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RECOUP t: + 44 (0) 1733 390021 e: enquiry@recoup.org Registered Office: RECycling Of Used Plastics Ltd Tower House Lucy Tower Street Lincoln LN1 1XW Co Reg: 2435729 VAT Reg No: 546 5837 10 Reg Charity No: 1072029 Registered environment body Number: 722037 |
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| Understanding Recycling Legislation > How Does Packaging Compliance Work? > Essential Design Requirements | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| How Does Packaging Compliance Work? > Essential Design Requirements | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Packaging design can have an impact on recycling operations. There are some basic principles of design that can aid the recycling process. Relevant markings on the products should also help the consumer participate in selective collection schemes. It is, therefore, desirable that the marking is linked to a materials identification system. Whilst no legislation currently exists for marking plastics, there are accepted markings for the identification of plastics. Manufacturers are encouraged to use the appropriate markings for plastic bottles to designate the material type of the bottle - a recommendation which is supported by many packaging associated trade associations. Many products already carry the markings as follows:
Additional reference numbers are currently undefined at present. The SPI system numbers all other packaging plastics as '7'. Whilst a recycling triangle is shown, the symbol is used as a material identification code and does not necessarily imply recyclability (although almost all plastic bottles will prove recyclable). In addition to the use of the approved marking system, it is now a mandatory requirement that plastic bottles sold for use in the EU market conform to defined 'essential requirements of packaging'. Amongst other requirements, bottles must be recoverable through recycling or other valorisation method. Once 'fit for purpose' considerations have been addressed, it is good practice to design plastic bottles to facilitate recycling. This will improve the efficiency of plastic bottle recycling systems - resulting in environmental benefits and in producer responsibility compliance cost savings for obligated companies. Where possible, packaging components should be chosen where known markets exist for the recovered material. Post-consumer HDPE and PET bottles are recovered for recycling in the UK. Designers should also consider the choice of materials, inks and adhesives to maximise the opportunity to recycle plastic bottles once 'fit for purpose' considerations have been addressed. Water-soluble adhesives, paper sleeves or shrink sleeves of an appropriate material are recommended whereas hot melt adhesives, solvent adhesives, heavy metal inks and direct printing should be avoided. Bottle colour also influences the economics of recycling and the marketability of recyclate, therefore minimising colour content typically increases the value of the material to the recycler. When designing plastic bottles to facilitate recycling, the emphasis should be on ease of component separation during the recycling process and on maximising the value of those separated components to the recycling industry. The majority of mechanical recycling techniques require discrete streams of well separated polymers to produce a marketable product and, therefore, easily separable polymer combinations should be used. There are several combinations of materials that are best avoided on plastic bottles. For example, avoid PVC labels on PET bottles, or PVC seals in the closures of PET bottles. Designers should consider the opportunities to use recycled plastics within new packs - there is established, commercialised technology for the use of recyclate within multi and single layer HDPE and PET bottles. There are stringent requirements regarding the standards of food grade packaging. In a number of cases recycled plastic bottles have been able to meet these exacting standards and there is growing use of recyclate in food packaging. Companies will benefit from understanding design best practice and the opportunities that new standards of recycled plastic present. For further information visit Petcore |
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