – |
| Acrylic | Polymers | – |
| ASA | Polymers | Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate |
| BIIR | Rubbers | Bromobutyl rubber (BIIR) is a synthetic rubber derived from butyl rubber through a bromination process. Butyl rubber is a copolymer of isobutylene and a small amount of isoprene, and it is known for its low permeability to gases and liquids, as well as good heat resistance. |
| BR | Rubbers | In the polymer field, “BR” typically stands for Butadiene Rubber. Butadiene is a monomer that is commonly used in the production of synthetic rubber. Butadiene rubber, or BR, is a type of elastomer known for its high resilience and good abrasion resistance. It is often used in the manufacture of tires, conveyor belts, seals, and other applications where flexibility and durability are important. |
| Cellulose-Acetate | Polymers | – |
| Cellulose-Acetate-Butyrate | Polymers | – |
| Cellulose-Acetate-Propionate | Polymers | – |
| Cyclic Olefin Copolymer | Polymers | – |
| ECTFE | Polymers | – |
| EPDM | Rubbers | Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) is a type of synthetic rubber widely used in various applications due to its excellent weather resistance, heat resistance, and electrical insulation properties. EPDM is a copolymer of ethylene, propylene, and a diene monomer, which provides it with enhanced elastomeric characteristics. |
| Epoxy | Polymers | – |
| EVA | Polymers | – |
| HDPE | PE | High density polyethylene |
| HMPE | PE | high-modulus polyethylene |
| LDPE | PE | Low density polyethylene |
| Mica-Reinforced-Polypropylene | Polymers | – |
| Modified-Acrylic | Polymers | – |
| Nylon-Trasparent | Polymers | – |
| PA | Polymers | – |
| PA 6.10 | Polymers | Polyamide 6.10 is formed by the condensation of hexamethylene diamine and sebacic acid. Sebacic acid can be industrially made from castor oil. Therefore, polyamide 6.10 is also sometimes called biopolyamide or bio- based polyamide. |
| PA12 | PA12 | – |
| PA46 | Polymers | – |
| PA6 | PA6 | – |
| PA66 | PA66 | – |
| PBS | Polymers | – |
| PBT | Polymers | PBT stands for polybutylene terephthalate, which is a type of thermoplastic polyester resin. It belongs to the polyester family of polymers and is known for its excellent combination of mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties. |
| PC-ABS | Polymers | mixture of PC and ABS |
| PE | PE | – |
| PET | PET | Polyethylene terephthalate |
| PHBV | Polymers | – |
| PLA | Polymers | A PLA polymer, or polylactic acid polymer, is a type of biodegradable and bioactive thermoplastic made from renewable resources, typically derived from plant-based materials like corn starch or sugarcane. PLA is a popular bioplastic because it is derived from renewable resources, it has a relatively low environmental impact compared to traditional plastics, and it is compostable under the right conditions. |
| PMMA | Polymers | – |
| Polybutadiene | Polymers | – |
| Polycarbonate | Polymers | – |
| Polyester | Polymers | – |
| Polyester-Elastomer | Polymers | – |
| Polyethylene-HD | Polymers | – |
| Polyethylene-LD | Polymers | – |
| Polyethylene-MD | Polymers | – |
| Polyphenylene-Oxide | Polymers | – |
| Polyphenylene-Sulfide | Polymers | – |
| POM | Polymers | Polyoxymethylene, is a high-performance engineering thermoplastic polymer. It’s also known by various trade names, including Delrin, Celcon, and Hostaform. POM is notable for its excellent mechanical properties, low friction coefficient, high stiffness, and chemical resistance. POM can exist in two primary forms or structures: homopolymer and copolymer. |
| PP | PP | – |
| PPA | Polymers | Polyphthalamide is a subset of thermoplastic synthetic resins in the polyamide family defined as when 55% or more moles of the carboxylic acid portion of the repeating unit in the polymer chain is composed of a combination of terephthalic and isophthalic acids. |
| PPO | Polymers | Poly, poly, poly, often referred to simply as polyphenylene oxide, is a high-temperature thermoplastic with the general formulaₙ. It is rarely used in its pure form due to difficulties in processing. It is mainly used as blend with polystyrene, high impact styrene-butadiene copolymer or polyamide. |
| PPT | Polymers | – |
| PS | PS | – |
| PSU | Polymers | Polysulfones are a family of high performance thermoplastics. These polymers are known for their toughness and stability at high temperatures. Technically used polysulfones contain an aryl-SO₂-aryl subunit. Due to the high cost of raw materials and processing, polysulfones are used in specialty applications and often are a superior replacement for polycarbonates |
| PTFE | Polymers | – |
| PTT | Polymers | Polytrimethylene terephthalate |
| PVA | Polymers | poly(vynil alcool) |
| PVB | Polymers | Polyvinyl butyral (or PVB) is a resin mostly used for applications that require strong binding, optical clarity, adhesion to many surfaces, toughness and flexibility. |
| PVC | PVC | – |
| PVC-Flexible | Polymers | – |
| PVC-Rigid | Polymers | – |
| PVDF | Polymers | PVDF stands for Polyvinylidene fluoride. It’s a type of polymer material that’s highly non-reactive and pure. It’s primarily used in applications requiring high resistance to solvents, acids, and hydrocarbons. |
| SAN | Polymers | Styrene-Acrylonitrile |
| SBR | Rubbers | Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) is a synthetic rubber copolymer composed of styrene and butadiene. It is one of the most widely used synthetic rubbers due to its good abrasion resistance, excellent aging properties, and low cost. SBR is commonly used in the production of tires, conveyor belts, shoe soles, and various other rubber products. |
| Styrenic-Terpolymer | Polymers | – |
| Thermoplastic-Rubber-TPV | Polymers | Thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPV) are dynamically vulcanized alloys consisting mostly of fully cured EPDM rubber particles encapsulated in a polypropylene (PP) matrix. They are part of the thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) family of polymers but are closest in elastomeric properties to EPDM thermoset rubber, combining the characteristics of vulcanized rubber with the processing properties of thermoplastics. |
| TPE | Polymers | – |
| TPU | Polymers | – |
| TPX | Polymers | Polymethylpentene, also known as poly, is a thermoplastic polyolefin. It is used for gas-permeable packaging, autoclavable medical and laboratory equipment, microwave components, and cookware. It is commonly called TPX, which is a trademark of Mitsui Chemicals. |
| Vinylester | Polymers | – |
Additionally, our specialization doesn’t stop at polymer detection; we are consistently enhancing our technology to deliver the most advanced tools for the identification and analysis of a wide spectrum of polymers.
Access the Drug Checking Solutions List here, the Cannabis Solutions List here and the Law Enforcement list here; discover the versatility and precision that our technology offers.
Conclusion
At the heart of our service is the commitment to provide solutions that are tailored to the unique challenges and requirements of each industry and use case. We recognize that every sector has specific materials to analyze and distinct operational demands. Our expertise lies in developing solutions that are uncomplicated, swift, and accurate, designed to meet your specific needs. With our advanced NIR spectroscopy technology, we are not just offering a tool; we are providing a pathway to more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible waste management, recycling processes and plastic production.
To delve further into the world of spectroscopy and discover the full capabilities of NIRLAB’s technology, we invite you to explore our other insightful articles, here. For personalized inquiries, reach out to us at contact@nirlab.com.
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