Food Residue Cleaning from Packages
Food residue in packaging presents significant challenges for recycling and reuse, with typical contamination rates ranging from 5-15% by weight. These residues include proteins, lipids, and complex carbohydrates that adhere differently to various substrate materials, requiring specific chemical and mechanical approaches for effective removal.
The fundamental challenge lies in achieving complete residue removal while maintaining package integrity and minimizing water and chemical usage in cleaning processes.
This page brings together solutions from recent research—including polyol-based cleaning compositions, rotating drum systems with specialized spray patterns, concentrated detergent mist applications, and heated air removal techniques. These and other approaches focus on practical implementation in industrial recycling operations while addressing both efficiency and environmental concerns.
1. Rotating Drum Cleaning Device with Water Spray and Spiral Scraping Blades for Packaged Food
CHONGQING JIULAI FOOD CO LTD, Chongqing Jiulai Food Co., Ltd., 2021
Cleaning device for removing oil stains from packaged food using a rotating drum with water spray and scraping blades. The device has a cleaning tank with a conveyor belt to feed packaged food in. Inside the tank is a horizontally mounted drum with a roller that can rotate. The drum has water spray holes, leakage holes, and a spiral blade on the inside wall. Water sprays onto the food as it rotates in the drum. The spiral blade scrapes the food. This combined cleaning action removes oil better than just vibration. The drum rotates using a gear system.
2. Cleaning Composition with Polyols, Alkyl Esters, and Diluents for Chewing Gum and Sticky Residue Removal
ECOLAB USA INC, 2018
Cleaning compositions for removing chewing gum and sticky substances from surfaces using environmentally desirable solvents like polyols, alkyl esters, and diluents. The compositions provide superior cleaning compared to d-limonene and other solvents. They contain diluents like propylene glycol, polyols like glycerin, and alkyl esters like ethyl lactate. These solvents are mixed in specific ranges to create compositions that can clean sticky residues without rinsing. The compositions can be applied via spraying or scraping and can remove chewing gum without rinsing.
3. Bagged Food Cleaning Device with Rotating Brush Rollers and Stirring Mechanism
Chongqing Zhouyi Food Co., Ltd., CHONGQING ZHOUYI FOOD CO LTD, 2016
A bagged food cleaning device that effectively cleans packaged foods like instant meals. The device has a tank with a brush roller inside the funnel-shaped inlet. The tank also has a stirring rod and a door to discharge the cleaned food. The brush rollers rotate to agitate the food as it enters the tank. A lever stirs the contents. This ensures thorough cleaning of the bags as they are submerged and agitated in the tank.
4. Machine for Cleaning Bag-Shaped Packaging with Rotating Blades and Processing Tank Recesses
KANEMIYA CO LTD, 2007
Packaging material cleaning machine that can effectively clean and wash bag-shaped packaging made of materials like vinyl, paper, aluminum, or composite laminates. The machine uses rotating blades and a processing tank with recesses to cut and wash the inside of the bags. The blades and recesses allow the bags to be forcibly cut into pieces as they rotate. Washing water injected into the tank cleans the bag pieces. This allows thorough cleaning of food residue inside bagged products made of materials that can't be crushed like soft vinyl or composite materials. The machine design with detachable skewers, upright cutting blades, and multiple blades prevents cutting hazards and allows easy maintenance.
5. Method for Foreign Substance Removal from Aluminum Foil Containers via Heated Air Application
SHOWA DENKO KK, 2001
Efficiently removing foreign substances like lubricants and chips adhering to food packaging containers made from aluminum foil. The method involves heating the containers and blowing hot air on them to remove the adhered foreign matter. This reduces the amount of lubricant needed for cold press molding and allows efficient removal without using cleaning liquids or drying steps. It simplifies the cleaning process and enables sterilization in one step.
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