trinamiX Reflectivity Check
– NIR Reflectivity Testing for Plastic Sortability
Instantly Test Packaging for NIR Sortability – Wherever You Are
The trinamiX Reflectivity Check enables packaging and recycling professionals to swiftly assess if a plastic sample is detectable by NIR sorting systems, helping packaging teams evaluate whether materials are detectable by NIR sorting systems used in recycling facilities — all on-site, without the need for laboratory equipment.
Where This Fits in Packaging Evaluation
The Reflectivity Check is used as an early-stage screening method to evaluate whether packaging is detectable by NIR sorting systems before external recyclability testing.
Typical use cases include:
- material and pigment selection
- packaging prototyping
- pre-certification checks before APR or similar testing
- supplier and batch comparison
- preparation of compliance documentation
This enables teams to identify detectability risks before costly validation steps.
Typical Workflow Before External Recyclability Testing
1. Packaging concept
Define materials, additives, labels, and structure.
2. Sample measurement
Measure NIR reflectivity directly on packaging samples.
3. Reflectivity assessment
Evaluate whether the material is likely detectable in sorting systems.
4. Design adjustment (if needed)
Optimize materials or structures before further investment.
5. External testing / compliance validation
Proceed to certification or pilot testing with improved confidence.
Important Context
Early reflectivity screening does not replace full recyclability certification or pilot-scale sorting tests. It provides a fast, measurable indication of detectability risk, helping teams make better decisions earlier in development.
Regulatory Context: Packaging Sortability
Regulatory frameworks are increasing the need for practical verification of packaging detectability in recycling systems. Initiatives such as the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and U.S. legislation like California SB343 emphasize that packaging labeled as recyclable must also be effectively sortable in real recycling infrastructure.
Because optical sorting systems rely on near-infrared (NIR) detection, verifying NIR reflectivity of plastic materials during development has become an important step in packaging evaluation. Portable NIR devices enable teams to measure reflectivity directly on packaging samples, helping identify potential sortability issues early in design and prototyping phases.
What Is the trinamiX Reflectivity Check?
An out-of-the-box application and data model operating on the trinamiX PAL One handheld NIR spectrometer. It quantifies the near-infrared light reflectivity of plastic samples, a crucial factor in determining their sortability in recycling facilities.
If reflectivity is too low (typically below ~10%), optical sorting systems may not reliably detect the material. The Reflectivity Check measures this value directly and compares it against reference reflectivity data to support fast sortability assessments.
NIR Reflectivity Database for Plastics
The application uses the “10 Plastics Reflectivity” reference database, a dataset of representative plastic materials used to benchmark NIR reflectivity behavior. By comparing measured reflectivity values against this reference set, the system helps users quickly interpret whether a packaging sample falls within typical detectability ranges for optical sorting systems.
What Can Be Evaluated
- detectability of packaging materials
- impact of pigments, coatings, and additives
- differences between design alternatives
How It Supports Engineering Workflows
- on-site measurement without lab setup
- rapid results during development cycles
- structured data for documentation and comparison
Why It Matters
While many packaging designs are deemed recyclable in theory, they often fail in practical sorting scenarios due to low NIR visibility. This leads to:
The Reflectivity Check helps you eliminate guesswork, reduce development cycles, and generate trusted evidence — before your packaging reaches the market.
Centralized Data Access for Smarter QA
The Customer Portal gives your quality team access to complete scan data, accessible anytime from a secure cloud environment. Browse and compare historical measurements, export reports, and investigate trends — whether across batches, production lines, or suppliers. Hosted by BASF SE on Microsoft Azure, the portal ensures data integrity and accessibility where it counts.
NIR Reflectivity Measurement Capabilities
Applications: Packaging Reflectivity Testing
- Assessing NIR visibility of black or dark-colored plastic materials
- Validating packaging designs against APR standards
- Conducting pre-certification evaluations prior to external audits
- Analyzing reflectivity variations due to additives, coatings, or labels
- Generating comprehensive documentation for PPWR, client, or retail compliance purposes
Compatible Polymers
Compatible with reflectivity measurement and/or identification for:
- Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
- High-Density and Low-Density Polyethylene (HDPE, LDPE)
- Polypropylene (PP)
- Polystyrene (PS)
- Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), Polycarbonate (PC), Polyamide (PA), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
- Polylactic Acid (PLA)
Not all black plastics are equal: some may reflect enough NIR light to be detected. This tool helps you know for sure.
Bundle Options
The Reflectivity Check (“10 Plastics Reflectivity”) is available in:
- Comprehensive Bundle: App with PAL One Device (recommended for new users)
- Software Add-on: For existing PAL One device owners
- Evaluation Package: Short-term access for project-based or pilot testing
Get in touch for pricing and recommendations for your specific case.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ 1: What is NIR reflectivity in plastics?
NIR reflectivity describes how strongly a plastic material reflects near-infrared light. Optical sorting systems in recycling facilities use this signal to detect and identify plastic materials on sorting lines.
FAQ 2: Why does plastic reflectivity matter for recycling?
If a plastic material reflects too little near-infrared light, optical sorting systems may not detect it reliably. Measuring reflectivity helps evaluate whether packaging can be identified and sorted in recycling infrastructure.
FAQ 3: What is the “10 Plastics Reflectivity” database?
The database contains reference NIR reflectivity data for representative plastic materials. It allows measured packaging samples to be compared against typical reflectivity ranges used by optical sorting systems.
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Make NIR sortability a certainty — not a guess.