As the use of recycled PET continues to grow, maintaining consistent quality remains a key challenge. One of the most visible issues is discoloration. Yellowing and greying can affect the appearance of rPET and influence its suitability for applications where clarity is important.
But what actually causes discoloration during recycling?
In this edition of Technical Insights, Joost Hurenkamp, Senior Product Development Specialist at Holland Colours, explains some of the underlying mechanisms that contribute to color changes in rPET.
Drawing on his experience in PET packaging and recycling, he discusses the role of degradation during processing and why understanding these effects is important for recyclers, converters and packaging producers.
The video explores:
Why discoloration occurs during recycling
The factors that contribute to yellowing and greying
The impact on rPET quality and performance
Why this challenge continues to receive attention across the industry
Joost Hurenkamp is Senior Project Manager NPD at Holland Colours. With a PhD in Organic Chemistry and extensive experience in polymer innovation, he combines scientific expertise with practical experience in PET packaging and recycling applications.