In today’s landscape of stringent global regulations and heightened consumer vigilance, manufacturers face increasing pressure to ensure product safety and prevent costly recalls. A new technical paper from Eriez, ”Detectable Plastics and Rubber: A Game-Changer in Contamination Prevention,” explores how incorporating detectable plastics in food, pharmaceutical, and manufacturing processing environments mitigates the risk of plastic and rubber contamination. 

John Collins, PolyMag® Additives Manager at Eriez and author of the technical paper, reveals the stark economic consequences of plastic and rubber contamination, including average recall costs of $10 million per incident and lasting damage to brand reputation. Collins emphasizes that proactive contamination prevention strategies are not merely best practices but essential for meeting evolving safety standards, such as the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) principles. 

As detailed in the technical paper, Eriez offers a proactive solution to combat plastic contamination: Eriez PolyMag Additives, engineered for reliable detection by metal detectors and X-ray inspection systems. Collins explains that these additives are manufactured under strict Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) to ensure compliance with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Union (EU) food contact regulations. 

The technical paper highlights the versatility of Eriez PolyMag Additives, which can be infused in a diverse array of essential plastic and rubber components used throughout the production line, including: 

• Conveyor belts and cable ties 
• Machine parts and packaging materials 
• Earplugs, safety glasses, markers, and pens 
• Scoops, scrapers, and sifter cleaning balls 
• Pallets, bins, totes, gaskets, and tags 

According to research cited in the technical paper, the global detectable plastics market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.5 percent between 2024 and 2030, reaching a market value of $2.1 billion. Collins notes that the adoption of detectable plastics and rubber is driven by increasing regulatory demands, technological advancements, and quantifiable benefits. 

“This technical paper is a valuable resource for manufacturers seeking a clear path for implementing detectable plastics and rubber to improve contamination prevention, optimize operational efficiency, and enhance overall product safety,” says Collins. 

To learn more about PolyMag Additives and download the technical paper,  visit https://www.eriez.com/Americas/Products/Metal-Detection/PolyMag.htm.  

Established in 1942, Eriez is a global leader in separation technologies. Our commitment to innovation has positioned us as a driving market force in several key technology areas, including magnetic separation, flotation, metal detection, and material handling equipment. The company’s 1,000+ employees are dedicated to providing trusted technical solutions to the mining, food, recycling, packaging, aggregate, and other processing industries. Headquartered in Erie, Pennsylvania, USA, Eriez designs, manufactures, and markets on six continents through 12 wholly owned international subsidiaries and an extensive sales representative network. For more information, visit eriez.com.