This Dyson Award-winning handheld device can directly identify plastic parts for recycling

Recently, a handheld device that can identify whether plastic is suitable for recycling has won the 2021 Dyson Awards (2021 Dyson Awards)
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The scanner offers a low-cost method of testing materials in the hope of reducing post-consumer plastics going straight to landfill
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The plastic scanner, designed by Professor Jerry de Vos of the Technische Universiteit Delft in the Netherlands, uses infrared light to assess whether plastic parts are recyclable
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It uses open-source hardware, making it possible for anyone who can assemble electronic equipment to use the same technology used in European sorting facilities
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"Discrete near-infrared spectroscopy can identify more than 75% of all plastics used in everyday life," explains Prof Vos
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"This technology has the potential to allow recyclers in low- and middle-income countries to adopt this detection technology
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The plastic scanner is one of three winners at this year's Dyson Awards, set up by vacuum cleaner tycoon James Dyson to recognise the next generation of design engineers
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"Demonizing plastic may be trendy at the moment, but plastic is a durable and versatile material that can play an important role
," Dyson said
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“The challenge with plastic use is ensuring it is reused and recycled efficiently so that it doesn’t go directly to landfill
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Understanding how to properly recycle plastic is complex, but Professor Vos has developed a very effective technique that brings this knowledge to life.
Pass it on to everyone
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