Faerch Plast claims that its new black CPET material, which is detectable by near-infrared (NIR) sensors, will enable recyclers to sort black CPET in the mixed plastics waste stream “for the first time ever”.
The Denmark-based plastics packaging company says the crystalline polyethylene innovation – developed in conjunction with partners WRAP, Nextek, Titech, Eurofins and leading UK supermarket retailers – will “revolutionise the plastics packaging and recycling industries”.
The project is aimed at making black trays used in food packaging more recyclable.
“Until now, recycling of black CPET has not been possible as it can’t be detected by the NIR sensors used by most recyclers,” explains Jesper Emil Jensen, senior manager at Færch Plast.
“It has been a complicated project because the current pigment is both good at what it does and is also the cheapest form of black available on the market.”
Jesper adds that considerable testing and trials using different dyes and pigments have resulted in a “world first recyclable solution” said to be at once cost effective, aesthetically pleasing and functional.
Since it was established in 1969, Faerch Plast has built a reputation for the high quality of its plastics packaging products, supplying major blue chip customers in the ready meal, fresh meat, cold foods and snacks, and ambient food sectors with a wide range of containers and trays produced from PS, CPET, APET, PP, PLA, MAPET® and AMPET®.
Faerch Plast announces 'revolutionary' innovation for black CPET trays
