Improved characterisation of malodours in recycled plastics using TD–GC×GC with BenchTOF2 MS

Introduction

The analysis of plastic has gained increased attention in recent years, due to the global push to move to a circular economy (the increased use of recycled materials to reduce waste). Manufacturers are being urged to produce or use more post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastics, especially for food and beverage packaging. PCR plastics require more rigorous quality control (QC) measures to ensure that they will not produce volatile emissions that could be considered harmful or have a negative impact on the packaged product (e.g., malodours).