Análise da viabilidade do uso de resina pet reciclada em embalagens alimentícias por meio de parâmetros analíticos

Abstract

The recycling of plastic food packaging represents a major challenge, requiring the adaptation of polymerization processes in the melt phase (CP) and solid phase (SSP), legislation such as RDC N. 20/2008 and RDC N. 95/2001 and the techniques of energy, chemical and mechanical recycling processes to optimize the use of energy and raw materials in the manufacture of this packaging. In addition, some analytical parameters, such as the presence of acetaldehyde and limonene - contaminants that can migrate to the stored product and generate flavor changes in mineral water and carbonated drinks - can compromise the viability of the process. The aim of this study was to compare different m/m% ratios (0%, 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60% and 100%) of Recycled Post-Consumer PET resins (amorphous and semi-crystalline) with virgin PET resins (amorphous and semi-crystalline) using analytical methodologies to assess the viability of these ratios. Virgin PET resin served as a reference for comparison and, as m/m% proportions of PET PCR were added, critical experimental analyses were carried out to verify the viability of the material, ensuring that the product's quality specifications were not compromised by operational interventions in the production process. It can be seen that the mass proportions of 0%, 5% and 10% performed highly satisfactorily, with practically 100% of the results falling within the established specification limits. The proportions of 20% to 30% showed intermediate performance, requiring only occasional adjustments to the process parameters to ensure compliance. On the other hand, proportions between 40% and 100% require more substantial interventions in the process variables in order to fully meet the specification criteria. In short, according to data from ABIPET (2022), the proportions of 10% and 20% m/m of PET PCR have stood out as relevant reference points, as they are being the most accepted by the market, encouraging the feasibility of producing PET PCR resin in a mixture with virgin PET resin, although the ideal proportion - which can reach up to 100% - will depend not only on quality parameters, but also on factors such as raw material availability and market strategies.