Plastic Sorting Machine

A plastic sorting machine is a specialized system designed to automate the classification of plastic waste by type, density, or color, enabling efficient recycling. Leveraging technologies like near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, optical sensors, or air classification, these machines identify different plastic resins—such as PET, HDPE, PP, and PVC—then separate them into distinct streams. For example, NIR sensors detect molecular signatures to distinguish between beverage bottles and packaging films, while air jets blow lighter plastics into separate chutes.

Ideal for recycling facilities, these machines handle post-consumer waste, industrial scrap, or mixed plastic streams, boosting sorting accuracy to over 95%. Some models feature dual-stage sorting for complex materials, combining manual pre-sorting with automated detection. By reducing human labor and enhancing purity, plastic sorting machines play a pivotal role in converting waste into reusable raw materials, supporting circular economy practices and sustainable manufacturing.

1. Common Plastic Resins

• PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate):
  • Beverage bottles, food containers, clear rigid packaging
• HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene):
  • Milk jugs, detergent bottles, fuel tanks
• PP (Polypropylene):
  • Yogurt containers, bottle caps, automotive parts
• PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride):
  • Rigid pipes, window frames, vinyl records
• LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene):
  • Plastic bags, squeeze bottles, flexible packaging

2. Engineered & Composite Plastics

• ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene):
  • Electronics casings, automotive trim, toys
• PC (Polycarbonate):
  • Eyeglass lenses, water bottles, safety gear
• PS (Polystyrene):
  • Disposable cutlery, foam packaging, CD cases
• Plastic-Metal Hybrids:
  • Laminated packaging, coated wires, composite containers

3. Post-Consumer Waste Streams

• Mixed Municipal Plastic:
  • Packaging films, food trays, disposable utensils
• Industrial Scrap:
  • Injection molding waste, extruded profiles, production trimmings
• E-Waste Plastics:
  • Computer shells, TV casings, electronic component housings

4. Specialized Materials

• Bioplastics:
  • Compostable packaging, plant-based plastics (PLA, PBAT)
• Foam Plastics:
  • Expanded polystyrene (EPS), polyethylene foam
• Colored & Transparent Plastics:
  • Dyed packaging, clear vs. opaque plastic bottles

Sorting Technology Compatibility

• NIR (Near-Infrared) Sorting: Ideal for identifying resin types in clean or lightly contaminated plastics
• Density Separation: Suits materials like PVC (high density) vs. PE/PP (low density)
• Optical Sorting: Effective for color-based separation (e.g. clear vs. colored PET bottles)