RECYCLASS
European, US groups seek harmonised approach for reclaim assessments
 The partners aim to harmonise the recyclability of plastics packaging on a global scale (Image: RecyClass) |
European recycling initiative RecyClass (Brussels; www.recyclass.eu) and the US-based Association of Plastics Recyclers (APR, Washington, D.C.; www.plasticsrecyling.org) say they are working to align guidelines and protocols for recyclability assessments to reinforce their collaboration for promoting global harmonisation of plastics packaging recyclability.
The parties say they will review existing documents with an objective to identify potential gaps, consolidate existing methodologies, and map additional testing methods.
“Given the similarities when it comes to the products placed on the markets globally, such harmonisation can help make packaging production systems more efficient and at the same time accelerate significantly the transition toward circularity,” said Fabrizio di Gregorio, technical director at industry organisation Plastics Recyclers Europe (PRE, Brussels; www.plasticsrecylers.eu), which launched the RecyClass initiative in 2014.
Related: Polytopoly online platform for recyclates
The first input for aligning guidelines and protocols for flexible plastics is expected in early 2023. RecyClass and the US organisation partnered in 2018 to develop the RecyClass Recyclability Evaluation Protocol for PE Films to assess the recyclability of plastics films in Europe (see Plasteurope.com of 11.09.2018).
The parties say they will review existing documents with an objective to identify potential gaps, consolidate existing methodologies, and map additional testing methods.
“Given the similarities when it comes to the products placed on the markets globally, such harmonisation can help make packaging production systems more efficient and at the same time accelerate significantly the transition toward circularity,” said Fabrizio di Gregorio, technical director at industry organisation Plastics Recyclers Europe (PRE, Brussels; www.plasticsrecylers.eu), which launched the RecyClass initiative in 2014.
Related: Polytopoly online platform for recyclates
The first input for aligning guidelines and protocols for flexible plastics is expected in early 2023. RecyClass and the US organisation partnered in 2018 to develop the RecyClass Recyclability Evaluation Protocol for PE Films to assess the recyclability of plastics films in Europe (see Plasteurope.com of 11.09.2018).
Tube deemed compatible with Europe’e rigid HDPE reclaim stream
RecyClass also announced that the EcoLam SR tube developed by Austrian packaging group Constantia Flexibles (Vienna; www.cflex.com) is fully compatible with the European rigid HDPE recycling stream. Testing demonstrated that the polymers generated by the recycling process can be used back in closed-loop applications, such as HDPE blow moulded bottles, with up to 25% of this material.
The EcoLam SR tube, a laminated, metallised HDPE tube that contains EVOH and no laminating adhesives, was designed as a recyclable alternate to multi-layer tubes.
Related: RecyClass certification for Ineos Styrolution’ Eco grades
The EcoLam SR tube, a laminated, metallised HDPE tube that contains EVOH and no laminating adhesives, was designed as a recyclable alternate to multi-layer tubes.
Related: RecyClass certification for Ineos Styrolution’ Eco grades
19.09.2022 Plasteurope.com [251173-0]
Published on 19.09.2022