Assessing Material Compatibility for Recycling Processes

Plastic Recycling: A Comprehensive Polymer Data Database. For effective polymer recycling research, using consistent polymer substrates from widely available vendors is crucial to enable direct comparisons between studies. When reporting new recycling approaches, it's essential to characterize the polymer’s chemical composition, physical properties, structure, and the presence of additives. In a recent study, researchers characterized 59 polymers from common commercial vendors across 20 different polymer classes, representing over 95% of global plastic production by mass. Here's a snapshot of their approach: Structural Characterization: Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) Small and Wide-Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS/WAXS) Bulk Characterization: CHNS Measurements Elemental Analysis by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) Thermal Properties: Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) Additionally, they found nearly all plastics studied contained inorganic and organic additives, including halogens, sulfur-containing compounds, and antioxidants, which were investigated using: ICP-MS Accelerated Solvent Extraction followed by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) Pyrolysis GC-MS High-Resolution GC-MS Interestingly, many polymers varied from their reported specifications: 5 polymers exhibited molar mass distributions different from those provided by vendors. 6 polymers showed bimodal molecular mass distributions. 10 polymers displayed unexpected thermal properties measured by DSC, including multiple glass transitions and unusual exotherms. They also investigated changes in properties pre- and post-cryomilling, a common preprocessing technique in recycling studies, and found that 16 polymers had changes in either average molecular mass, dispersity, or percent crystallinity after cryomilling. This study underscores the importance of thorough characterization of polymer substrates and provides a baseline analytical characterization for widely available research plastics. All their data is made available through an online database. #PolymerRecycling #Sustainability #MaterialsScience #Plastics #Characterization

A major milestone for Design for Recycling in Europe: EN 18120-1:2026 is published CEN has officially published EN 18120-1:2026, the first part of a new European standard series dedicated to the design for recycling of plastic packaging. This is more than just another standard. It is the technical backbone that will support the implementation of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation. >> What does EN 18120-1:2026 bring? This foundational document establishes: - A common framework and terminology for design for recycling - Principles to assess compatibility of packaging with collection, sorting, and recycling systems - A harmonised approach across polymers and formats It introduces a practical compatibility grading system: 🟢 Fully compatible 🟡 Limited compatibility 🔴 Not compatible 👉 In short: it translates recyclability into measurable, technical criteria >> A comprehensive standard series EN 18120-1 is just the starting point. It is complemented by: - Process & evaluation: Parts 2-3 - Design guidelines by material: PET, PE/PP, PS, EPS (Parts 4-9) - Recyclability protocols: polymer-specific testing methods (Parts 10-15) >> Access cost (important for industry): - Foundational and complex parts: ~€120-€160 - More specific guidelines/protocols: ~€50-€90 👉 This means a full series access represents a significant investment, especially for SMEs, but also reflects the depth and technical rigor of the framework. >> Understanding the timeline The development of EN 18120 followed the full European standardisation process: - Proposal ✔️ - Drafting ✔️ - Public consultation ✔️ - Comment resolution ✔️ - Approval (Feb 9, 2026) ✔️ - Publication (April 15, 2026) ✅ Next steps: - By October 2026: mandatory adoption as national standards - 2027-2028: EU secondary legislation under PPWR - From ~2030: recyclability requirements become legally applicable >> Where will it apply? CEN standards are not optional for members: 👉 EN 18120 must be implemented (without modification) by national standardisation bodies across more than 30 countries, including: EU Member States (e.g. Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands…) + EFTA & associated countries (Norway, Switzerland, Türkiye, United Kingdom, etc.) -> At the same time, conflicting national standards must be withdrawn by October 2026, ensuring true European harmonisation. >> How does this connect to PPWR? The articulation is explicit and strategic: - The European Commission, under the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, will define recyclability criteria - It must take into account European standards developed by CEN 👉 The EN 18120 series becomes the technical reference framework -> In simple terms: CEN = defines the “how” (technical methods & criteria) PPWR = defines the “what” (legal obligations)

Design for Recyclability In my previous post I have shared about how Kraft Heinz has introduced a new cap that is 100% recyclable and has removed the silicon valve, in this the concept of "Design for recyclability" appropriately fits. Remember this cap is not biodegradable whereas it is designed for recyclability. What is it ?Let's see. Designing for recyclability in packaging involves implementing specific technical considerations to ensure the packaging materials can be efficiently recycled. Here are some technical aspects to focus on: Material Compatibility: Select materials that are compatible with existing recycling processes. For example, using plastics with the appropriate recycling codes (such as PET, HDPE, PP etc) that are widely accepted in recycling facilities. Avoiding Mixed Materials: Mixed materials can complicate recycling and reduce the overall recyclability of the packaging. Aim to use single-material packaging or materials with similar properties to facilitate separation during recycling. User-Friendly Disassembly: Manufacturers should prioritize user friendly experience during disassembly. Engaging icons or color-coded indicators will guide consumers, empowering them to become active participants in the recycling chain. Thickness & Weight Optimization: Optimize the thickness and weight of the packaging to minimize the use of raw materials, which can enhance resource efficiency and reduce the environmental impact. Barrier Coatings: Some materials require barrier coatings to protect the contents from moisture, oxygen, or other factors. Choose barrier coatings that are compatible with recycling processes or explore alternative solutions that don't hinder recyclability. Adhesives and Labels: Use eco-friendly adhesives and labels that can be easily separated from the packaging during recycling without contaminating the materials. Design for Disassembly: Consider designing packaging that can be easily disassembled into its constituent parts. This ensures that each component can be recycled separately, maximizing material recovery. Ink and Printing: Opt for eco-friendly printing inks that don't introduce harmful chemicals during recycling or use solvent-based inks, which can be difficult to remove during recycling processes. Testing and Certification: Conduct testing to verify the recyclability of the packaging materials and obtain relevant certifications from recycling authorities to communicate the packaging's recyclability to consumers. Consumer Education: Include clear recycling instructions and symbols on the packaging to guide consumers on proper disposal and recycling practices. By addressing these technical aspects, businesses can design packaging that aligns with recycling infrastructure and contributes to a more circular economy, reducing waste and environmental impact #designforrecyclability #packaging #sustainable #circulareconomy #consumerproducts #dairyindustry #foodindustry #students #entreprenuer

If you aim for your packaging to achieve recyclability grade A or B under the EU PPWR... In practice it’s about designing packaging that can be recycled at scale, with minimal disruption to sorting and recovery systems. Here are 5 key improvements to help meet high recyclability standards, using our example of cosmetic packaging: 1️⃣ Design for disassembly (separability) Make sure components like pumps, inner bags, and caps can be easily separated by consumers or during the recycling process. This supports proper sorting and recovery. 2️⃣ Switch to monomaterial packaging Use the same recyclable material (e.g., all PP) across components, especially for parts that are hard to separate. This simplifies recycling and improves compatibility with sorting infrastructure. For cosmetic packaging with dosing, the biggest challenge is pumps, which can be made from a mix of plastics and include a metallic spring in the mechanism. There are emerging solutions moving toward monomaterial and separable design options to address this. 3️⃣ Choose standard materials Prioritize materials that are accepted in recycling systems across the EU and have the potential to be recycled at scale, not necessarily today, but in the near future. Avoid niche or composite materials that may be technically recyclable but lack broad infrastructure support. PPWR defines recycling at scale as achieving at least a 55% recycling rate, which is currently a common challenge for plastics, especially flexible ones. 4️⃣ Provide clear disposal instructions Include recycling symbols and guidance directly on the packaging or in the QR code to help consumers sort components correctly and avoid contamination. This will be further guided by PPWR labelling requirements, which will mandate pictograms on packaging to guide consumers to the correct disposal stream. 5️⃣ Avoid or minimize mixed materials and decorative elements Eliminate or redesign features like metallic finishes, difficult to recycle adhesives, or multi-layer labels that interfere with recycling or sorting. This can be a difficult decision for the business, but when it comes to labels, there is growing innovation that helps brands differentiate while still supporting recyclability. ➡️ What else do you think could help improve recyclability in this example? __________________ ✅ In my content, I provide guidance on EU PPWR through the lens of business sense. Follow me for practical advice.