Sensor array for the detection of organic and inorganic contaminants in post-consumer recycled plastics for food contact

Abstract

Post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic material is made by collecting used plastic products (e.g., bottles and other plastic packaging materials) and reprocessing them into solid-state pellets or flakes. Plastic recycling has positive environmental benefits, but may also carry potential drawbacks due to unwanted organic and inorganic contaminants. These contaminants can migrate into food packaging made from these recycled plastic materials. The purpose of this research was to identify economically viable real-time monitoring technologies that can be used during the conversion of virgin and recycled resin feedstocks (i.e., various blends of virgin pellets and recycled solid-state pellet or mechanically ground flake) to final articles to ensure the safety, quality and sustainability of packaging feedstocks. Baseline analysis (validation) of real-time technologies was conducted using industry-standard practices for polymer analysis. The data yielded supervised predictive models developed by training sessions completed in a controlled laboratory setting. This technology can be employed to evaluate compliance and aid converters in commodity sourcing of resin without exceeding regulatory thresholds. Furthermore, this technology allowed for real-time decision and diversion strategies during the conversion of resin and flake to final articles or products to minimise the negative impact on human health and environmental exposure.

Scientometric analysis of the development of plastic packaging considering the circular economy and clean technologies: A review

“…Despite the amount of research on clean technologies, just one article was identified combining clean technology and plastic packaging: 'Sensor array for the detection of organic and inorganic contaminants in post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastics for food contact' (Davis et al, 2017). This document proposes to identify economically viable real-time monitoring technologies for converting recycled resin feedstocks from plastic packaging to final products, ensuring safety and quality.…”

Machine-Learning-Based Predictions of Polymer and Postconsumer Recycled Polymer Properties: A Comprehensive Review

“…Davis et al 50 implemented a sensor-array-based technology for the identification of inorganic and organic contaminants in PCR polymers. The technology enabled an economically viable real-time monitoring in both virgin and PCR polymer blends.…”