Streamlined identification of malodours in recycled plastics with Smart Subtract

As demand for post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastics grows, ensuring the absence of unpleasant or harmful odours is critical, particularly in food and beverage packaging. Traditional methods for identifying trace odorants, such as sensory panels and GC–MS, often lack sensitivity and efficiency.

This white paper explores a more advanced solution: combining thermal desorption with comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography and time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TD–GC×GC–TOF MS), alongside the Smart Subtract^® tool in ChromSpace^® software.This approach enhances odour profiling by automating chromatogram comparisons, suppressing background noise, and highlighting key differences.

The study demonstrates how this workflow can rapidly identify odour-active compounds in recycled plastics and bottled beverages, providing a more effective method for quality control and regulatory compliance.
By streamlining data analysis, Smart Subtract supports the development of improved recycling processes, ensuring better sensory quality and consumer acceptance of PCR plastics.

Please complete the form below to download the full white paper.