Ultra detectable plastics are becoming the go-to material in the food and beverage industry. As safety regulations tighten and global food producers look to minimize contamination risks, these innovative materials are helping manufacturers reduce recalls, downtime, and damage to brand reputation. Designed for use with optical, metal, and X-ray detection systems, ultra detectable plastics offer a multi-layered approach to protecting the food supply chain.

What Are Ultra Detectable Plastics?

Ultra detectable plastics are engineering-grade materials designed to be easily identified by standard detection systems used in food manufacturing. These systems include optical scanners (which detect visible color), metal detectors (which find embedded metallic fillers), and X-ray inspection (which identifies density differences). The purpose of these materials is to make sure that even the smallest plastic particles can be detected before they ever reach the consumer.

Foreign matter contamination is one of the leading causes of food recalls worldwide. Traditional plastic components can break, chip, or wear down—and go undetected. With ultra detectable materials, production lines gain an added layer of safety, traceability, and compliance.

How Detection Works in Food Processing Facilities

Here are the three common detection methods and how ultra detectable plastics support each one:

• Optical Detection – Highly visible blue pigmentation stands out against food products and stainless steel machinery.
• Metal Detection – Embedded metal fillers ensure the plastic is visible in standard in-line metal detectors.
• X-ray Detection – Adjusted density allows for clear visibility on X-ray imaging systems.

When used correctly, these materials can prevent fragments as small as 1mm from slipping through unnoticed—giving food producers peace of mind.

Ensinger’s UD Blue Line: Designed for Detection and Durability

Ensinger’s UD Blue product line is engineered to provide full-spectrum detectability while offering excellent mechanical properties. Available from Modern Plastics, this lineup includes multiple plastic types, each offering benefits suited to different parts of the production process.

TECAFORM® UD Blue: Acetal for Everyday Processing

TECAFORM UD Blue is a porosity-free acetal copolymer with FDA-compliant colorants. Its high-visibility blue color is easily detected optically, while special metal and X-ray detectable additives provide multi-system compliance. This material is a great option for conveyor components, bushings, rollers, and scrapers in mid- to high-volume operations.

TECAPEEK® UD Blue: High-Temperature Resistance

With long-term service temperatures up to 500°F, TECAPEEK UD Blue is ideal for demanding applications involving high heat, aggressive ingredients, and repetitive cleaning. It offers exceptional chemical resistance, durability, and mechanical performance. It’s frequently used in sugar handling, scraper blades, and high-load structural components. It’s one of the few detectable plastics able to withstand extreme industrial conditions.

HYDEX® 4101 UD Blue: Chlorine-Resistant Polyester

HYDEX 4101 UD Blue combines impact strength and dimensional stability with excellent resistance to cleaning chemicals like caustics and chlorine. It’s well suited for beverage bottling lines, mixing tanks, and food contact applications requiring frequent sanitation. The blue color and fillers make it easily detectable in both optical and metal scan environments.

Why Choose Ultra Detectable Plastics for Your Plant?

In today’s competitive food manufacturing landscape, choosing the right material is a strategic decision. Ultra detectable plastics offer increased traceability, regulatory compliance, and reduced risk of downtime. Compared to metal components, they’re lighter, quieter, corrosion-resistant, and often more cost-effective in the long run.

Work with a Trusted Distributor for Ultra Detectable Plastics

Modern Plastics proudly distributes Ensinger’s UD Blue product line in a wide range of rod, sheet, and tube sizes. Our team can help you select the right material based on your environment, regulatory needs, and part requirements.

📞 Call us at 800-243-9696 or request a quote online to get started with ultra detectable plastics tailored to your application.