What is resin fingerprinting?
Resin fingerprinting is a technique used to identify the source of resin used in a particular product. It involves analysing the chemical composition of the resin and comparing it to a database of known resins to determine the type and origin. This technique is particularly useful in product quality control to verify the authenticity and origin of products containing resin.
Why is resin fingerprinting useful for product quality?
This technique is particularly useful for product quality control by comparing the resin fingerprint of a product to the known fingerprints of resins used by a particular manufacturer, it is possible to identify counterfeit or fraudulent products. This helps protect consumers from purchasing fake products and allows manufacturers to protect their brand reputation.
How is resin fingerprinting testing conducted?
Resin fingerprinting testing is conducted using a programme of advanced standardised analytical methods. Conducting resin fingerprinting requires specialized equipment and highly trained professionals to conduct the analysis and interpret the results. The testing carried out for resin fingerprinting crosses many areas of material testing, including mechanical, thermal and molecular level analysis’ and pulling them together to “fingerprint” them. Key tests that are adhered to for understanding the origin of the resin, are Full Notch Creep Test (FNCT), Density, Melt Flow Rate (MFR) alongside several others. The programme can be tailored to suit the clients specific results they need.
What are the key benefits to conducting this type of test?
Fingerprinting allows the ability to investigate batch to batch feedstock variations thus providing an insight into batch composition and processability.
Recently tested recycled polyethylene resins have demonstrated that the quality and volume of materials being recycled in 2023 have significantly improved.
How we can help
Impact Solutions are equipped to conduct Resin Fingerprinting and as a independent laboratory we have the capability to tailor your testing needs. Please find our full rundown of tests conducted for a typical fingerprinting program here.
