Reuse, packaging applications

Franz R and Welle F, 1999, Analytical screening and evaluation of post-consumer PET recyclate materials from the market with respect to reuse for food packaging application. Deutsche Lebensm.-Rdsch. 95 (3). 94-100. 

One approach to reduce the contaminant levels consists in reusing the wasted plastic as the core of the new material. Residues of pesticides or harmful contaminants may limit recycling of plastics as a result of their potential toxicity. Utilisation of post-consumer plastics for pharmaceutical or food-contact applications is forbidden, and multilayer food packaging materials manufactured using functional barriers are subjected to strict regulations [9, 40, 41]. 

Vahdation cost for the new system could be halved if it is similar to the original application. If there is any possibihty of the system being used again, it should be dismantled and tagged, carefully packaged and labeled, and stored in a secure location. Documentary evidence supporting its validation must be archived and retained. System spedhcations. Development Testing, IQ, OQ, PQ, user manuals, and maintenance procedures could prove very useful if the system is reused. 

The best use for recycled plastic is the same as it was used originally, or some other application with high value. For many of the sorted plastics, reuse is possible. Some examples are LDPE in films, PP in auto parts, PS in insu-lation/packaging, and PVS in detergent bottles and pipes. Fiber applications... 

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