A researcher in the UK has utilized 3D printing and digital visualization to investigate how heat affects the shape of reusable plastic packaging during washing. The research aims to improve the durability of such items.
Nicola York from Loughborough University employed the Artec Leo 3D scanner to study the dimensional changes in plastic packaging when exposed to heat. The transparent packaging was coated with developer spray to make its surface detectable by the scanner. The scan data created a realistic 3D model, allowing the removal of excess geometry and surrounding objects.
Sticky note pads served as physical markers for tracking and capturing the object, providing orientation reference points in CAD software. Multiple 3D scan meshes were overlapped in the software to compare packaging deformation across different wash cycles. This method involved analyzing point set deviation between color-coded scans and measuring the differences between individual point markers.
The research, conducted through the DigiLabs digital platform, provided valuable insights into how reusable plastic packaging deforms when exposed to hot water. These findings suggest improvements in design to extend the lifespan of reusable packs in a reuse system.
Additional studies highlight the environmental benefits of reusable packaging, noting that proper washing practices can reduce energy consumption compared to single-use packaging.
Source: packagingeurope.com