Diverted from Landfill: Reuse of Single-Use Plastic Packaging Waste

O’Rourke, Kit; Wurzer, Christian; Murray, James; Doyle, Adrian; Doyle, Keith B.; Griffin, C.; Christensen, B.; Brádaigh, Conchúr M. Ó; Ray, Dipa

doi:10.3390/polym14245485

Cited by 8 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 34 publications

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“…Given the current lack of published research, the present study provides a critical analysis of in-field advanced UT of existing thick and ultra-thick monolithic FRPs. The findings contribute toward alleviating premature disposal/decommissioning of large composite components, which is of particular importance given recent concerns regarding sustainability and end-of-life solutions for composite and polymeric materials [56][57][58][59].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 94%

Advanced Ultrasonic Inspection of Thick-Section Composite Structures for In-Field Asset Maintenance

et al. 2023

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An investigation into the inspection capabilities of in-field advanced ultrasound detection for use on ultra-thick (20 to 100 mm) glass fibre-reinforced polyester composites is presented. Plates were manufactured using custom moulding techniques, such that delamination flaws were created at calibrated depths. The full matrix capture technique with an on-board total focussing method was used to detect flaws scanned by a 0.5 MHz linear array probe. Flaw through-thickness dimensions were altered to assess the threshold for crack face separation at which delaminations could be identified. Furthermore, part thickness and in-plane flaw dimensions were varied to identify the inspection capability limitations of advanced ultrasonics for thick composites. The results presented in this study demonstrate an inverse relationship between the ability to find delaminations and plate thicknesses, with inspections successful at depths up to 74 mm. When the delamination thickness exhibited surface-to-surface contact, the inspection capability was reduced to 35 mm. There was an exponential decay relationship between the accuracy of the flaw depth measurement and plate thickness, likely due to the necessity of low probe frequencies. The effective inspection depth was determined to be in the range of 1 to 20 times the wavelength. It is speculated that the accuracy of measurements could be improved using probes with novel coupling solutions, and detectors with optimised signal processing/filtration algorithms.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 94%

Advanced Ultrasonic Inspection of Thick-Section Composite Structures for In-Field Asset Maintenance

et al. 2023

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“…Synthetic films like LDPE (Low-density polyethylene) are commonly used in plastic pouches, bags, wraps, and films due to their high flexibility and resistance against moisture, tearing, and chemicals [52]. LDPE-based packaging films mostly end up in landfills after single use as they are not commonly recycled due to their flexible nature, low strength, and low cost [53]. Recycling monolayer LDPE-based films is very difficult because of their contamination with foreign materials and sorting (as per the type and grading of plastics) related challenges [54].…”

Section: Inadequate Mechanical Strengthmentioning

confidence: 99%

Advancements in the biopolymer films for food packaging applications: a short review

Shah,

Bhatia,

Al-Harrasi

et al. 2024

Biotechnol Sustain Mater

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Plastic-based films that are commonly used in the food packaging industry are tough to recycle due to their sorting issue and these films do not decay as they photodegrade into microplastics. These microplastics transport from the air and accumulate in soil, storm drains, and waterways. Recent initiatives in the food packaging industry have led to the development of edible and biodegradable films as sustainable alternatives to synthetic polymer-based plastics. These films, which are biocompatible, biodegradable, and serve as protective coatings on food surfaces, are designed to enhance shelf life by guarding against oxidation, moisture, and microbial spoilage. Recent advancements in polymeric films resulted in the development of high-performance, UV-blocking, nano-engineered, and intelligent pH-sensitive films, along with multilayer, heat-sealable, and active variants. These advanced materials not only prevent food deterioration but also facilitate the early detection of spoilage. However commercial success of these films which have been developed at a lab scale is still challenging due to unsatisfactory mechanical, barrier, thermal, and optical properties than synthetic films. Furthermore, an in-depth understanding related to human interaction, biodegradability, safety studies, scalability, and machinability is required to develop sustainable bioplastic films. Graphical Abstract

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“…In this case, the study has been restricted to the primary activity of the company Sphere, which involves the production of plastic films and bags. This aspect has attracted the interest of numerous researchers [13,14].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Comparative Analysis of the Effects of Incorporating Post-Industrial Recycled LLDPE and Post-Consumer PE in Films: Macrostructural and Microstructural Perspectives in the Packaging Industry

Ballestar de las Heras,

Colom,

Cañavate

2024

Polymers

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In accordance with the Circular Economy Package of the European directive, the Spanish government compels manufacturers of plastic bags to include into their products a minimum of 70% of polyethylene (PE) waste. Following this mandate can be challenging and requires a deep knowledge of the alterations produced by the recycling in the main components of a plastic bag film: lineal low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), the LLDPE recycled post-industry, generated as waste from an industrial process (rLLDPE) and the PE recycled from post-consumer use (rPE), that has been picked up, cleaned, and reprocessed. This study provides insight in the macro and microstructural changes produced by several cycles of recycling in these materials. Specimens in the form of film for supermarket bags formed with these polymers have been subjected to several recycling sequences. The process closely mimics industrial processes. Four cycles have been applied to the samples. The evolution of mechanical properties, including tensile strength, elongation at break, and tear and impact tests, shows an obvious decrease due to degradation that is not an impediment for practical use after the four cycles of recycling according to the main specifications defined by the producer. Colorimetric measurements reveal no significant variations in the color of the films. The results of the FTIR and TGA analysis show degradation phenomena and changes in crystallinity in branching and the apparition of crosslinking that are in consonance with the mechanical data. There is also a difference between both types of recycled PE. In general, rLLDPE is more affected by the recycling than rPE. According to our findings, the limiting property would be the tearing. By comparing these values with bags available in the market, manufactured from 70–80% recycled material, we can infer that while two reprocessing cycles can lead to good results, a maximum of four cycles of recycling is advisable.

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Diverted from Landfill: Reuse of Single-Use Plastic Packaging Waste

Cited by 8 publications

References 34 publications

Advanced Ultrasonic Inspection of Thick-Section Composite Structures for In-Field Asset Maintenance

Advanced Ultrasonic Inspection of Thick-Section Composite Structures for In-Field Asset Maintenance

Advancements in the biopolymer films for food packaging applications: a short review

Comparative Analysis of the Effects of Incorporating Post-Industrial Recycled LLDPE and Post-Consumer PE in Films: Macrostructural and Microstructural Perspectives in the Packaging Industry

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