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Autoclavable reusable packaging
While I know that using virgin plastic packaging is the industry standard, I’d like to know what the experts would say to this idea for reusable packaging:
1. Use autoclavable plastic.
2. Thorough hand cleaning with bottle brush and soap
3. Dishwasher cycle OR soak in boiling water.
4. Autoclave.
Is a pressure cooker a good home alternative for an autoclave? I would guess that pressure cooking a clean-washed jar in distilled water would render it effectively as safe as virgin plastic packaging…am I wrong?
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7 Replies
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Certain pressure cookers, but not all pressure cookers, can be used as autoclaves. Pressure >120psi, 20min.
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Thanks!
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Why do you want to autoclave?
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I’m wondering if it would be possible to reuse plastic packaging for small-time formulators.
The situation: I have a group of regular clients for my DIY cosmetics who want to reduce their plastic footprint. So I’m wondering how to provide them a safe way to get “refills” of their favourite products. The idea is to supply my products in autoclavable jars, ask them to return the empties, after which I sterilize and refill them.
If washing and boiling will render the packaging safe, I wouldn’t need to autoclave. At any rate, I recommend a shelf life of only 3 months since I’m not working in a fully sterile lab.
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You don’t need to autoclave or sterilize - need clean and dry material
For bottles and caps
- control your receipts - exclude bottles e.g. used for motor oil, garden pesticides, etc.
- clean completely - same for all whether you see residue or not - remove all cleaning product residue
- rinse with ethanol 70% and let drain and dry
- cover to keep out dust, etc.
Also check out Terracycle https://www.terracycle.com/en-US/
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This reply was modified 1 month ago by PhilGeis.
terracycle.com
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Thank you so much Dr Geis… you just made my task a lot simpler.
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This reply was modified 1 month ago by
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What about glass jars? They much easier to sterilize - just boil them and then rinse with ethanol.
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