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Addition of carbon black to packaging?

  • 31-12-2018 8:05pm
    #1
    Apogee
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,855 ✭✭✭


    Does anyone happen to know why carbon black is added to microwavable PET trays?

    It seems to be a problem in that while the trays are technically recyclable, the majority of automated detectors are unable to recognise the plastic if the black pigment is added. There are alternative black pigments, but these are not in widespread use.

    Just wondering why the pigment is added to begin with? I've noticed microwavable trays that are translucent as well as black.


Comments

  • #2
    MrMusician18
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,754 ✭✭✭MrMusician18


    Apogee wrote: »
    Does anyone happen to know why carbon black is added to microwavable PET trays?

    It seems to be a problem in that while the trays are technically recyclable, the majority of automated detectors are unable to recognise the plastic if the black pigment is added. There are alternative black pigments, but these are not in widespread use.

    Just wondering why the pigment is added to begin with? I've noticed microwavable trays that are translucent as well as black.

    It looks more premium.


  • #3
    Capt'n Midnight
    Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 93,581 Mod ✭✭✭✭Capt'n Midnight


    carbon conducts electricity so probably heats up.

    carbon black is what real newspapers use


    but you can't recycle food waste so black bin unless you really really wash it
    *might go in brown bin if it says bio-degradable AND your local authority / bin collector allows


  • #4
    Apogee
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,855 ✭✭✭Apogee


    After some searching, the following article suggests it's primarily for economic reasons, as it allows for the blending of differently coloured waste plastic.
    HuffPo wrote:
    “It’s popular for aesthetic reasons, in some cases because it blocks UV light, but mainly because it’s cheap,” she explains. “It’s cheap because low value multi-coloured waste plastic can be used to produce it.”

    https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/why-cant-black-plastic-be-recycled_uk_5b18f4e1e4b0734a993b00d0?utm_hp_ref=uk-lifestyle


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