The shift towards a circular economy has surged the demand for post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastics. However, quality control remains a critical challenge - specifically, preventing the release of materials that emit unpleasant odours or harmful compounds.

This white paper demonstrates how to overcome the limitations of traditional sensory panels and 1D GC–MS by using thermal desorption (TD) coupled with comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC) and Time-of-Flight mass spectrometry. It highlights the use of Smart Subtract, a simple-to-use software tool that allows for rapid identification of trace-level differences between complex matrices. This ensures research and quality control labs can maintain product quality and safety, even when working with variable feedstocks.