RecyClass Testing Methods

Recyclability of packaging technologies is determined by the compatibility of the different components, as well as their behaviour in given sorting and recycling streams. To aid companies in assessing the circularity of these technologies, RecyClass developed a series of testing methods. RecyClass Technical Committees and Recognised Testing Facilities are tasked with performing assessments of different technologies.

Please contact us if you would like to evaluate the recyclability of your packaging technology.

RecyClass Technical Committess RecyClass Testing Facilities

Recyclability & Sorting Evaluation Protocols

Recyclability Evaluation Protocols and Sorting Evaluation Protocol establish a harmonised methodology to test the recyclability and sortability of a specific technology or product in a determined recycling stream.

To improve the transparency and robustness of these Protocols, they underwent a peer-review by Prof. Ragaert (University of Maastricht) and Prof. Gerke (Hochschule Magdeburg – Stendal).

Recyclability Evaluation Protocol for PE Films

Recyclability Evaluation Protocol for HDPE Containers

Recyclability Evaluation Protocol for PP Containers

Recyclability Evaluation Protocol for PP Films

Recyclability Evaluation Protocol for PS Containers

Sorting Evaluation Protocol for Plastic Packaging

RecyClass Quick Test Procedures

Quick Test Procedures allow companies and Certification Bodies to rapidly assess specific packaging features (e.g., label and adhesive removal). Further procedures are under development by RecyClass Technical Committees.

Washing Quick Test Procedure for Film Labels Applied on HDPE & PP Containers

Washing Quick Test Procedure for Paper Labels Applied on HDPE & PP Containers

Washing Quick Test Procedure for Bleeding Inks Printed on HDPE & PP Containers

Flotation Quick Test Procedure for Attachments on HDPE & PP Containers

Flotation Quick Test Procedure for Attachments on PS Containers

Washing Quick Test Procedure for Labels Applied on PS Containers

Washing Quick Test Procedure for Bleeding Inks Printed on PS Containers

Washing Quick Test Procedure for Film Labels Applied on PE & PP Films

Washing Quick Test Procedure for Paper Labels Applied on PE & PP Films

Washing Quick Test Procedure for Bleeding Inks Printed on PE & PP films

PET Packaging Innovation

European PET Bottle Platform (EPBP) and RecyClass support the PET value chain actors in their efforts to improve the circularity of PET bottles. Within this partnership, RecyClass is responsible for the execution and validation of the standard recyclability evaluation based on EPBP guidelines, protocols & quick test procedures.

Recyclability Evaluation Protocol for PET Bottles

Quick Test (QT 500): Oven test for regrind PET flakes

Quick Test (QT 502): Sink-float separation test

Quick Test (QT 504): Glue separation test

Quick Test (QT 507): Bleeding label

Quick Test (QT 508): Labels & Adhesives

Testing procedures and the recyclability evaluation protocol for PET trays have been developed by Petcore Europe, where RecyClass offered its support and expertise.

RecyClass Recognised Testing Facilities

Recognised facilities include laboratories entrusted with performing testing in accordance with RecyClass Recyclability Evaluation Protocols, as well as sorting lines equipped to carry out evaluations according to the Sorting Protocol. These facilities handle testing samples and provide a comprehensive report of the results to the applicant and RecyClass.

Below you will find the list of recognised entities. To get in touch with them, interested companies must first contact RecyClass.

Recognition procedure and quality management of the testing are described in the following document:

RECOGNISED TESTING FACILITIES - QUALITY MANAGEMENT & PROCEDURES