• English (UK)
  • English (US)
Contact Us
Home Industries Materials Sustainable Materials Performance of Sustainable Materials PCR Plastics Quality Control Program
As companies try to incorporate more PCR plastic raw materials into various applications, monitoring consistency and quality is critical. Our PCR Quality Control Program is a continuous monitoring service that helps packaging manufacturers enhance the quality and reliability of their PCR raw materials. We offer more than basic testing; we create a partnership to ensure your sustainable materials perform well, protecting your brand and improving your operations.
 

Our Comprehensive Approach to PCR Quality Assurance

The Smithers PCR Quality Control Program is built on a foundation of proactive engagement, insightful analysis, and strategic partnership. We help you not only meet industry standards but consistently exceed them:
  • Empowering Informed Decisions: Our program is designed to generate the right information through meticulous auditing and full product analysis. This empowers our customers to make better, data-driven buying decisions, selecting suppliers and materials that truly meet their rigorous quality demands. 
  • Focused & Strategic Monitoring: We concentrate on a minimum list of key features that critically impact performance in service. We conduct monthly testing of your polymer products, providing you with detailed monthly reports and control charts that show trends of the polymer's performance, preventing costly issues before they arise.
  • Supplier Site Technology Audit Visits: Our experts conduct supplier site technology audit visits to thoroughly assess the technical aspects of their processes, identifying areas for quality enhancement and process optimization.

Key Analytical Services for PCR Polymer Characterization 

Our program is underpinned by essential, advanced analytical techniques that provide critical insights into your polymer materials:
  • Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC): Understand the thermal fingerprint of your polymers. DSC precisely identifies crucial glass transition and melting points of any thermoplastics present, as well as detecting volatilization or degradation of contaminants. This provides vital information on melting/softening temperatures, polymer composition, and crucially, the purity of your recyclate, ensuring consistent processing and end-product performance. 
  • Melt Flow Index (MFI): Predict the processing consistency of your plastics with confidence. MFI measures the flow characteristics of a plastic under specific temperature and load conditions, serving as a powerful, indirect indicator of molecular weight and recyclate purity. Consistent MFI values mean predictable manufacturing and fewer production headaches. 
  • Heavy Metals Analysis: Safeguard your products and consumers by detecting harmful contaminants. Our analysis tests for the presence of metallic elements that are often toxic. These metals can frequently be the result of recyclate contaminated with undesirable flame retardants, specific types of pigments, or other additives, ensuring your materials meet strict safety and regulatory standards. 
  • Ash Content: Quickly identify unwanted impurities in your materials. Ash content measures the incombustible material remaining after incineration. For most unfilled or unmodified plastics, this should be zero or very close to zero. A higher ash content is a clear indicator of the presence of contaminants that could compromise material performance or product safety. 
  • FTIR Analysis (Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy): Confirm material identity and detect subtle compositional changes. FTIR measures the reflected infrared spectrum to identify the unique chemical functional groups present in your polymer. By comparing your material's spectrum to a qualified reference, we can quickly confirm compositional consistency and precisely identify any contaminants, ensuring your materials are exactly what they should be. 

Partner with Smithers for Unwavering PCR Quality

Don't let quality variations compromise your packaging or your brand. The Smithers PCR Quality Control Program delivers consistent insights, drives continuous improvement, fosters strong supplier relationships, and ultimately elevates the quality and reliability of your packaging polymer products.

Stop reacting to quality issues and start proactively managing them. Reach out to our professional team today to learn how the Smithers PCR Quality Control Program can transform your business.
 

Contact Us

Latest Resources

See all resources
Evaluating 6PPD alternatives: the case for holistic support
EV market boosts demand for nonwoven battery separators
Significant growth for printed packaging labels & release liners
Smithers forecasts 54.3% growth in digital print
Understanding Polymer Behavior: A Q&A on Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA)