Researchers Rui Carvalho and Bruna Neiva, from the PrecisionPlastics – Redefining Recycling with Technology project, presented the scientific paper “Automated Polymer Pellet Classification Using Short-Wave Infrared Hyperspectral Imaging” at AOP 2026 – 7th International Conference on Applications of Optics and Photonics, which took place in Lisbon from 7 to 10 July 2026.

The work presented explores the use of short-wave infrared (SWIR) hyperspectral imaging for the automatic classification of polymer pellets, a technology with strong potential to make plastic recycling processes more precise, rapid and efficient.

The PrecisionPlastics project (COMPETE2030-FEDER-01183400) is coordinated and scientifically led by Professor Christophe Soares, Professor Feliz Gouveia, Professor António Lobo Ribeiro and Professor João Viana.