How do recyclable materials contribute to microplastics and microbial quality?

Nevertheless, recycled fibres are not used on their own. Often, products comprise a fibre-based core combined with a plastic coating. The aim of the recycling process is to separate these layers, but this is not easy to achieve 100% of the time. Furthermore, plastic particles disintegrate into microplastics during the repulping phase of the process. Consequently, recycled fibres almost always contain plastic residues that contribute to the microplastic problem.

The issue of microplastics resulting from the recycling of multilayered plastic products has been difficult to address, as state-of-the-art microplastic analysis could not reliably detect microplastics in recycled products. Recently, however, KCL succeeded in developing a pre-treatment that eliminates fibres (e.g. starch, cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin) from the product, enabling reliable analysis of the microplastics within it. KCL will provide you with information on the amount of microplastics in your product and enhance the process to minimise it. If no microplastics are detected, you will receive a certificate confirming that your product is plastic-free.

Microplastics are not the only challenge associated with using recycled materials. During the product’s life cycle, microbial contamination resulting from the packaging’s contents can attack the fibres that will later be recycled. When the recycled fibres are later used, it is crucial to maintain a safe level of product hygiene. KCL can analyse the microbial quality of your raw materials, whether virgin or recycled, as well as that of the end products. Culture-independent methods, including ATP and DNA analysis, provide fast and accurate results. DNA techniques often enable you to trace the contamination and take efficient corrective action.