In an update to its Recycling Evaluation Protocol for PS containers, European recycling initiative RecyClass (Brussels; www.recyclass.eu) has released new guidelines for white and natural polystyrene containers that it said were developed in collaboration with relevant value chain players.

“Since white packaging has a high material value, it is now reflected in the guidelines for ‘natural and white’ HDPE, PP, and the mentioned PS containers,” Recyclass said. In line with the new guidelines, white packaging should thus be recycled in a separate stream from natural packaging.

RecyClass also worked to streamline testing procedures with ones from the US-based Association of Plastics Recyclers (APR, Washington, D.C.; www.plasticsrecycling.org) to facilitate common recyclability evaluations by both organisations.

“The goal behind updating the protocols was to standardise them by maximising the repeatability of the procedures,” Recyclass explained. The modifications include clarifications on testing conditions and definitions, and alignment with the current recycling practices based on feedback from RecyClass testing facilities, members, and recyclers.

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RecyClass said it conducted 15 test campaigns and issued 50 recyclability approvals in 2022. The recycling compatibility of commonly found packaging components for both rigid and flexible plastic packaging was the subject of these recyclability evaluations. Recyclass noted that all the tests were carried out by recognised, independent laboratories.