ASTM D5491-08(2022)

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

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This classification identifies sources of PE film. The separation by sources 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, commercial/industrial liners/bags, and commercial overwrap.  
4.2 This classification is useful in characterizing post-consumer film to be used as a feedstock for recycling.  
4.3 It is neither the intent nor the purpose of this classification to specify the suitability of the recycled material for specific applications.
SCOPE
1.1 This document provides for the classification of post-consumer polyethylene (PE) film derived from specific sources. It also identifies characteristics useful 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 shall 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 is no known ISO equivalent to this standard.  
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Apr-2022
• ICS: 83.140.10 - Films and sheets
• Technical Committee: D20 - Plastics
• Drafting Committee: D20.15 - Thermoplastic Materials

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D883-24 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM D883-23 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM D883-20 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2020
• Refers: ASTM D883-19c - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2019
• Refers: ASTM D883-19a - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2019
• Refers: ASTM D883-19 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2019
• Refers: ASTM D883-18a - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2018
• Refers: ASTM D883-18 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2018
• Refers: ASTM D1600-18 - Standard Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plastics (Withdrawn 2024)
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2018
• Refers: ASTM D883-17 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 15-Aug-2017
• Refers: ASTM D1600-14 - Standard Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2014
• Refers: ASTM D1600-13 - Standard Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2013
• Refers: ASTM D883-12e1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2012
• Refers: ASTM D883-11 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 15-May-2011
• Refers: ASTM D1600-08 - Standard Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2008

Overview

ASTM D5491-08(2022), Standard Classification for Recycled Post-Consumer Polyethylene Film Sources for Molding and Extrusion Materials, establishes guidelines for classifying sources of recycled post-consumer polyethylene (PE) films. Published by ASTM International, this standard helps the plastics industry and recyclers characterize PE film materials for use as feedstock in molding and extrusion processes. By categorizing post-consumer PE films according to their origin, this classification supports recycling quality, traceability, and process efficiency, contributing to the responsible recovery and reuse of polyethylene materials.

Key Topics

• Classification by Source: The standard defines specific post-consumer PE film sources, such as shrink wrap, dry-cleaning film, merchandise bags, grocery sacks, stretch wrap, recycle bags, redemption bags, bubble packaging film, commercial/industrial liners or bags, and commercial overwrap.
• Material Identification: Materials are classified based on their original end use and must be listed by source in documentation to aid in their identification and sorting.
• Contamination Limits: The standard sets expectations for minimal contamination levels, specifying that non-polymeric, non-PE, and non-film plastics should not exceed 2% by weight. Certain hazardous contaminations are strictly prohibited.
• Supplier Certification: Suppliers are required to provide written certification with each shipment verifying that the material derives from specified post-consumer PE film sources and meets contamination criteria.
• Scope Limitations: ASTM D5491 does not determine the suitability of recycled PE film for specific end-use applications nor provide design or performance data for products.

Applications

Adopting ASTM D5491 provides significant practical benefits for stakeholders in the plastics recycling and manufacturing sectors:

• Feedstock Selection for Reprocessing: By classifying the source of post-consumer PE films, recyclers and manufacturers can better select materials for use in molding and extrusion applications.
• Quality Assurance: The standard's uniform classification and contamination requirements ensure consistent material quality, improving recyclate performance in secondary production processes.
• Traceability and Compliance: Listing sources and providing certification supports traceability and helps organizations comply with internal or external sustainability initiatives and regulations.
• Material Sorting: Enhanced source identification aids in the sorting and separation of plastic waste streams at recovery facilities, boosting the efficiency of recycling operations.
• Procurement Specifications: Buyers and sellers of recycled polyethylene films can use this standard to specify clear requirements in contracts and purchasing agreements.

Related Standards

The following ASTM standards and guides are referenced within ASTM D5491, providing additional frameworks for terminology and best recycling practices:

• ASTM D883 – Terminology Relating to Plastics: Offers standardized definitions for plastic materials, ensuring clear communication across the industry.
• ASTM D1600 – Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plastics: Provides common abbreviations to facilitate interpretation of technical documents.
• ASTM D7209 (Withdrawn) – Guide for Waste Reduction, Resource Recovery, and Use of Recycled Polymeric Materials and Products: (For historical reference) Supported best practices for recovery and utilization of recycled plastics.

Note: There is no known ISO equivalent to ASTM D5491 at the time of publication.

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Keywords: recycled polyethylene film, post-consumer plastic, PE film sources, plastic recycling standards, ASTM D5491, molding and extrusion materials, contamination limits, material classification, plastics industry standards, sustainable plastics processing

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D5491 −08 (Reapproved 2022)
Standard Classification for
Recycled Post-Consumer Polyethylene Film Sources for
Molding and Extrusion Materials
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5491; 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 (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.1 This document provides for the classification of post-
D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
consumer polyethylene (PE) film derived from specific
D1600 Terminology forAbbreviatedTerms Relating to Plas-
sources. It also identifies characteristics useful in determining
tics
the acceptability of the film for recycling into molding and
D7209 Guide for Waste Reduction, Resource Recovery, and
extrusion materials. It is neither the intent nor the purpose of
Use of Recycled Polymeric Materials and Products (With-
this classification to specify the suitability of the recycled
drawn 2015)
material for specific applications.
3. Terminology
1.2 This classification provides that the source of the mate-
rial be listed as an aid in identification. The separation by
3.1 Definitions—The definitions used in this classification
source also improves the usefulness of the material. Sources
are in accordance with Terminology D883 and Guide D7209.
are post-consumer PE films from shrink wrap, dry cleaning
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
film, merchandise bags, grocery sacks, stretch wrap, recycle
3.2.1 bubble packaging film, n—clear or tinted LDPE or
bags, redemption bags, bubble packaging film, and
LLDPEfilmwithlittleornoprint,usedtocushionortoprotect
commercial/industrial liners/bags and overwrap. Other post-
surfaces, or both.
consumer PE films shall be added to this classification when
3.2.2 commercial/industrial liners/bag, n—clear LDPE,
such material streams are defined.
LLDPE, or MDPE film with light or no print, used for the
1.3 It is not the function of this classification to provide data
shipment of industrial parts, mattresses or textile products, dry
for specific product design or process-performance purposes.
nonputrescible foods, nonhazardous chemicals, etc.
1.4 The supplier shall provide a written certification with 3.2.3 commercial overwrap, n—clear LDPE, LLDPE, or
each shipment stating that the material is derived from post- MDPE film with light or no print, used to cover finished
consumer PE film sources described within this classification. products such as carpeting, furniture, yarn, and other interme-
diateorretailitemsduringshipmenttothedistributionoutletor
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
final consumer.
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
3.2.4 dry-cleaning film, n—clear or pigmented film made
only.
from LDPE, LLDPE, or their blends, with light or no print,
NOTE 1—There is no known ISO equivalent to this standard.
used as the outer protective wrap by dry-cleaning establish-
ments.
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- 3.2.5 grocery sacks, n—pigmented or unpigmented blends
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the of polyethylene with or without print, used to carry groceries
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- from a food market.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
3.2.6 merchandise bags, n—pigmented LDPE, LLDPE,
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
MDPE, HDPE, or a combination of these resin types, with
print, used to carry dry goods from a retailer.
1 2
This classification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D20 on For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Plastics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.15 on Thermoplastic contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Materials. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved May 1, 2022. Published May 2022. Originally the ASTM website.
approved in 1993. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as D5491 - 08(2014). The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
DOI: 10.1520/D5491-08R22. www.astm.org.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D5491 − 08 (2022)
3.2.7 nominal density, n—the density of the unpigmented and cans to a recycler in a “bottle bill” state where beverage
polyethylene resin. The nominal density differs from the containers require a refundable deposit upon purchase.
apparent density of the material due to the addition of fillers or 5.1.8 Bubble Packaging Film—Clear or tinted LDPE or
pigments to the resin. LLDPEfilmwithlittleornoprint,usedtocushionortoprotect
surfaces, or both. Barrier resin or tie layers are acceptable
3.2.8 recycle bags, n—blue tinted LLDPE or LDPE film
components of the construction.
with light or no print, used to transport items to a recycling
5.1.9 Commercial/Industrial Liners/Bags—Clear LDPE,
facility.
LLDPE, or MDPE film with light or no print, used for the
3.2.9 redemption bags, n—clear or tinted LLDPE or LDPE
shipment of industrial parts, mattresses or textile products, dry
film with little or no print, used to transport beverage bottles
nonputrescible foods, nonhazardous chemicals, etc.
and cans to a recycler in a “bottle bill” state where beverage
5.1.10 Commercial Overwrap—Clear LDPE, LLDPE, or
containers require a refundable deposi
...