ASTM D5491-98

Standard Classification for Recycled Post-Consumer Polyethylene Film Sources for Molding and Extrusion Materials

SCOPE
1.1 This document provides for the classification of post-consumer polyethylene (PE) film derived from specific sources. It also identifies characteristics that the user and supplier can agree upon in determining the acceptability of the film for recycling into molding and extrusion materials. It is neither the intent nor the purpose of this classification to specify the suitability of the recycled material for specific applications.  
1.2 This classification provides that the source of the material be listed as an aid in identification. The separation by source also improves the usefulness of the material. Sources are post-consumer PE films from shrink wrap, dry cleaning film, merchandise bags, grocery sacks, stretch wrap, recycle bags, redemption bags, bubble packaging film, and commercial/industrial liners/bags and overwrap. Other post-consumer PE films may be added to this classification when such material streams are defined.
1.3 It is not the function of this classification to provide data for specific product design or process-performance purposes.  
1.4 The supplier shall provide a written certification with each shipment stating that the material is derived from post-consumer PE film sources described within this classification.  
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.  Note 1-There are no equivalent ISO standards.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 09-Nov-1998
• ICS: 83.140.10 - Films and sheets
• Technical Committee: D20 - Plastics
• Drafting Committee: D20.15 - Thermoplastic Materials

Relations

• Replaced By: ASTM D5491-03 - Standard Classification for Recycled Post-Consumer Polyethylene Film Sources for Molding and Extrusion Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2003

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
Designation: D 5491 – 98
Standard Classification for
Recycled Post-Consumer Polyethylene Film Sources for
Molding and Extrusion Materials
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 5491; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope * 3. Terminology
1.1 This document provides for the classification of post- 3.1 Definitions—the definitions used in this classification
consumer polyethylene (PE) film derived from specific are in accordance with Terminology D 883 and Guide D 5033.
sources. It also identifies characteristics that the user and 3.2 Descriptions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
supplier can agree upon in determining the acceptability of the 3.2.1 bubble packaging film, n—clear or tinted LDPE or
film for recycling into molding and extrusion materials. It is LLDPE film with little or no print, used to cushion or to protect
neither the intent nor the purpose of this classification to surfaces, or both, and which may contain a barrier resin or tie
specify the suitability of the recycled material for specific layers, or both.
applications. 3.2.2 commercial/industrial liners/bag, n—clear LDPE,
1.2 This classification provides that the source of the mate- LLDPE, or MDPE film with light or no print, used for the
rial be listed as an aid in identification. The separation by shipment of industrial parts, mattresses or textile products, dry
source also improves the usefulness of the material. Sources nonputrescible foods, nonhazardous chemicals, etc.
are post-consumer PE films from shrink wrap, dry cleaning 3.2.3 commercial overwrap, n—clear LDPE, LLDPE, or
film, merchandise bags, grocery sacks, stretch wrap, recycle MDPE film with light or no print, used to cover finished
bags, redemption bags, bubble packaging film, and products such as carpeting, furniture, yarn, and other interme-
commercial/industrial liners/bags and overwrap. Other post- diate or retail items during shipment to the distribution outlet or
consumer PE films may be added to this classification when final consumer.
such material streams are defined. 3.2.4 dry-cleaning film, n—clear or pigmented film made
1.3 It is not the function of this classification to provide data from LDPE, LLDPE, or their blends, with light or no print,
for specific product design or process-performance purposes. used as the outer protective wrap by dry-cleaning establish-
1.4 The supplier shall provide a written certification with ments.
each shipment stating that the material is derived from post- 3.2.5 grocery sacks, n—pigmented or unpigmented blends
consumer PE film sources described within this classification. of polyethylene with or without print, used to carry groceries
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the from a food market.
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information 3.2.6 merchandise bags, n—pigmented LDPE, LLDPE,
only. MDPE, HDPE, or a combination of these resin types, with
print, used to carry dry goods from a retailer.
NOTE 1—There are no equivalent ISO standards.
3.2.7 nominal density, n—the density of the unpigmented
polyethylene resin, which may differ from the apparent density
2. Referenced Documents
of the material due to the addition of fillers or pigments to the
2.1 ASTM Standards:
2 resin.
D 883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
3.2.8 recycle bags, n—blue tinted LLDPE or LDPE film
D 1600 Terminology of Abbreviated Terms Relating to
2 with light or no print, used to transport items to a recycling
Plastics
facility.
D 5033 Guide for Development of Standards Relating to the
3 3.2.9 redemption bags, n—clear or tinted LLDPE or LDPE
Proper Use of Recycled Plastics
film with little or no print, used to transport beverage bottles
and cans to a recycler in a “bottle bill” state where beverage
containers require a refundable deposit upon purchase.
This classification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-20 on
3.2.10 shrink wrap, n—pigmented or unpigmented film
Plastics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.12 on Olefin Plastics.
Current edition approved Nov. 10, 1998. Published January 1999. Originally made from LDPE, LLDPE, or their blends, clear or pigmented,
published as D 5491 – 93. Last previous edition D 5491 – 94.
with light or no print, that is typically used to unitize an item
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 08.01.
or items for stability.
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 08.03.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard.
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NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
D 5491
3.2.11 source, n—the original end use of the PE materials shipment of industrial parts, mattresses or textile products, dry
described in this specification. nonputrescible foods, nonhazardous chemicals, etc.
3.2.12 stretch wrap, n—clear or tinted LLDPE film, with no 5.1.10 Commercial Overwrap—Clear LDPE, LLDPE, or
print, used to unitize an item or items for stability and which MDPE film with light or no print, used to cover finished
may include a tackifier. products such as carpeting, furniture, yarn, and other interme-
diate or retail items during shipment to the distribution outlet or
4. Significance and Use
final consumer.
4.1 This classification identifies sources of PE film. The
separation by sources also improves the usefulness of the 6. Ordering Information
material. Sources are post-consumer PE films from shrink
6.1 The purchase order or inquiry for these recycled post-
wrap, dry cleaning film, merchandise bag
...