Identifying Polymers Onsite.

A handheld screening device designed to identify polymers in plastic sorting and recycling within 5 seconds, anywhere.

Portable NIR Lab for Polymer Identification.

A powerful, handheld tool to identify all common polymers for plastic sorting, recycling and waste management.

Identification of Polymers

Identify a variety of plastic types including PP, PE, PET, PS, PVC, ABS, POM, PMMA, EVA, PC, TPR, and many others, and also distinguish polymers such as PA6 and PA66 or LDPE and HDPE.

No sample preparation

All plastics, whether colored, opaque or transparent, can be analyzed without any sample preparation at the press of just one button.

Point and click analysis

Using our point-and-click mobile NIR spectrometer requires no prior training. Simply aim the NIR device at the plastic material in question and press the button for instant polymer analysis.

Instant result

Our device is connected to a mobile app through Bluetooth and scanning results are shown on a user-friendly mobile app (iOS & Android) within seconds. You can perform unlimited number of plastic analysis.

Solutions tailored to your needs

Every industry and use case faces its unique challenges and has specific materials to analyze. We are the experts in developing uncomplicated, fast, and accurate solutions tailored to your specific materials and requirements.

What are the Benefits for Plastic Sorting and Recycling Companies?

Our mobile NIR lab, specialized in instant polymer detection and plastic analysis, is designed to meet the needs of any organizations seeking to optimize its recycling process.


The process of effectively moving plastic waste into the circular economy begins with sorting it into clean polymer groups. One of the biggest challenges on our journey to an effective circular economy is the current lack of high-quality recycling worldwide. NIRLAB’s Near-Infrared handheld device emerges as a game-changer for companies involved in plastic sorting and waste management. Our polymer solution offers a suite of benefits designed to enhance operational efficiency, accuracy, and environmental sustainability.

Our polymer solution rapidly identifies over 40 common polymers, cutting down the time spent on manual sorting and minimizing the risk of contamination in recycled products.

The portable and user-friendly device designed for the ease of use in field conditions leads to more efficient operations, reducing labor and laboratory costs enhancing overall profitability of recycling activities.

By accurately sorting plastics, the NIR handheld device aids in creating purer recycling streams, enhancing the quality of recycled materials and reducing the need for virgin plastics.

Identify more than

40 polymers

Polyethylene (HDPE, LDPE, MDPE)

PA6 vs PA66

PP – Polypropylene

PET – Polyethylene terephthalate

PVC – Polyvinyl chloride

ABS – Acrylnitril-Butadien-Styrol

Mobile App

Our NIRStore polymer mobile App for Android and iOS displays the results of each plastic scan within seconds.

Pairing the NIRStore app and the device is done automatically via Bluetooth. To perform a scan, point the device towards a substance and press the button. The scan results are displayed on the smartphone screen within seconds and are easy to read and interpret.

The polymer in question is identified by analyzing its spectrum and comparing it to our large substance database.

Polymer Identification

With our cloud-based solution we offer a simple, intuitive interface that provides real-time scanning and identification of plastic samples.

Our easy-to-use mobile app is available on the iOS/Apple and Android app store and displays results within 3 seconds. The polymer library is constantly updated and made available to everyone in real-time.

Multiple Sample Scans

By taking multiple scans within a sample, the analysis results will be more accurate. Additionally, our web app, alongside the mobile app, serves as a robust solution for managing users, devices, and results.

By taking multiple scans of one sample we calculate the average results to improve the accuracy of identification and quantification.

Our substance list is constantly growing, with updates being made ongoingly and available instantly to all users.

Science & Blog

NIRLAB solutions analyze substances using near infrared spectroscopy. Learn more about the scientific background.

PA6 vs PA66

The PA6 and PA66 Challenge: Distinguishing the Indistinguishable

Read more
Plastic Recycling

Plastic Recycling Revolution: NIR Spectroscopy’s Transformative Role

Read more

How does Near-infrared spectroscopy work?

NIR spectroscopy is a versatile and non-destructive analytical technique that provides valuable insights into the chemical composition and structure of a wide range of materials

Read more

How to Set Up Your NIR Spectrometer for Optimal Results in the Polymer Industry

Read more

See how easy it is

NIRLAB delivers your results in seconds, reliably and without complication. Watch our tutorial on narcotics and drug analysis to see for yourself.

Request a Demo

Contact us for more information on our NIR handheld analyzer for drug checking services and harm reduction organizations. We are here to help.

Download Handout

Learn more about our NIR solutions and how it can help you to identify polymers in plastic within a few seconds.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIR spectroscopy) is a powerful technique in plastic sorting, recycling, and waste management due to its ability to rapidly and non-destructively identify different types of plastics. Each plastic type reflects NIR light uniquely, allowing for accurate classification. This precision is essential for high-quality recycling, preventing the contamination of recycled materials. NIR spectroscopy enhances the efficiency of sorting processes, reducing the need for manual labor and thus lowering operational costs. Additionally, its use in effective plastic sorting helps mitigate environmental pollution by improving recycling rates. Versatile and adaptable, NIR spectroscopy is a key technological tool in modern waste management, contributing significantly to sustainable practices.

    NIRLAB’s polymer solution is a cloud-based system that includes a handheld NIR device along with mobile and web applications. This innovative, point-and-click solution can scan plastics at any location, swiftly identifying all common polymers within seconds. The measurement results are displayed on an easy-to-use mobile app, while a web application facilitates the management of all users and scans.

    NIRLAB’s handheld device uses NIR spectroscopy technology and advanced machine learning to analyze the chemical composition of a substance. By pointing the device at the sample and pressing a button, the device identifies and quantifies the substance within seconds, providing results directly on a connected mobile app.

    The handheld spectrometer can identify over 40 polymers in different forms (such as plastic rods, granules, foils, and plates), colors, and surface textures (rough or smooth). Our substance library includes the “big five”: PE, PP, PS, PET, and PVC, along with others such as ABC, POM, PMMA, EVA, PC, PS, TPR, etc. Our solution can also differentiate between PA6 and PA66, as well as classify subgroups of Polyethylene, including LDPE, HDPE, and MDPE. New polymers are continuously added to the database and are immediately available to all users. Feel free to contact us for a complete list of our polymer library.

    We offer 24/7 technical support and are eager to share more details about our solution through email, phone calls, or video conferences. Please contact us at contact@nirlab.com or fill out our contact form to schedule a product demonstration.

    Awards

    Great minds think alike. And great ideas are recognized.
    See our awards!

    NIRLAB does everything we need – and more!

    Florentin Coppey
    NIRLAB | Founder

    Our Apps

    Have a look at our apps.

    NIRLAB mobile and handheld NIR Spectroscopy Solutions and Apps

    NIRLAB detects and quantifies material and substance compositions non-destructively, instant and precise by using NIR spectroscopy and advanced machine learning algorithms.

    The innovative digital ecosystem takes quality, transparency and security to a new level and generates real world data for automation and 3rd party AI applications.

    NIRLAB AG
    Somlaproz 23
    1937 Orsières
    Switzerland

    Funded by

    REACT EU Funded as part of the Union's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Project Digitalization in the field of corporate presentation, marketing and communication

    Period 15.01.2022–31.12.2022

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