Canon Launches Raman Plastic Analyzer Targeting Black Plastic Recycling Challenges

Canon U.S.A. has launched a new Raman-based plastic identification system in North America designed to improve the sorting and recycling of black plastics, a material stream that has historically been difficult to process using conventional optical technologies.

The new TR-A100 Raman plastic analyzer uses Raman spectroscopy to identify the chemical composition of plastics through laser-based analysis. The company said the system is intended to help recyclers and material processors improve identification accuracy for plastics commonly used in electronics and automotive applications.

Black plastics have long presented challenges for recycling facilities because traditional near-infrared (NIR) sorting systems often struggle to detect materials that absorb light rather than reflect it. As a result, large volumes of black plastic components are frequently excluded from recycling streams and diverted to disposal.

Canon said the TR-A100 was developed specifically to address that limitation by enabling non-destructive analysis of difficult-to-identify plastic materials.

“Black plastics have historically posed a significant technical hurdle in the recycling industry,” said Kenichi Kaneda, senior director and general manager of Industrial Products at Canon U.S.A. By offering highly reliable black plastic identification in a compact desktop footprint, we empower research and quality control teams to conduct precise batch-sampling and raise the standard of material separation. By enabling the recovery of plastics that were previously overlooked, this innovation supports a more resource-efficient and sustainable pathway for the industry.”

According to the company, the analyzer uses a laser scanning method that shifts the irradiation point during testing to reduce heat buildup and avoid damaging materials during analysis. The system is designed to identify plastic types and estimate the proportion of target polymers within mixed material samples.

Canon said the equipment can be used by recycling operators and quality-control teams to improve sorting conditions and increase material purity in downstream recycling processes.

The company’s entry into recycling system technologies reflects broader industry efforts to improve plastics recovery rates through more advanced identification and sorting tools. Material purity remains a critical issue for recyclers, particularly as manufacturers seek higher-quality recycled feedstock suitable for use in automotive, electronics and consumer applications.

Advanced sorting systems have become an increasing focus for the recycling industry as regulators and brand owners push for higher recycling rates and more circular material flows, especially for hard-to-recycle plastics.

The TR-A100 is now commercially available across North America.

Source: Canon

SUNSHINE Spotlight: Advanced identification technologies are becoming increasingly important in plastics recycling as processors seek solutions for difficult material streams such as black plastics.