Q-Fil Certified Syringe Filters

Q-Fil Certified Syringe Filters set the new Quality standard for today’s laboratory syringe filters Manufactured from the highest quality medical grade high density polypropylene, Q-Fil Certified Syringe Filters provide excellent chemical compatibility with acids, alcohols, bases, ethers, glycols, ketones and oils, with maximum operating temperatures of 135°C.

Every colour-coded filter is printed with the individual batch number, details of the membrane material and its pore size, on the outside rim of the filter, making them unique for traceability, GLPs and validation purposes.

BUY HERE

Why filter your samples for HPLC?

• To protect the HPLC column, the column inlet frits and capillary columns against blockage (plugging) caused by particulate matter in the sample
• To protect injection valves from damage caused by scratching and wear of the valves internal components, caused by harmful particulate matter in the unfiltered sample, thereby reducing instrument downtime.

About our Quality Control procedures

• Every batch of filters is tested by an independent laboratory to ISO 17025 quality procedures

• Every individual Q-Fil Certified Syringe Filter is visually inspected to ensure it meets our manufacturing and quality control specifications
• Samples of all our syringe filters and their respective raw technical data are stored for a period of 5 years from the date of manufacture for future reference
• Each batch of filters is tested prior to release for
- External Dimensions
- Bubble Point
- Burst Pressure
- Filter Integrity
- Water Flow Rate
- UV Extractables and compliance with all technical procedures

Why use Greyhound Q-Fil Certified Syringe Filters?

• Q-Fil Certified Syringe Filters are manufactured in compliance with ISO 9001:2000 quality procedures

• Every box is supplied with a Certificate of Analysis and Conformance to guarantee its batch to batch quality and performance
• The unique encapsulating process developed for these filters, forces the sample to pass only through the membrane, thus avoiding the possibility of leaks or contamination
• Available in the most popular sizes, porosities and membrane types
• Excellent resistance to all routinely used HPLC solvents
• Filter housings are manufactured from high density medical grade polypropylene
• Extremely low level of extractables for highly sensitive work
• Luer connections fully comply with ISO 594-1
• Filters are available with standard and ‘SlimTip’ sized outlets

Selecting the right Q-Fil Certified Syringe Filter

• Choose the size of filter based on the volume of sample to be filtered

• Choose the filters porosity based on the size of the potential particulates in the sample. It is important to be aware that the finer the porosity of the membrane the greater the pressure will be required to pass the sample through the filter. A sample containing large quantities of particulates is best filtered using a filter with a built-in glass fibre pre-filter
• Choose the type of membrane based on the solvent being filtered.

Filter Sizes

All our filters have female Luer Lock inlets and are available in three diameters -

25mm Diameter
Designed for large sample volumes or solvent filtration
Wide cross sectional area 3.55cm2
Maximum filtration volume >10ml
Maximum operating pressure 550 Kpa

13mm Diameter
Suitable for most applications
Filtration area of 0.95cm2
Maximum filtration volume 1 to 10ml Maximum operating pressure 750 Kpa Now available with ‘SlimTip’ (ST) outlet

4mm Diameter
Suitable for most applications Ideal for small samples <1ml Pore sizes of 0.20µm and 0.45µm
SlimTip Filters (ST)
13mm diameter syringe filters are now available with the new ‘SlimTip’ outlet for direct filling of microvials.

Pore Sizes

Q-Fil Certified Syringe Filters are available in 0.20µm and 0.45µm pore sizes. The 0.20µm filters remove the smallest particulates whilst the 0.45µm filters are designed to remove particulates which would be detrimental to most analytical columns.

Pre-filters (page 6) have a glass microfibre membrane which is chemically inert and resists most solvents. Q-Fil glass microfibre pre-filters are recommended for removing large particulates from the sample and are ideal for dissolution tests.

Glass microfibre membranes are also available mounted before the microporous filter membrane in the polypropylene housing. The glass pre-filter removes the larger particulates and prevents premature clogging of the filter.

CONTACT US   

Tel:        +44 (0) 151 649 4000   

Web:     www.greyhoundchrom.com   

Email:   marketing@greyhoundchrom.com   

FOLLOW US   

YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN OUR NEWSLETTER   

SIGN UP HERE   

CATALOGUE DOWNLOADS   

Q-Fil Certified Syringe Filters

Q-Fil Certified Syringe Filters set the new Quality standard for today’s laboratory syringe filters Manufactured from the highest quality medical grade high density polypropylene, Q-Fil Certified Syringe Filters provide excellent chemical compatibility with acids, alcohols, bases, ethers, glycols, ketones and oils, with maximum operating temperatures of 135°C.

Every colour-coded filter is printed with the individual batch number, details of the membrane material and its pore size, on the outside rim of the filter, making them unique for traceability, GLPs and validation purposes.

BUY HERE

Why filter your samples for HPLC?

• To protect the HPLC column, the column inlet frits and capillary columns against blockage (plugging) caused by particulate matter in the sample
• To protect injection valves from damage caused by scratching and wear of the valves internal components, caused by harmful particulate matter in the unfiltered sample, thereby reducing instrument downtime.

About our Quality Control procedures

• Every batch of filters is tested by an independent laboratory to ISO 17025 quality procedures

• Every individual Q-Fil Certified Syringe Filter is visually inspected to ensure it meets our manufacturing and quality control specifications
• Samples of all our syringe filters and their respective raw technical data are stored for a period of 5 years from the date of manufacture for future reference
• Each batch of filters is tested prior to release for
- External Dimensions
- Bubble Point
- Burst Pressure
- Filter Integrity
- Water Flow Rate
- UV Extractables and compliance with all technical procedures

Why use Greyhound Q-Fil Certified Syringe Filters?

• Q-Fil Certified Syringe Filters are manufactured in compliance with ISO 9001:2000 quality procedures

• Every box is supplied with a Certificate of Analysis and Conformance to guarantee its batch to batch quality and performance
• The unique encapsulating process developed for these filters, forces the sample to pass only through the membrane, thus avoiding the possibility of leaks or contamination
• Available in the most popular sizes, porosities and membrane types
• Excellent resistance to all routinely used HPLC solvents
• Filter housings are manufactured from high density medical grade polypropylene
• Extremely low level of extractables for highly sensitive work
• Luer connections fully comply with ISO 594-1
• Filters are available with standard and ‘SlimTip’ sized outlets

Selecting the right Q-Fil Certified Syringe Filter

• Choose the size of filter based on the volume of sample to be filtered

• Choose the filters porosity based on the size of the potential particulates in the sample. It is important to be aware that the finer the porosity of the membrane the greater the pressure will be required to pass the sample through the filter. A sample containing large quantities of particulates is best filtered using a filter with a built-in glass fibre pre-filter
• Choose the type of membrane based on the solvent being filtered.

Filter Sizes

All our filters have female Luer Lock inlets and are available in three diameters -

25mm Diameter
Designed for large sample volumes or solvent filtration
Wide cross sectional area 3.55cm2
Maximum filtration volume >10ml
Maximum operating pressure 550 Kpa

13mm Diameter
Suitable for most applications
Filtration area of 0.95cm2
Maximum filtration volume 1 to 10ml Maximum operating pressure 750 Kpa Now available with ‘SlimTip’ (ST) outlet

4mm Diameter
Suitable for most applications Ideal for small samples <1ml Pore sizes of 0.20µm and 0.45µm
SlimTip Filters (ST)
13mm diameter syringe filters are now available with the new ‘SlimTip’ outlet for direct filling of microvials.

Pore Sizes

Q-Fil Certified Syringe Filters are available in 0.20µm and 0.45µm pore sizes. The 0.20µm filters remove the smallest particulates whilst the 0.45µm filters are designed to remove particulates which would be detrimental to most analytical columns.

Pre-filters (page 6) have a glass microfibre membrane which is chemically inert and resists most solvents. Q-Fil glass microfibre pre-filters are recommended for removing large particulates from the sample and are ideal for dissolution tests.

Glass microfibre membranes are also available mounted before the microporous filter membrane in the polypropylene housing. The glass pre-filter removes the larger particulates and prevents premature clogging of the filter.

CONTACT US   

Tel:        +44 (0) 151 649 4000   

Web:     www.greyhoundchrom.com   

Email:   marketing@greyhoundchrom.com   

FOLLOW US   

YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN OUR NEWSLETTER   

SIGN UP HERE   

CATALOGUE DOWNLOADS   

Q-Fil Certified Syringe Filters

Q-Fil Certified Syringe Filters set the new Quality standard for today’s laboratory syringe filters Manufactured from the highest quality medical grade high density polypropylene, Q-Fil Certified Syringe Filters provide excellent chemical compatibility with acids, alcohols, bases, ethers, glycols, ketones and oils, with maximum operating temperatures of 135°C.

Every colour-coded filter is printed with the individual batch number, details of the membrane material and its pore size, on the outside rim of the filter, making them unique for traceability, GLPs and validation purposes.

BUY HERE

Why filter your samples for HPLC?

• To protect the HPLC column, the column inlet frits and capillary columns against blockage (plugging) caused by particulate matter in the sample
• To protect injection valves from damage caused by scratching and wear of the valves internal components, caused by harmful particulate matter in the unfiltered sample, thereby reducing instrument downtime.

 About our Quality Control procedures

• Every batch of filters is tested by an independent laboratory to ISO 17025 quality procedures

• Every individual Q-Fil Certified Syringe Filter is visually inspected to ensure it meets our manufacturing and quality control specifications
• Samples of all our syringe filters and their respective raw technical data are stored for a period of 5 years from the date of manufacture for future reference
• Each batch of filters is tested prior to release for
- External Dimensions
- Bubble Point
- Burst Pressure
- Filter Integrity
- Water Flow Rate
- UV Extractables and compliance with all technical procedures

Why use Greyhound Q-Fil Certified Syringe Filters?

• Q-Fil Certified Syringe Filters are manufactured in compliance with ISO 9001:2000 quality procedures

• Every box is supplied with a Certificate of Analysis and Conformance to guarantee its batch to batch quality and performance
• The unique encapsulating process developed for these filters, forces the sample to pass only through the membrane, thus avoiding the possibility of leaks or contamination
• Available in the most popular sizes, porosities and membrane types
• Excellent resistance to all routinely used HPLC solvents
• Filter housings are manufactured from high density medical grade polypropylene
• Extremely low level of extractables for highly sensitive work
• Luer connections fully comply with ISO 594-1
• Filters are available with standard and ‘SlimTip’ sized outlets

Selecting the right Q-Fil Certified Syringe Filter

• Choose the size of filter based on the volume of sample to be filtered

• Choose the filters porosity based on the size of the potential particulates in the sample. It is important to be aware that the finer the porosity of the membrane the greater the pressure will be required to pass the sample through the filter. A sample containing large quantities of particulates is best filtered using a filter with a built-in glass fibre pre-filter
• Choose the type of membrane based on the solvent being filtered.

Filter Sizes

All our filters have female Luer Lock inlets and are available in three diameters -

25mm Diameter
Designed for large sample volumes or solvent filtration
Wide cross sectional area 3.55cm2
Maximum filtration volume >10ml
Maximum operating pressure 550 Kpa

13mm Diameter
Suitable for most applications
Filtration area of 0.95cm2
Maximum filtration volume 1 to 10ml Maximum operating pressure 750 Kpa Now available with ‘SlimTip’ (ST) outlet

4mm Diameter
Suitable for most applications Ideal for small samples <1ml Pore sizes of 0.20µm and 0.45µm
SlimTip Filters (ST)
13mm diameter syringe filters are now available with the new ‘SlimTip’ outlet for direct filling of microvials.

 Pore Sizes

Q-Fil Certified Syringe Filters are available in 0.20µm and 0.45µm pore sizes. The 0.20µm filters remove the smallest particulates whilst the 0.45µm filters are designed to remove particulates which would be detrimental to most analytical columns.

Pre-filters (page 6) have a glass microfibre membrane which is chemically inert and resists most solvents. Q-Fil glass microfibre pre-filters are recommended for removing large particulates from the sample and are ideal for dissolution tests.

Glass microfibre membranes are also available mounted before the microporous filter membrane in the polypropylene housing. The glass pre-filter removes the larger particulates and prevents premature clogging of the filter.

CONTACT US   

Tel:        +44 (0) 151 649 4000   

Web:     www.greyhoundchrom.com   

Email:   marketing@greyhoundchrom.com   

FOLLOW US   

YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN OUR NEWSLETTER   

SIGN UP HERE   

CATALOGUE DOWNLOADS   

Q-Fil Certified Syringe Filters

Q-Fil Certified Syringe Filters set the new Quality standard for today’s laboratory syringe filters Manufactured from the highest quality medical grade high density polypropylene, Q-Fil Certified Syringe Filters provide excellent chemical compatibility with acids, alcohols, bases, ethers, glycols, ketones and oils, with maximum operating temperatures of 135°C.

Every colour-coded filter is printed with the individual batch number, details of the membrane material and its pore size, on the outside rim of the filter, making them unique for traceability, GLPs and validation purposes.

BUY HERE

Why filter your samples for HPLC?

• To protect the HPLC column, the column inlet frits and capillary columns against blockage (plugging) caused by particulate matter in the sample
• To protect injection valves from damage caused by scratching and wear of the valves internal components, caused by harmful particulate matter in the unfiltered sample, thereby reducing instrument downtime.

About our Quality Control procedures

• Every batch of filters is tested by an independent laboratory to ISO 17025 quality procedures

• Every individual Q-Fil Certified Syringe Filter is visually inspected to ensure it meets our manufacturing and quality control specifications
• Samples of all our syringe filters and their respective raw technical data are stored for a period of 5 years from the date of manufacture for future reference
• Each batch of filters is tested prior to release for
- External Dimensions
- Bubble Point
- Burst Pressure
- Filter Integrity
- Water Flow Rate
- UV Extractables and compliance with all technical procedures

Why use Greyhound Q-Fil Certified Syringe Filters?

• Q-Fil Certified Syringe Filters are manufactured in compliance with ISO 9001:2000 quality procedures

• Every box is supplied with a Certificate of Analysis and Conformance to guarantee its batch to batch quality and performance
• The unique encapsulating process developed for these filters, forces the sample to pass only through the membrane, thus avoiding the possibility of leaks or contamination
• Available in the most popular sizes, porosities and membrane types
• Excellent resistance to all routinely used HPLC solvents
• Filter housings are manufactured from high density medical grade polypropylene
• Extremely low level of extractables for highly sensitive work
• Luer connections fully comply with ISO 594-1
• Filters are available with standard and ‘SlimTip’ sized outlets

Selecting the right Q-Fil Certified Syringe Filter

• Choose the size of filter based on the volume of sample to be filtered

• Choose the filters porosity based on the size of the potential particulates in the sample. It is important to be aware that the finer the porosity of the membrane the greater the pressure will be required to pass the sample through the filter. A sample containing large quantities of particulates is best filtered using a filter with a built-in glass fibre pre-filter
• Choose the type of membrane based on the solvent being filtered.

Filter Sizes

All our filters have female Luer Lock inlets and are available in three diameters -

25mm Diameter
Designed for large sample volumes or solvent filtration
Wide cross sectional area 3.55cm2
Maximum filtration volume >10ml
Maximum operating pressure 550 Kpa

13mm Diameter
Suitable for most applications
Filtration area of 0.95cm2
Maximum filtration volume 1 to 10ml Maximum operating pressure 750 Kpa Now available with ‘SlimTip’ (ST) outlet

4mm Diameter
Suitable for most applications Ideal for small samples <1ml Pore sizes of 0.20µm and 0.45µm
SlimTip Filters (ST)
13mm diameter syringe filters are now available with the new ‘SlimTip’ outlet for direct filling of microvials.

Pore Sizes

Q-Fil Certified Syringe Filters are available in 0.20µm and 0.45µm pore sizes. The 0.20µm filters remove the smallest particulates whilst the 0.45µm filters are designed to remove particulates which would be detrimental to most analytical columns.

Pre-filters (page 6) have a glass microfibre membrane which is chemically inert and resists most solvents. Q-Fil glass microfibre pre-filters are recommended for removing large particulates from the sample and are ideal for dissolution tests.

Glass microfibre membranes are also available mounted before the microporous filter membrane in the polypropylene housing. The glass pre-filter removes the larger particulates and prevents premature clogging of the filter.

CONTACT US   

Tel:        +44 (0) 151 649 4000   

Web:     www.greyhoundchrom.com   

Email:   marketing@greyhoundchrom.com   

FOLLOW US   

YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN OUR NEWSLETTER   

SIGN UP HERE   

CATALOGUE DOWNLOADS   

PVDF Hydrophobic Syringe Filters

Q-Fil Certified Syringe Filters

Q-Fil Certified Syringe Filters set the new Quality standard for today’s laboratory syringe filters Manufactured from the highest quality medical grade high density polypropylene, Q-Fil Certified Syringe Filters provide excellent chemical compatibility with acids, alcohols, bases, ethers, glycols, ketones and oils, with maximum operating temperatures of 135°C.

Every colour-coded filter is printed with the individual batch number, details of the membrane material and its pore size, on the outside rim of the filter, making them unique for traceability, GLPs and validation purposes.

BUY HERE

Why filter your samples for HPLC?

• To protect the HPLC column, the column inlet frits and capillary columns against blockage (plugging) caused by particulate matter in the sample
• To protect injection valves from damage caused by scratching and wear of the valves internal components, caused by harmful particulate matter in the unfiltered sample, thereby reducing instrument downtime.

About our Quality Control procedures

• Every batch of filters is tested by an independent laboratory to ISO 17025 quality procedures

• Every individual Q-Fil Certified Syringe Filter is visually inspected to ensure it meets our manufacturing and quality control specifications
• Samples of all our syringe filters and their respective raw technical data are stored for a period of 5 years from the date of manufacture for future reference
• Each batch of filters is tested prior to release for
- External Dimensions
- Bubble Point
- Burst Pressure
- Filter Integrity
- Water Flow Rate
- UV Extractables and compliance with all technical procedures

Why use Greyhound Q-Fil Certified Syringe Filters?

• Q-Fil Certified Syringe Filters are manufactured in compliance with ISO 9001:2000 quality procedures

• Every box is supplied with a Certificate of Analysis and Conformance to guarantee its batch to batch quality and performance
• The unique encapsulating process developed for these filters, forces the sample to pass only through the membrane, thus avoiding the possibility of leaks or contamination
• Available in the most popular sizes, porosities and membrane types
• Excellent resistance to all routinely used HPLC solvents
• Filter housings are manufactured from high density medical grade polypropylene
• Extremely low level of extractables for highly sensitive work
• Luer connections fully comply with ISO 594-1
• Filters are available with standard and ‘SlimTip’ sized outlets

Selecting the right Q-Fil Certified Syringe Filter

• Choose the size of filter based on the volume of sample to be filtered

• Choose the filters porosity based on the size of the potential particulates in the sample. It is important to be aware that the finer the porosity of the membrane the greater the pressure will be required to pass the sample through the filter. A sample containing large quantities of particulates is best filtered using a filter with a built-in glass fibre pre-filter
• Choose the type of membrane based on the solvent being filtered.

Filter Sizes

All our filters have female Luer Lock inlets and are available in three diameters -

25mm Diameter
Designed for large sample volumes or solvent filtration
Wide cross sectional area 3.55cm2
Maximum filtration volume >10ml
Maximum operating pressure 550 Kpa

13mm Diameter
Suitable for most applications
Filtration area of 0.95cm2
Maximum filtration volume 1 to 10ml Maximum operating pressure 750 Kpa Now available with ‘SlimTip’ (ST) outlet

4mm Diameter
Suitable for most applications Ideal for small samples <1ml Pore sizes of 0.20µm and 0.45µm
SlimTip Filters (ST)
13mm diameter syringe filters are now available with the new ‘SlimTip’ outlet for direct filling of microvials.

Pore Sizes

Q-Fil Certified Syringe Filters are available in 0.20µm and 0.45µm pore sizes. The 0.20µm filters remove the smallest particulates whilst the 0.45µm filters are designed to remove particulates which would be detrimental to most analytical columns.

Pre-filters (page 6) have a glass microfibre membrane which is chemically inert and resists most solvents. Q-Fil glass microfibre pre-filters are recommended for removing large particulates from the sample and are ideal for dissolution tests.

Glass microfibre membranes are also available mounted before the microporous filter membrane in the polypropylene housing. The glass pre-filter removes the larger particulates and prevents premature clogging of the filter.

CONTACT US   

Tel:        +44 (0) 151 649 4000   

Web:     www.greyhoundchrom.com   

Email:   marketing@greyhoundchrom.com   

FOLLOW US   

YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN OUR NEWSLETTER   

SIGN UP HERE   

CATALOGUE DOWNLOADS   

PVDF Hydrophobic Syringe Filters

Q-Fil Certified Syringe Filters

Q-Fil Certified Syringe Filters set the new Quality standard for today’s laboratory syringe filters Manufactured from the highest quality medical grade high density polypropylene, Q-Fil Certified Syringe Filters provide excellent chemical compatibility with acids, alcohols, bases, ethers, glycols, ketones and oils, with maximum operating temperatures of 135°C.

Every colour-coded filter is printed with the individual batch number, details of the membrane material and its pore size, on the outside rim of the filter, making them unique for traceability, GLPs and validation purposes.

BUY HERE

Why filter your samples for HPLC?

• To protect the HPLC column, the column inlet frits and capillary columns against blockage (plugging) caused by particulate matter in the sample
• To protect injection valves from damage caused by scratching and wear of the valves internal components, caused by harmful particulate matter in the unfiltered sample, thereby reducing instrument downtime.

About our Quality Control procedures

• Every batch of filters is tested by an independent laboratory to ISO 17025 quality procedures

• Every individual Q-Fil Certified Syringe Filter is visually inspected to ensure it meets our manufacturing and quality control specifications
• Samples of all our syringe filters and their respective raw technical data are stored for a period of 5 years from the date of manufacture for future reference
• Each batch of filters is tested prior to release for
- External Dimensions
- Bubble Point
- Burst Pressure
- Filter Integrity
- Water Flow Rate
- UV Extractables and compliance with all technical procedures

Why use Greyhound Q-Fil Certified Syringe Filters?

• Q-Fil Certified Syringe Filters are manufactured in compliance with ISO 9001:2000 quality procedures

• Every box is supplied with a Certificate of Analysis and Conformance to guarantee its batch to batch quality and performance
• The unique encapsulating process developed for these filters, forces the sample to pass only through the membrane, thus avoiding the possibility of leaks or contamination
• Available in the most popular sizes, porosities and membrane types
• Excellent resistance to all routinely used HPLC solvents
• Filter housings are manufactured from high density medical grade polypropylene
• Extremely low level of extractables for highly sensitive work
• Luer connections fully comply with ISO 594-1
• Filters are available with standard and ‘SlimTip’ sized outlets

Selecting the right Q-Fil Certified Syringe Filter

• Choose the size of filter based on the volume of sample to be filtered

• Choose the filters porosity based on the size of the potential particulates in the sample. It is important to be aware that the finer the porosity of the membrane the greater the pressure will be required to pass the sample through the filter. A sample containing large quantities of particulates is best filtered using a filter with a built-in glass fibre pre-filter
• Choose the type of membrane based on the solvent being filtered.

Filter Sizes

All our filters have female Luer Lock inlets and are available in three diameters -

25mm Diameter
Designed for large sample volumes or solvent filtration
Wide cross sectional area 3.55cm2
Maximum filtration volume >10ml
Maximum operating pressure 550 Kpa

13mm Diameter
Suitable for most applications
Filtration area of 0.95cm2
Maximum filtration volume 1 to 10ml Maximum operating pressure 750 Kpa Now available with ‘SlimTip’ (ST) outlet

4mm Diameter
Suitable for most applications Ideal for small samples <1ml Pore sizes of 0.20µm and 0.45µm
SlimTip Filters (ST)
13mm diameter syringe filters are now available with the new ‘SlimTip’ outlet for direct filling of microvials.

Pore Sizes

Q-Fil Certified Syringe Filters are available in 0.20µm and 0.45µm pore sizes. The 0.20µm filters remove the smallest particulates whilst the 0.45µm filters are designed to remove particulates which would be detrimental to most analytical columns.

Pre-filters (page 6) have a glass microfibre membrane which is chemically inert and resists most solvents. Q-Fil glass microfibre pre-filters are recommended for removing large particulates from the sample and are ideal for dissolution tests.

Glass microfibre membranes are also available mounted before the microporous filter membrane in the polypropylene housing. The glass pre-filter removes the larger particulates and prevents premature clogging of the filter.

CONTACT US   

Tel:        +44 (0) 151 649 4000   

Web:     www.greyhoundchrom.com   

Email:   marketing@greyhoundchrom.com   

FOLLOW US   

YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN OUR NEWSLETTER   

SIGN UP HERE   

CATALOGUE DOWNLOADS   

Solving The Plastic Packaging Problem

Plastic packaging is one of the worst environmental crises our planet faces today. Many forms of plastic packaging are single-use and difficult to recycle or are not eligible for recycling in many places.

While single-use plastics are falling out of favor in many western countries, some of the world’s largest countries still do not have widespread recycling programs, while their rapid population and economic growth are spurring major consumerism-focused booms.

Fossil fuel companies have invested over $180 Billion since 2010 into new facilities that produce the raw materials from petroleum that are then made into common forms of plastic. The new facilities are set to increase global plastic production by 40% in the next decade, in efforts to create and meet demand in burgeoning markets for fast and cheap goods, even though experts warn that increasing plastic pollution is nearing the risk of “near permanent pollution of the earth.”

As Carol Muffett, president of the US Center for International Environmental Law, noted, “We could be locking in decades of expanded plastics production at precisely the time the world is realising we should use far less of it. Around 99% of the feedstock for plastics is fossil fuels, so we are looking at the same companies, like Exxon and Shell, that have helped create the climate crisis. There is a deep and pervasive relationship between oil and gas companies and plastics.”

The pressure of popular opinion, scientists, and environmental advocacy groups has led to some changes for the better, though. Recent news stories in the United States focused on the plastic straw ban in many states and metropolitan areas, following the plastic grocery bag bans that have generated media attention across the country.

The legislative action has facilitated some progress, but corporations still wield more power when it comes to making swift and lasting change–especially where innovation in packaging design and materials is concerned.

The Threat of Plastics

Plastic products threaten the environment in multiple ways. They are created using fossil fuels, which is already a non-renewable resource that is being consumed at an alarming rate in the form of gasoline, plastic products, and other industrial oil-based lubricants. The drilling, transport, and burning of fossil fuels has an enormous negative impact on the environment, in the generation of greenhouse gases and damage to fragile ecosystems where oil is often found.

And plastic products created from petroleum are almost entirely not biodegradable, which means they create the worst form of waste. From soda bottles to plastic wrapping for food to product packaging or even plastic products themselves, our obsession with cheap, disposable products has created a serious environmental crisis.

According to Dell, a brand which is committed to rethinking our packaging mindset, there are more than 5 trillion pieces of plastics in the oceans right now, which is equivalent to 5 grocery bags full of plastic stacked upon every foot of every nation’s coastline around the world.

What’s worse, the vast majority of that debris is less than 5 mm in size–which means it is plenty big to cause problems, and just small enough to create even worse problems–like ending up in the digestive tracts of animals and being dispersed even further through water currents.

Plastics never fully biodegrade, they just continue to break into smaller pieces as they endure the weathering process, which means that plastic goods never “return to dust” as nature intended, but rather remain hard and detrimental for everything they come into contact with.

The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, a massive concentration of plastic debris floating in the Pacific Ocean, is now twice the size of Texas. The size of the garbage patch is staggering and hugely concerning–it can now be seen with the naked eye from outer space–but perhaps worse is the fact that plastic has only existed since the 1950s, which means that amount of waste has accumulated in half a century and does not seem to be breaking down to anything but smaller, more harmful pieces of plastic.

In recent years, supermarkets alone have used over a million tons of plastics annually, packaging things like pre-sliced fruit and cheese; that type of packaging simply cannot be reused or recycled. However, some brands are prioritizing innovation to minimize the use of single-use plastics by making biodegradable plastic alternatives from renewable resources or rethinking the design and style of packing.

Recycling Initiatives to Reduce Single-Use Plastics

In the UK, supermarkets have made a voluntary pledge to switch to entirely recyclable, reusable, or biodegradable packaging by 2025. In this case, public opinion proved far more powerful than legislation, while the shift away from single-use plastics will require innovative new materials and consumer flexibility as grocers determine new alternatives to accepted packaging styles.

Some stores are implementing changed rules that allow customers to bring their own containers in to buy products directly from bulk bins and meat counters, eliminating plastic packaging that is essentially used simply to wrap something as it is transferred from the grocer to the customer’s kitchen. Others are focusing on new materials and packaging styles to make tomorrow’s packaging far more recyclable or biodegradable.

Major cosmetic and household goods conglomerate Unilever has committed to fully joining the so-called ‘circular economy’ (that is, an economy where packaging products can either be recycled into new packaging or composted into earth-friendly materials used in agriculture or similar) by 2025.

It cites statistics like “ just 14% of the plastic packaging used globally makes its way to recycling plants, while 40% ends up in landfill and a third in fragile ecosystems,” and “By 2050, it is estimated there will be more plastic than fish in the world’s oceans” to provide a sense of urgency and purpose to its initiative.

Unilever is one of the major corporations that is committed to demonstrating the viability of not only implementing recyclable plastics in its packing but also in showing major recycling operations that its products are easy and commercially feasible to recycle and repurpose.

Innovative Materials to Replace Plastics

IKEA, another global retail giant, has announced its plans to push mushroom-based packaging as a renewable, eco-friendly alternative to polystyrene. Polystyrene is either difficult or impossible to recycle, depending on surrounding resources, initiatives, and packaging design.

Polystyrene takes literally thousands of years to decompose; new, mushroom-based mycelium packaging can be set in garden soil where it biodegrades and acts as a natural fertilizer within weeks. What’s more, mycelium can be grown nearly infinitely using mushroom spores and minimal energy or resources, thus providing a dramatically lower-energy and more sustainable alternative to producing plastics.

Nestle is another global titan that has prioritized a shift towards sustainable product packaging, noting that it aims to use 100% recyclable or reusable plastic by 2025. Global manufacturers proving viability and providing eco-friendly alternatives to traditional packaging techniques is critical for changing the conversation and quickly making a widespread impact on the types of plastics in the consumer marketplace.

However, until all large and developing nations adopt responsible recycling programs that can ensure these products do not end up in the ocean or other sensitive environments, whether a product can be recycled or not makes little difference.

Conclusion

Manufacturers are making a good-faith effort to provide a meaningful alternative to single-use throwaway goods; it is now up to communities to reliably provide easy and intelligible access to recycling programs that recycle plastics in earth-friendly ways and ensure that no more plastics end up outside of controlled circular economy environments.

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