Polyethylene Terephthalate Packaging Research Articles

Losartan potassium liquid formulation for paediatric hospital use: development and stability evaluation

ObjectivesThis study aimed to develop a liquid oral formulation containing losartan potassium, an angiotensin II receptor antagonist drug used for its antihypertensive activity, and to perform a preliminary stability assessment...

Levels of Phthalate Acid Esters in Carbonated Soft Drinks Bottled in Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Bottles Kept under Various Storage Conditions in Mwanza City, Tanzania

Background: Carbonated soft drinks (CSD), packaged in PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles, are among the most widely consumed non-alcoholic beverage globally. People of all ages enjoy CSDs for their flavour, mouthfeel, crispness, freshness, and capacity to both quench thirst and provide mental refreshment. Terephthalic acid, ethylene glycol, and other additives such as phthalates are the materials used to make these PET bottles. Several studies have demonstrated that phthalates may migrate into packaged goods and, when consumed, can cause several ill-health conditions to humans. Type II diabetes, obesity, asthma, male and female reproductive disorders, tumours (including breast cancer), pituitary, hypothalamic, and peripheral hormone disorders, behavioral issues, and neurodevelopmental disorders are among the health issues reported to be associated with phthalates. Objective: This study aimed to ascertain the presence and concentration of phthalates in PET bottled carbonated soft drinks produced in Mwanza City, and to examine the effects of various storage conditions on the migration of these contaminants into the product. Methods: Liquid-liquid extraction, clean-up techniques, and chromatographic analysis were used as the methods of determination to identify and quantify the specific phthalates compounds. Results: The findings demonstrated that after being stored outdoors for four to six months, the migration, especially for dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and di [2-ethylhexyl] phthalate (DEHP), became more apparent. After two, four, and six months of indoor storage, there was no appreciable change in the mean concentrations of DMP (dimethyl phthalate), DEP (diethyl phthalate), DBP (dibutyl phthalate), and DEHP for either brand in this study. Compared to indoor storage, the DBP and DEHP migration increased by up to 24-fold when the two brands were kept outdoors for four and six months. Thus, the safety and quality of carbonated soft drinks were seriously compromised by the phthalate compounds from the PET bottles that these companies were using. Conclusion: The study's conclusions show that PET packaging, which is influenced by the bottle manufacturing process and raw material formulations for packages of the studied CSDs, are responsible for the migration of phthalates into the products. The storage conditions and time are established to be the primary causes of phthalates migration in bottled carbonated soft drinks. Though the migration figures in this study are lower than those of the other studies from different locations that were compared, it is important to remember that these compounds may interfere with hormones even in small quantities.

Social evaluation of a Deposit and Refund System pilot project for polyethylene terephthalate packaging

The Deposit and Refund System (DRS) has demonstrated its effectiveness as a powerful economic instrument to help to achieve the European targets for packaging waste recycling, whilst simultaneously ensuring the collection of higher-quality materials for the production of new beverage bottles. In Portugal, a pilot DRS project focusing on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) beverage packaging was implemented by the government to gain insights and experience before the introduction of the mandatory system, which will include other materials. The pilot project involved 23 Reverse Vending Machines (RVM) in supermarkets across mainland Portugal, with a questionnaire assessing behaviour changes in users and non-users. Results from 1,490 responses indicated significant public support for the future DRS and its extension to other packaging materials. Various incentives were applied to the DRS to understand the effects throughout the pilot. The economic incentive proved key to the pilot's success, as it motivated consumers to participate, actively recycling. Consequently, it is expected that the DRS will increase recycling participation rates. Two other factors that contributed to the success of the DRS were the location of the RVM and the effectiveness of communication with the public, impacting their perception of and engagement with the system. The results provided important data for planning the future national strategy, which may also be of interest to other similar realities.

Toxic effects of environmental-relevant exposure to polyethylene terephthalate (PET) micro and nanoparticles in zebrafish early development

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a commonly used thermoplastic in industry due to its excellent malleability and thermal stability, making it extensively employed in packaging manufacturing. Inadequate disposal of PET packaging in the environment and natural physical-chemical processes leads to the formation of smaller particles known as PET micro and nanoplastics (MNPs). The reduced dimensions enhance particle bioavailability and, subsequently, their reactivity. This study involved chemical degradation of PET using trifluoroacetic acid to assess the impact of exposure to varying concentrations of PET MNPs (0.5, 1, 5, 10, and 20 mg/L) on morphological, functional, behavioral, and biochemical parameters during the early developmental stages of zebrafish (Danio rerio). Characterization of the degraded PET revealed the generated microplastics (MPs) ranged in size from 1305 to 2032 μm, and that the generated nanoplastics (NPs) ranged from 68.06 to 955 nm. These particles were then used for animal exposure. After a six-day exposure period, our findings indicate that PET MNPs can diminish spontaneous tail coiling (STC), elevate the heart rate, accumulate on the chorion surface, and reduce interocular distance. These results suggest that PET exposure induces primary toxic effects on zebrafish embryo-larval stage of development.

Determination of Bisphenol a (BPA) migration in Şavak brine cheese stored in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) packaging by HPLC method

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical compound widely used especially in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. BPA is a carcinogen and comes into foods due to plastic materials that come into contact with foodstuffs. The aim of this research was to determine the change in the BPA level in Savak brined white cheese during cold storage in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) packages. For this purpose, two groups were assigned as control (standard cheese produced by raw cow's milk) and BPA (cheese produced from the raw cow milk with 1 mg/L BPA added). The cheese samples were packed in PET packages containing, an 18% brine solution, and stored at +4°C for 270 days. The statistically significant difference was found in BPA levels between the control and BPA‐added group in PET packages (P ≤ 0.05). The BPA levels in the brine solution and cheese of the control group were determined between 0.443–0.747 μg/L and 0.927–1.237 μg/kg, respectively. BPA levels in the brine and cheeses of the BPA‐added group were between 1387–1894 μg/L and 3702–4205 μg/kg, respectively. The results showed that the using of BPA in cheese production leads to very high levels of BPA even during long storage and poses a risk to consumer health.

Analysis of the Influence of PET and Glass Packaging Waste Materials on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Cementitious Composites

The limited availability of natural resources, such as sand, and the need to reduce CO2 emissions, which are produced in large quantities in the production of binding materials, indicate the need to look for alternative raw materials used in construction materials. At the same time, there is a strong need to utilise waste packaging materials, the global production of which is constantly increasing. This work aims to investigate the possibility of using recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET), utilised as a partial substitute for fine aggregate, and waste glass, implemented as powder, serving as a partial substitute for cement in the manufacturing of the cementitious composites. An experimental study was carried out to evaluate the physical and mechanical properties of the resultant cementitious composites. The incorporated PET aggregate comprised 0%, 5%, and 10% by volume of silica sand and 0%, 10%, and 20% glass powder by weight of cement. The addition of waste raw materials augmented the flow of fresh mortars, predominantly subsequent to the introduction of PET recyclate. The deployment of artificial aggregate in mortars induces a decrease in the volumetric density. Concurrently, the mechanical properties of mortars enriched with waste materials exhibited a reduction, in terms of both compressive and flexural strength, with the detriment escalating in conjunction with the content of waste raw materials. An analysis of statistical significance of effects, grounded in an analysis of variance, is delineated within this document, pinpointing the quantities of waste raw materials that can be assimilated in mortars without inducing a substantial deterioration of strength properties. Through studies on phase composition, it has been demonstrated that the utilised glass waste, possessing a grain size analogous to cement, exhibited poor pozzolanic properties. The test results indicate that it is possible to partially replace cement with glass powder, up to 10%, and fine aggregate with PET waste, up to 5%, without a significant reduction in the mechanical properties of the material.

Rigid Polyethylene Terephthalate Packaging Waste: An Investigation of Waste Composition and Its Recycling Potential in Austria

The need for increased recycling of plastic packaging waste (PPW) is apparent from a legal and waste management perspective and, therefore, further waste streams need to be investigated in detail in terms of their recycling potential. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) PW is already closed-loop recyclable (bottle-to-bottle recycling); however, other rigid PET PW is mainly thermally recovered. Explicit quantitative and qualitative data on rigid PET packaging waste are limited. Therefore, this study investigates the composition and packaging characteristics of rigid PET packaging waste contained in separate waste collection as well as in the mixed PET sorting stream in Austria by conducting a manual sorting analysis. Furthermore, the waste volume is projected, and the recycling potential is extrapolated according to new European recycling rate reporting formats. The results show that approximately 11% of separate collection represents rigid PET packaging waste. Most PW derives from food packaging and is transparent. Contained residues with more than 1% of the total packaging weight might negatively impact the sortability. The applicable net quantity indicator (ALR) amounts to 0.888 at the stage of sorting. The volume of rigid PET PW is extrapolated to 26–36 kt in 2020 with a high-quality recycling rate of 25%, which contributes 2.6% to the Austrian PPW recycling target of 50%.

Assessment of alkylphenols migration from packaging to fruit juices: Influential factors and health risks

Migration of plastic components or additives from packaging materials to food poses a potential health risk to humans. Alkylphenols, including 4-Nonylphenol and 4-tert-Octylphenol, are classified among the endocrine disrupting chemicals which exhibit estrogenic properties. One of the predominant pathways of human exposure to Alkylphenols primarily involves the ingestion of food and beverages, which have contaminated to Alkylphenols through leaching from the packaging materials. The objective of this study was to examine the presence of 4-Nonylphenol and 4-tert-Octylphenol compounds in various juice samples packed in Polyethylene terephthalate bottles and multilayer Tetrapack containers. Additionally, an evaluation was conducted regarding the influence of the expiration period and the two flavor of fruit juice (sour cherry and pineapple) on the leakage rate of alkylphenols. Health risk from exposure to alkylphenols through drinking packaged fruit juices was also estimated. 4-Nonylphenol and 4-tert-Octylphenol were detected in 100% of the samples at concentrations from 158.8 ng/L to 7604.2 ng/L and from 4.1 ng/L to 1373.8 ng/L, respectively. The results showed that over time, the concentration of contaminants in packaged fruit juices significantly increased. Fruit juices with a sour flavor, with a more acidic pH, typically tend to have a higher concentration of contaminants. Furthermore, the average concentration for both flavors was higher in polyethylene terephthalate packaging compared to Tetrapack. The risk assessment revealed that the group of children under 18 years of age is at a higher risk of health issues compared to the adult group due to exposure to alkylphenols found in packaged fruit juices.

Sustainability analysis of packaging waste management systems: A case study in the Romanian context

Packaging waste is an important waste stream being directly linked to any product or good that consumers buy, use and then discard. Beyond policies setting recycling and recovery targets and the usual waste indicators in terms of generation, collection and treatment, packaging waste should be analyzed from the sustainability perspective. For countries in which municipal solid waste management has modest performances and packaging waste is organized solely based on Extended Producer Responsibility principle, such as Romania, this type of analysis is even more significant. Starting with 2018 onwards, the legislative European framework have set stringent packaging waste recovery and recycling targets, however beyond their achievement, it is important to also check what is the mid-term impact on sustainability at the member states level. Firstly, the study investigates multiple data sources (Environmental Fund Administration-EFA, Eurostat and National Waste Management Plan) to have a complete overview on the packaging waste generation and technical performances. Secondly, the US EPA WARM methodology was selected to perform the analysis. The indicators set within the methodology are the main indicatives for the environmental impacts and the socio-economic aspects in the end of life management operations, namely: greenhouse gas emissions and energy use, together with number of full-time jobs, wages and taxes. Throughout 5 proposed scenarios, the impact of packaging waste quantities variations on the sustainability results could be observed. Irrespective of the scenario, when the overall packaging waste generated quantities are within 1.88 up to 2.14 million tons, the sustainability profile limits give results for environmental indicators within the following ranges: greenhouse gas emissions −3.75 × 106 ÷ −1.4 × 106 tons CO2e/year, energy use −2.9 × 107 ÷ −1.1 × 107 GJ/year, social indicator: 5823–14368 full time jobs and economic indicators: 328 × 106 ÷ 692 × 106 US $/year in wages and 56.7 × 106 ÷ 136.7 × 106 US $/year in taxes. Beside the overall packaging waste sustainability profiles, specific packaging waste material streams, namely polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and aluminium sustainability profiles were obtained. For the entire packaging waste system, compared with the other scenarios, the sustainability profile for the EFA scenario has indicated the lowest environmental impact and the highest positive impact for the socio-economic indicators (with 2018 registering the best results). For both PET and aluminium packaging waste systems, in the EFA scenario, 2019 has been the year with the lowest performance (highest environmental impact and lowest values for the socio-economic indicators).

Sorghum bicolor probiotic beverage: does packaging material affect the quality parameters, probiotic survival, and sensory acceptance?

SummaryPlant‐based probiotic beverages are gaining popularity among vegans, lactose intolerants, and those with milk‐protein allergies. Sorghum bicolor is a cereal rich in phytochemicals that can promote probiotic growth when malted. The packaging type may impact the characteristics and probiotic survival in plant‐based probiotic beverages. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of different packaging materials (polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high‐density polyethylene (HDPE), and glass) on quality parameters, probiotic survival (Lacticaseibacillus casei), and sensory acceptance of strawberry‐flavoured probiotic sorghum‐based beverages. The packaging type did not affect the product's chemical composition, quality parameters, antioxidant activity, or probiotic survival. However, the products stored in PET and HDPE packaging showed a lower consistency index, higher dissolved oxygen concentration, improved probiotic survival to simulated gastrointestinal conditions, and better sensory acceptance. Malted S. bicolor can be used to produce probiotic beverages with adequate probiotic survival and physicochemical parameters and reasonable sensory acceptance during 28 days of refrigerated storage.

Development of spice mixture (Masala) for gluten free pasta and its shelf life study

Spirulina was incorporated to gluten free Quality Protein Maize (QPM) pasta at various levels (2, 4, 6, 8 and 10%) to standardise the level of incorporation. The suitable flour ratio among several combinations tested for gluten free pasta was determined to be QPM flour (Q) 60%, black gram flour (B) 30%, defatted soy flour (S) 8% and guar gum (G) 2% (Q60:B30:S8:G2) for QPM pasta and QPM flour (Q) 60%, black gram flour (B) 30%, Spirulina (Sp) 6%, defatted soy flour (S) 2% and guar gum (G) 2% (Q60:B30:S2:Sp6:G2) for spirulina pasta. Steaming the ingredients for one hour, mixing and kneading for 30 minutes followed by refrigeration (4 °C for 15 minutes) yielded a rupture free pasta. Spice mixture M5 containing salt (1.5 g), turmeric (1.5 g), coriander seeds (1.5 g), red chilli powder (1.2 g), corn flour (0.75 g), citric acid (0.3 g) and fenugreek seeds (0.1 g) at the rate of 10 g per 100 g of pasta was best accepted among different combinations tested (M1, M2, M3, M4 and M5). The sensory scores of gluten free (QPM and Spirulina pasta) and control pasta (100% whole wheat flour) was found to be within the acceptable range (> 7.5 sensory score) in both the packaging materials during six months of storage. The increase in moisture content of pasta irrespective of the type of packaging was noticed. The highest peroxide value was noticed in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) package which indicated that metalized polyester polyethylene (MPP) package had high oxygen barrier property than PET package. At the end of storage period, QPM pasta had slightly higher values for FFA followed by spirulina pasta.

Cachaça comercializada em embalagem de polietileno tereftalato: Determinação do perfil físico-químico, hidrocarbonetos policíclicos aromáticos e carbamato de etila

ABSTRACT The production of cachaça in Brazil is a historical and cultural practice that has been gaining ground in the commercial sector with the marketing of its product with new labels, derivatives and different types of packaging for the beverage. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) packaging has been used by some producers because of its lower cost and greater durability for transport. The influence of storage on 15 samples of commercial cachaça packed in polymeric packaging was investigated. The physical-chemical quality and the presence of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH’s) in the beverages were evaluated. Of these samples, 60% contained concentrations of components that were outside the limits of the Quality Standards established by Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (MAPA), and most of the samples contained low alcohol concentrations. The samples showed concentrations of ethyl carbamate below the limit established by MAPA (210 µg L-1). All samples studied contained concentrations of PAHs higher than those found in the literature for cachaça stored in other types of packages. Contamination by PAHs can be associated with the thermal processes involved in the production of packages. Sample R12 contained the highest total concentration of the PAHs (20.90 µg L-1), followed by samples R7 (17.23 µg L-1) and R8 (17.61 µg L-1). The mean concentration was 10.91 µg L-1. Fluorene was the PAH found in the largest quantity with a concentration of 18.61 µg L-1 in the R12 sample. Therefore, cachaças stored in PET packaging are unsuitable for consumption and commercialization, as they present high concentrations of contaminants.

Uspostavljanje sistema povraćaja depozita za PET ambalažu u Grčkoj: ekonomska analiza, prednosti i posledice

The current paper deals with the implementation of the Deposit Refund System (DRS), as new recycling system in Greece for PET packages, in accordance with the European Directive 2019/904. The main purpose of this work was the presentation of a cost-benefit analysis that evaluated the suggestions and the impacts of the aforementioned European Directive for Greece. In addition to the cost-benefit analysis, a comparison between the DRS and the existing recycling model for PET (PolyEthylene Terephthalate) packages was carried out aiming at eliciting the ramifications for Greece. Furthermore, a mathematical model was set up, based on data regarding PET recycling in Greece. This model describes the operation of the corresponding DRS in Greece, and could be useful for understanding, establishing, and improving DRSs for other waste commodities.

SIMULATION OF BLOOD INVENTORY MANAGEMENT AS GOOD HEALTH AND WELL BEING (SDGS 3): CASE OF THE INDONESIAN RED CROSS JAKARTA BRANCH

With around 5.6 million tons of annual plastic consumption and merely 7 percent plastic recycling rate, Indonesia is facing a plastic pollution crisis. The recent progress of Indonesia’s recycling industries has provided an asset to address this crisis. In 2017, the domestic post-consumption plastic waste could only fulfil around 24 percent the domestic needs for recycled plastic, which stands at 1.65 million ton/year. Leveraging the plastic waste ‘asset’ through circular economy can fill this demand gap. A five-month study was conducted to analyse the recycling rate of Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and Polypropylene (PP)-based beverage plastic packaging in Greater Jakarta Metropolitan Area to see their potential in fostering circular economy. Structured interview involving 385 upstream and downstream recycling actors in Greater Jakarta Metropolitan Area provided primary data for the study. While secondary data from previous studies, academic journals, Nielsen’s audit data and electronic sources complement the primary data, particularly regarding recycling actors and packaging consumption rate. The study showed that over 329 tons of beverage plastic packaging waste was collected daily in Greater Jakarta Metropolitan Area, in which PET-based packaging had accounted for 78 percent of them. Waste pickers play a key role here by contributing to 65% of the collected PET waste. The study also showcased a mature recycling chain of PET and PP-based packaging with its recycling rate that reaches 74 to 93 percent. Looking at their economic value, PET and PP contributed 30 to 51 percent to the income of waste collectors. It can also be estimated that economic activities related to PET management in the could generate IDR 700 million per day at collector level only. The demands of PET continue to increase following the growing innovation in PET-based products. An effectively managed PET and PP plastic system could simultaneously address this demand and foster circular economy.

ADVANCING THE POTENTIAL OF PET AND PP-BASED BEVERAGE PACKAGING TO SUPPORT CIRCULAR ECONOMY

With around 5.6 million tons of annual plastic consumption and merely 7 percent plastic recycling rate, Indonesia is facing a plastic pollution crisis. The recent progress of Indonesia’s recycling industries has provided an asset to address this crisis. In 2017, the domestic post-consumption plastic waste could only fulfil around 24 percent the domestic needs for recycled plastic, which stands at 1.65 million ton/year. Leveraging the plastic waste ‘asset’ through circular economy can fill this demand gap. A five-month study was conducted to analyse the recycling rate of Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and Polypropylene (PP)-based beverage plastic packaging in Greater Jakarta Metropolitan Area to see their potential in fostering circular economy. Structured interview involving 385 upstream and downstream recycling actors in Greater Jakarta Metropolitan Area provided primary data for the study. While secondary data from previous studies, academic journals, Nielsen’s audit data and electronic sources complement the primary data, particularly regarding recycling actors and packaging consumption rate. The study showed that over 329 tons of beverage plastic packaging waste was collected daily in Greater Jakarta Metropolitan Area, in which PET-based packaging had accounted for 78 percent of them. Waste pickers play a key role here by contributing to 65% of the collected PET waste. The study also showcased a mature recycling chain of PET and PP-based packaging with its recycling rate that reaches 74 to 93 percent. Looking at their economic value, PET and PP contributed 30 to 51 percent to the income of waste collectors. It can also be estimated that economic activities related to PET management in the could generate IDR 700 million per day at collector level only. The demands of PET continue to increase following the growing innovation in PET-based products. An effectively managed PET and PP plastic system could simultaneously address this demand and foster circular economy.

A Survey on Detection of Plastic-Related Chemicals in Beer Packaged in PET Using FT-IR Technology

The emerging consciousness on nano- and microplastics in our environment raises questions on how to reduce and minimize its influence on human health. PET (polyethylene terephthalate) packaging is gaining popularity, and many traditional products end up in such packaging (vinegar, wine, beer). Currently, it is very hard to quantify the number of particles and their exact composition, but semi-quantitative techniques such as FT-IR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometry) can give us an insight into the chemical composition of plastic bits in foods and beverages. Nowadays, beer is packed in PET packaging, since it provides a cheaper packaging material compared to glass and since it is safe to use at public manifestations, contrary to glass bottles, while providing a reasonable barrier for gas permeation (O2 and CO2). The aim of this paper was to provide a short overview of FT-IR-detected compounds in PET-packaged beer samples. The results indicate that many compounds can be found in beer, but those that were most commonly found in our research were β-cyclodextrin and L(-)-glyceraldehyde unnatural forms, two compounds designated as plastic-related compounds.

Variation in the Fatty Acid and Amino Acid Profiles of Pasteurized Liquid Whole Hen Egg Products Stored in Four Types of Packaging.

This study aimed to determine the ability of high-density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, Tetra Rex® Bio-based packaging, and Doypack (stand-up pouches) packaging to maintain the nutritional quality and safety of liquid whole egg products for 35 days of refrigerated storage. High-grade hen eggs were used for the preparation of liquid whole egg products (LWEPs). The conformity of eggs quality to grade A was supported by the initial screening of the raw materials' physical-chemical attributes, which remained unchanged during the 25 days of storage. The obtained results indicated that the content of fatty acids in LWEPs was affected by both storage time and packaging material. However, the better preservation of monounsaturated fatty acids was achieved by polyethylene terephthalate, followed by high-density polyethylene packaging. Meanwhile, a statistically significant advantage of polyethylene terephthalate over other packaging materials was also confirmed regarding the maintenance of polyunsaturated fatty acids during 35 days of LWEPs storage. Relative fluctuations in the number of fatty acids in Tetra Rex® Bio-based and Doypack-stored LWEPs revealed their disadvantages manifested by exfoliation of composite layers, which perhaps was the main cause of extensive moisture loss. Overall, due to superior barrier properties, polyethylene terephthalate packaging demonstrated better preservation of amino acids. Only as much as a 2.1% decrease was observed between the initial value and the 35th day of LWEP storage. From a microbiological standpoint, all materials demonstrated the ability to ensure the microbiological safety of products during 35 days of storage, as the maximum allowed limit of 105 CFU g-1 was not exceeded.

Efficient depolymerization of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyethylene furanoate by engineered PET hydrolase Cut190

The enzymatic recycling of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) can be a promising approach to tackle the problem of plastic waste. The thermostability and activity of PET-hydrolyzing enzymes are still insufficient for practical application. Pretreatment of PET waste is needed for bio-recycling. Here, we analyzed the degradation of PET films, packages, and bottles using the newly engineered cutinase Cut190. Using gel permeation chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography, the degradation of PET films by the Cut190 variant was shown to proceed via a repeating two-step hydrolysis process; initial endo-type scission of a surface polymer chain, followed by exo-type hydrolysis to produce mono/bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate and terephthalate from the ends of fragmented polymer molecules. Amorphous PET powders were degraded more than twofold higher than amorphous PET film with the same weight. Moreover, homogenization of post-consumer PET products, such as packages and bottles, increased their degradability, indicating the importance of surface area for the enzymatic hydrolysis of PET. In addition, it was required to maintain an alkaline pH to enable continuous enzymatic hydrolysis, by increasing the buffer concentration (HEPES, pH 9.0) depending on the level of the acidic products formed. The cationic surfactant dodecyltrimethylammonium chloride promoted PET degradation via adsorption on the PET surface and binding to the anionic surface of the Cut190 variant. The Cut190 variant also hydrolyzed polyethylene furanoate. Using the best performing Cut190 variant (L136F/Q138A/S226P/R228S/D250C-E296C/Q123H/N202H/K305del/L306del/N307del) and amorphous PET powders, more than 90 mM degradation products were obtained in 3 days and approximately 80 mM in 1 day.Graphical

Effects of magnesium borate on the mechanical performance, thermal and chemical degradation of polyethylene terephthalate packaging material

This study is on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) compounded with magnesium borate (MB) (Mg2B2O5) powders between (0.2–3.2% by weight) which were synthesized via sol-gel technique at laboratory-scale. The MB/PET composites were characterized in terms of chemical, thermal degradation, and mechanical properties. Their phases and chemical structures were identified by X-ray Diffraction and Fourier Transform Infrared analyses. The MB added into PET matrix significantly reduced PET degrading to acetaldehyde, carboxylic acids and diethylene glycol. However, while at 0.2 wt.% MB isophthalic acid (IPA) decreased and at higher MB concentrations there were higher IPA levels. The added MB increased the composites intrinsic viscosity (IV) compared to the pure PET. The highest IV (0.701 dL/g) was at the 0.2 wt.% MB/PET composite. Both Tg and Tm temperatures trended down up to 3.2 wt.% MB. Compared to pure PET, glass transition temperature (Tg) decreased to 80.4°C (at 3.2 wt.% MB) from 81°C, whereas melt temperature (Tm) decreased to 248.5°C (at 3.2 wt.% MB) from 249.4°C. The MB/PET composite tensile strength increased by 11.31% to a 60 MPa maximum at 0.2 wt.% MB compared to neat PET (53.9 MPa). However, at 0.4 wt. % and higher MB the dispersion was insufficient causing the MB powders to aggregate in the PET matrix, resulting in reduced tensile strength.

Challenges Associated with the Management of Post-Consumer Polyethylene Terephthalate Packaging Bottle Waste in Harare Urban, Zimbabwe

This study analyses challenges associated with management of PET beverages bottle waste in Harare Urban, Zimbabwe. Quantitative data collection instruments used included structured questionnaires and geo-spatial data collection. Qualitative data instruments used included direct observations, open-ended questions, structured interviews (audio and videos) as well as field notes. Fundamental to the quantitative data collection process was the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Earth Observation Tools. Near-real time geo-spatial data was collected using Mobile Data Collector (Open Data Kit-ODK), was analysed (using ArcView GIS, QGIS, SPSS and MS Excel) and then presented for all the attributes associated with this particular research study. Geo-referenced data was collected from a total of 328 outlets and 299 consumers and households. Challenges associated with PET waste management in Harare include inadequate collection infrastructure, consumer behaviour, volatility of oil and PET global markets and the lack of a robust PET waste policy that addresses these challenges. Environmental and health hazards emanating from these challenges included reduced aesthetic value, blockage of drainage systems, toxic gas emissions from PET waste burning, reduced productive land, leaching of hazardous substances, high incidence of malaria and cholera and ingestion by wildlife. In order to address the generation and distribution of PET waste, the primary audiences are manufacturers of beverages packaged in PET Bottle. The manufacturers need to focus on bottle light weighting. This means that less resin are used to manufacture the same bottle and this ultimately reduces the amount of PET waste generated by weight.