"Detectable black" in the context of packaging refers to a shade of black pigment or dye that is formulated to be detectable by infrared (IR) sensors at recycling facilities.
In most standard recycling facilities, materials are sorted using a combination of manual and automated methods. One of the key automated methods involves the use of IR sensors to identify and sort different types of plastics. Black and some other dark-colored plastics traditionally use carbon black pigments, which absorb the infrared radiation, making it challenging for the IR sensors to detect and properly sort these items. As a result, black plastic packaging often gets missed and ends up being discarded instead of recycled.
In response to this challenge, the industry has developed "detectable black" pigments that do not have the same IR-absorbing properties as carbon black. Packaging made with detectable black can be identified and sorted by the sensors at recycling facilities, thereby increasing the chances that these items will be recycled.
So, in summary:
- Black (traditional): Often uses carbon black pigments, which absorb IR and can't be easily detected/sorted by IR sensors in recycling facilities.
- Black (detectable): Uses specially formulated pigments that can be detected by IR sensors, making it more recyclable.