Optical cleaning assurance for reusable PET (re-PET) food packaging [Abstract]

The growing environmental and socioeconomic concerns regarding plastic food packaging suggest reuse to replace single-use, particularly considering the UK’s aim to eliminate all avoidable plastic waste by 2042. However, packaging reuse systems require suitable cleaning methods and assuring cleanliness to avoid cross-contamination between uses. Currently no rigorous technology exists. This work demonstrates the feasibility of using ultraviolet (UV) fluorescence imaging to detect residual fouling following cleaning processes.