Meaning
Within the recycling stream for post-consumer plastics, rigorous cleaning processes are required to remove absorbed chemicals before the resin can be used for food packaging. Super-clean decontamination involves a combination of high heat, vacuum and friction to extract volatile organic compounds from the polymer flakes. This process ensures that the recycled material meets the safety standards of global health authorities.
Contaminant Removal
Diffusion of impurities out of the plastic happens faster when the material is heated near its softening point. The super-clean decontamination cycle must be long enough to reach the deepest parts of the flake. This ensures that even heavy oils and detergents are completely removed.
Food Safety
Approval for direct food contact depends on the efficiency of this cleaning stage. Materials that have undergone super-clean decontamination are tested for any remaining residues before they are pelletized. This verification allows a brand to use recycled content without risking consumer health.
Regrind Quality
Physical properties of the resin can be affected by the intense heat of the cleaning process. If the super-clean decontamination is too aggressive, it may lower the molecular weight of the polymer. A balanced process yields clean resin that still performs like virgin material.
