HDPE
High-density polyethylene
Polymer sorting
Sorting shredded plastics by polymer type
SORTPLAST assesses projects to separate different types of plastic within a single shredded stream.
Polymers we specialise in
The initial polymer sorting offer focuses on HDPE, PP, PS and ABS. Other polymers are considered on enquiry. Separation feasibility must be assessed technically for each material.
PP
Polypropylene
PS
Polystyrene
ABS
Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene
We also welcome enquiries concerning other polymers and engineering plastics. Receiving an enquiry does not imply that separation is technically feasible.
MATERIAL IDENTIFICATION
Spectral detection
Certain polymers can be identified using spectral detection technologies such as near-infrared — NIR — and other techniques suited to each application.
Many polymers exhibit characteristic spectral responses that can be used to support their identification and subsequent separation.
Visual or photographic identification does not replace technical characterisation of the material where required.
Frequently asked questions about polymer sorting
Which polymers can you assess?
We assess mixtures containing HDPE, PP, ABS and PS. The possibility of separating each stream depends on its composition and a prior technical assessment.
Can ABS and PS be separated?
Separation can be assessed where the available technology can identify the materials. We do not currently offer separation of black ABS from black PS.
Can PC, PET or PVC separation be assessed?
Yes, depending on the mixture’s composition and technical feasibility. An enquiry about these polymers requires material assessment and does not confirm that separation is possible.
Can you separate black plastics by polymer type?
We can separate black as a colour fraction, subject to technical assessment, but we do not currently offer separation between different polymers when the material is black.
What sample is needed to assess separation?
We normally request approximately 3–4 kg of representative material, together with its known composition and the separation objective, to assess technical feasibility and carry out the necessary trials.
Do you have plastic flakes that need to be sorted?
Tell us what material you have and what you need to separate.