Online tool “RecyClass”, available in five languages, developed by Plastics Recyclers Europe (PRE, Brussels / Belgium; www.plasticsrecyclers.eu), has released a protocol that addresses and tests specific design features relating to the recycling ability of rigid HDPE packaging.

The “Recyclability Evaluation Protocol for HDPE Containers” recreates the recycling conditions of a state-of-the-art process in Europe. Blends of the tested technology and a control sample are processed, and the output is blow moulded into bottles so that the material’s properties can be evaluated. Alternatively, pellet samples can be extruded into sheets or plaques for evaluation.

“The publication of these protocols allows the industry to approach recyclability of different packaging features in a coherent manner, providing for consistent results,” said Herbert Snell, chairman of the RecyClass HDPE and PP technical committee and general manager of Multiport (Bernburg / Germany; www.veolia.de/multiport), a subsidiary of waste management firm Veolia (Paris / France; www.veolia.com). Gian de Belder, chairman of the RecyClass advisory board and packaging scientist with consumer goods giant Procter & Gamble (Cincinnati, Ohio / USA; www.pg.com), added, “A common methodology to measure recyclability is essential to assess the pledges made by many brand owners on recyclability of packaging. Furthermore, standardisation of such testing procedures is high on the list of priorities for the industry.”

In 2018, a RecyClass protocol for PE films was released – see Plasteurope.com of 11.09.2018. In a next step, RecyClass will focus on developing a recyclability evaluation protocol for polypropylene containers. The organisation said it invites any petition to assess the recyclability of a new technology and the suitability of the candidate for testing. Petitions should be sent to recyclass@plasticsrecyclers.eu.