Analysis of Cyclic Oligomers in Recycled PET Using Integrated LC System

User Benefits

- Evaluation of recycled PET can be performed following “Guidelines for Ensuring the Reliability of Indications of Specified Procured Goods, etc.” from the Ministry of the Environment (Japan). - Analytical throughput can be improved by high speed analysis using Integrated LC System “i-Series LC-2070” and Shim-pack Scepter C18-120 column.

Introduction

In recent years, the utilization of renewable resources has increased substantially. Among these, recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET), primarily sourced from PET bottles, is recognized for its relatively low environmental impact and is extensively employed in the manufacture of clothing, miscellaneous goods, and various other products. However, the reliability of environmentally conscious products must be assured. To address this, the Ministry of the Environment in Japan has established the “Guidelines for Ensuring the Reliability of Indications of Specified Procured Goods, etc.” (hereafter referred to as The Guidelines). For the purpose of distinguishing between recycled and virgin PET, the quantification of cyclic oligomers serves as a key indicator. Due to inherent differences in the polymerization processes, recycled PET typically exhibits a lower concentration of cyclic oligomers compared to virgin PET. The Guidelines prescribe a method for this evaluation, which involves quantifying the cyclic oligomer content using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). LC-2070 i-series High Performance Liquid Chromatograph is a compactly designed integrated LC System, providing easy maintenance and applicability for general-purpose HPLC analysis. Additionally, Shim-pack Scepter C18-120 columns are packed with a fully porous organosilica hybrid particles, providing excellent durability and performance under a wide range of conditions. This article employs Integrated LC System “i-Series LC-2070” and Shim-pack Scepter C18-120 column to quantify cyclic oligomers in recycled PET following The Guidelines and to do ultrahigh speed analysis for the same purpose.

December 4, 2025 GMT