FprEN 18120-5
(Main)Packaging - Design for recycling of plastic packaging - Part 5: Guideline for PET rigid packaging (except bottles)
Packaging - Design for recycling of plastic packaging - Part 5: Guideline for PET rigid packaging (except bottles)
This document covers the design of any rigid PET packaging that does not fall within the definition of a PET bottle as outlined in Part 4 of this document, with respect to compatibility of the design with the state-of-the-art collection, sorting and recycling processes and useability of the recyclates in an application.
Packaging constituents and packaging components made of materials other than PET are also covered by this document as they need to be evaluated on compatibility with PET polymer recycling.
Verpackung - Recyclingorientierte Gestaltung von Kunststoffverpackungsprodukten - Teil 5: Leitfaden und Protokolle für starre Verpackungen aus PET (außer Flaschen)
Dieses Dokument gilt für die Gestaltung von allen starren PET-Verpackungen, die nicht unter die Definition einer PET Flasche nach Teil 4 dieses Dokuments fallen, im Hinblick auf die Kompatibilität der Gestaltung mit den Sammel-, Sortier- und Recyclingverfahren nach dem aktuellen Stand der Technik und die Verwendbarkeit der Rezyklate in einer Anwendung.
Verpackungselemente und -bestandteile aus anderen Materialien als PE werden ebenfalls durch dieses Dokument behandelt, da sie hinsichtlich ihrer Kompatibilität mit dem PET Polymer-Recycling bewertet werden müssen.
Emballages - Conception des emballages plastiques en vue de leur recyclage - Partie 5 : Lignes directrices pour les emballages rigides en PET (hors bouteilles)
Le présent document traite de la conception d’emballages rigides en PET (hors bouteilles), et plus particulièrement de la compatibilité de la conception avec les processus de collecte, de tri et de recyclage.
Les constituants et composants d’emballages fabriqués à partir de matériaux autres que le PET sont également couverts par la présente norme, car il est nécessaire d’évaluer leur compatibilité avec le recyclage du polymère.
Embalaža - Načrtovanje, ki omogoča recikliranje plastične embalaže - 5. del: Smernica za togo plastično embalažo iz polietilen tereftalata (razen PET-plastenk)
General Information
Overview
FprEN 18120-5 - Packaging - Design for recycling of plastic packaging - Part 5: Guideline for PET rigid packaging (except bottles) is a CEN draft standard that gives designers, brand owners and recyclers guidance on making rigid PET packaging (other than bottles) compatible with current European collection, sorting and recycling processes. The scope includes the main PET component and non‑PET constituents (labels, closures, inks, adhesives, barrier layers) that must be evaluated for compatibility with PET polymer recycling and the usability of resulting recyclates.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Design-for-recycling principles consistent with the EN 18120 series: packaging should maximize return to high‑value applications and, where applicable, enable food‑contact use of recyclate.
- Scope and compatibility: applies to rigid PET containers except bottles and covers integrated components and separable components; separate components may be evaluated independently.
- Component criteria and decision logic: uses a decision tree to guide choices on monomaterial design, colour, labels, sleeves, lidding, adhesives and barrier layers.
- Green / Yellow / Red categories: characteristics are classified as full, limited or no compatibility with recycling to help prioritise design changes.
- Practical thresholds and examples (as given in the draft): guidance includes acceptable materials (PET, floatable PE/PP for some lids), thickness ranges, label coverage limits, acceptable adhesives (washable/alkali releasable), and inks compliant with EuPIA Exclusion Policy. (Refer to the standard for full tables and numeric thresholds.)
- Sorting considerations: alignment with Part 3 (sortability evaluation) - designs must be separable by state‑of‑the‑art sink/float and NIR sorting equipment.
- Regulatory alignment: supports recycling into food contact applications where required and references relevant EU regulation (e.g., Commission Regulation (EU) 2022/1616).
Applications and who should use it
- Packaging designers and product developers seeking to optimize PET rigid packaging recyclability
- Brand owners and packaging engineers evaluating label, closure and barrier choices to maintain recyclability
- Material suppliers, converters and film/lidding manufacturers assessing formulation and thickness for sorting compatibility
- Waste management operators and recyclers using the guidance to assess incoming streams and recyclate quality
- Regulators and sustainability teams benchmarking packaging against design‑for‑recycling criteria
Related standards
- prEN 18120-1 (Definitions and principles)
- prEN 18120-3 (Sorting evaluation process)
- prEN 18120-4 (Guideline for PET bottles)
- Other parts of EN 18120 series that cover PE/PP, PS, EPS and recyclability protocols
Keywords: FprEN 18120-5, PET rigid packaging, design for recycling, recyclability guidelines, CEN standard, packaging recyclability, sorting and recycling, PET recyclates.
Frequently Asked Questions
FprEN 18120-5 is a draft published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Its full title is "Packaging - Design for recycling of plastic packaging - Part 5: Guideline for PET rigid packaging (except bottles)". This standard covers: This document covers the design of any rigid PET packaging that does not fall within the definition of a PET bottle as outlined in Part 4 of this document, with respect to compatibility of the design with the state-of-the-art collection, sorting and recycling processes and useability of the recyclates in an application. Packaging constituents and packaging components made of materials other than PET are also covered by this document as they need to be evaluated on compatibility with PET polymer recycling.
This document covers the design of any rigid PET packaging that does not fall within the definition of a PET bottle as outlined in Part 4 of this document, with respect to compatibility of the design with the state-of-the-art collection, sorting and recycling processes and useability of the recyclates in an application. Packaging constituents and packaging components made of materials other than PET are also covered by this document as they need to be evaluated on compatibility with PET polymer recycling.
FprEN 18120-5 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 13.030.50 - Recycling; 55.020 - Packaging and distribution of goods in general; 83.080.20 - Thermoplastic materials. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
FprEN 18120-5 is associated with the following European legislation: Standardization Mandates: M/584. When a standard is cited in the Official Journal of the European Union, products manufactured in conformity with it benefit from a presumption of conformity with the essential requirements of the corresponding EU directive or regulation.
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Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
oSIST prEN 18120-5:2024
01-oktober-2024
Embalaža - Načrtovanje, ki omogoča recikliranje plastične embalaže - 5. del:
Smernica za togo plastično embalažo iz polietilen tereftalata (razen PET-plastenk)
Packaging - Design for recycling of plastic packaging - Part 5: Guideline for PET rigid
packaging (except bottles)
Verpackung - Recyclingorientierte Gestaltung von Kunststoffverpackungsprodukten - Teil
5: Leitfaden und Protokolle für starre Verpackungen aus PET (außer Flaschen)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN 18120-5
ICS:
13.030.50 Recikliranje Recycling
55.020 Pakiranje in distribucija blaga Packaging and distribution of
na splošno goods in general
83.080.20 Plastomeri Thermoplastic materials
oSIST prEN 18120-5:2024 en,fr,de
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
oSIST prEN 18120-5:2024
oSIST prEN 18120-5:2024
DRAFT
EUROPEAN STANDARD
prEN 18120-5
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
September 2024
ICS 55.020; 13.030.50; 83.080.20
English Version
Packaging - Design for recycling of plastic packaging - Part
5: Guideline for PET rigid packaging (except bottles)
Verpackung - Recyclingorientierte Gestaltung von
Kunststoffverpackungsprodukten - Teil 5: Leitfaden
und Protokolle für starre Verpackungen aus PET
(außer Flaschen)
This draft European Standard is submitted to CEN members for enquiry. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee
CEN/TC 261.
If this draft becomes a European Standard, CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations
which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.
This draft European Standard was established by CEN in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other
language made by translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre has the same status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and
United Kingdom.
Recipients of this draft are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant patent rights of which they are
aware and to provide supporting documentation.
Warning : This document is not a European Standard. It is distributed for review and comments. It is subject to change without
notice and shall not be referred to as a European Standard.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2024 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. prEN 18120-5:2024 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
oSIST prEN 18120-5:2024
prEN 18120-5:2024 (E)
Contents Page
European foreword . 3
Introduction . 4
1 Scope . 6
2 Normative references . 6
3 Terms and definitions . 6
4 Design compatibility of PET Rigid packaging (except bottles) with recycling . 6
Bibliography . 15
oSIST prEN 18120-5:2024
prEN 18120-5:2024 (E)
European foreword
This document (prEN 18120-5:2024) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 261
“Packaging”, the secretariat of which is held by AFNOR.
This document is currently submitted to the CEN Enquiry.
This document has been prepared under a standardization request addressed to CEN by the European
Commission. The Standing Committee of the EFTA States subsequently approves these requests for its
Member States.
oSIST prEN 18120-5:2024
prEN 18120-5:2024 (E)
Introduction
EN 18120 consisting of 15 parts aims via a series of guidelines and protocols to establish consistency and
improvement for the Design for recycling of household, industrial and commercial plastic packaging.
— Part 1: Definitions and principles for design-for-recycling of plastic packaging
— Part 2: Process and governance to evaluate the recyclability of plastic packaging
— Part 3: Sortability evaluation process for plastic packaging
— Part 4: Guideline for PET bottles
— Part 5: Guideline for PET rigid packaging (except bottle)
— Part 6: Guideline for PE and PP rigid packaging
— Part 7: Guideline and protocols for PE and PP flexible packaging
— Part 8: Guideline for PS and XPS packaging
— Part 9: Guideline for EPS packaging
— Part 10: Recyclability evaluation process for plastic packaging — Protocols for PET bottles
— Part 11: Recyclability evaluation process for plastic packaging — Protocols for PET other rigid
packaging
— Part 12: Recyclability evaluation process for plastic packaging — Protocols for PE and PP rigid
packaging
— Part 13: Recyclability evaluation process for plastic packaging — Protocols for PE and PP flexible
packaging
— Part 14: Recyclability evaluation process for plastic packaging — Protocols for PS and XPS packaging
— Part 15: Recyclability evaluation process for plastic packaging — Protocols for EPS packaging
Design for recycling guidelines are a common way of describing compatibility with plastic packaging
collection, sorting and recycling into high quality recycled plastic into state-of-the-art facilities. They
provide guidance on the level compatibility, defined as:
— green: Packaging constituents with full compatibility with recycling;
— yellow: Packaging constituents with limited compatibility with recycling;
— red: Packaging constituents which are not compatible with recycling.
Recyclability guidelines will require regular review and improvement to reflect innovations in design,
collection, sorting and recycling.
The design for recycling guidelines provided in this series of standards are representative of the state of
the art in Europe and cover all steps from design for recycling, packaging waste collection, sorting,
recycling into recycled plastic and to use in a new application.
oSIST prEN 18120-5:2024
prEN 18120-5:2024 (E)
Packaging recyclability is the combination of two parameters: packaging designed for recycling and the
existence of a recycling stream. Design for recycling guidelines act as a first indicator
oSIST prEN 18120-5:2024
prEN 18120-5:2024 (E)
1 Scope
This document covers the design of PET rigid packaging (except bottles) with respect to compatibility of
the design with the collecting, sorting, and recycling processes.
Packaging constituents and packaging components made of other materials than PET are also covered by
this standard as they need to be evaluated on compatibility with polymer recycling.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
prEN 18120-1, Packaging — Design for recycling of plastic packaging — Part 1: Definitions and principles
for design-for-recycling of plastic packaging
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in prEN 18120-1 apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp/
— IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
4 Design compatibility of PET Rigid packaging (except bottles) with recycling
4.1 General
Generic aspects for design compatibility with recycling are covered in prEN 18120-1, Packaging — Design
for recycling of plastic packaging — Part 1: Definitions and principles for design-for-recycling of plastic
packaging.
4.2 General considerations for PET rigid packaging (except bottles)
PET rigid packaging is designed to be lightweight and highly functional, to provide protection for
sensitive goods. PET Rigid packaging (except bottles) should be designed in a way that the recycled
material can go back into the highest possible application and ideally to stay in the packaging loop.
When it is designed for a food contact application (which is the most prominent use of PET containers) it
should be done in a way that the recycled material can go back into food contact applications replacing
virgin materials, thus it is important to maintain the characteristics of the virgin polymer as much as
possible.
When it is designed for a non-food application it should be designed in a way that it does not harm the
recycling of food contact rigid packaging into food contact applications as expressed in Commission
Regulation (EU) 2022/1616.
There are many non-food packaging items where the inclusion of recycled material can be
accommodated. All the different applications of PET rigid packaging (food and beverage, medical,
personal care, homecare, homecare, industrial and others) need to be considered.
The design guidance provided in this document covers a) main packaging components which constitute
PET rigid packaging, with all their integrated components and all constituents, including those which are
removed during the recycling process and b) separate components of other types of packaging which
oSIST prEN 18120-5:2024
prEN 18120-5:2024 (E)
constitute PET rigid materials, with all their constituents, including those which are removed during the
recycling process.
It does not apply to other types of separate components (which are already separated before the sorting
process) as per the definition of Part 1 of this series of standards and as determined according to Part 3
of this series of standards. Separate components are to be evaluated separately, as described in Part 1 of
this series of standards. As such, a separate component can be fully compatible with recycling even when
an integrated component or a constituent of the same specification would only have limited or no
compatibility with recycling according to the guidance in this document. Equally, separate components
can be not compatible with recycling even when an integrated component would be compatible.
The following packaging components should be addressed in standard design for recycling guidelines:
— material;
— size of the packaging;
— colour;
— barrier layer (material and % inclusion);
— additives (material, % inclusion);
— lidding films and other closures;
— labels (material, % surface coverage);
— adhesives (labels, sealing or laminating adhesives);
— inks for labels and printing;
— direct print;
— other components (material, attachments, coatings).
Besides the main packaging component
...
The standard FprEN 18120-5 is a comprehensive guideline that addresses the crucial area of design for recycling of rigid PET packaging, specifically excluding bottles. Its scope is particularly significant as it encompasses the design considerations for a variety of rigid PET packaging formats, ensuring they are compatible with modern collection, sorting, and recycling processes. This focus on compatibility is essential for enhancing the recyclability of these products, which is increasingly important in the context of sustainability and circular economy initiatives. One of the key strengths of this standard is its detailed approach to not only PET materials but also the evaluation of packaging constituents and components made of materials other than PET. This dual focus ensures that all elements of the packaging system are considered, allowing manufacturers to design products that do not compromise the recycling process by adding non-compatible materials. This holistic perspective is particularly noteworthy, as it encourages a broader and more responsible approach to packaging design. The relevance of FprEN 18120-5 is underscored by the growing emphasis on environmental sustainability and the need for effective recycling practices in the packaging industry. As more organizations strive to meet regulatory requirements and consumer expectations for sustainable packaging, adherence to this standard will provide valuable guidance in optimizing the design processes. Furthermore, aligning with these guidelines can improve the marketability of products by enhancing the perception of the brand’s commitment to sustainability. Overall, FprEN 18120-5 stands as a pivotal document for stakeholders involved in the design and production of rigid PET packaging. It provides critical insights and practical recommendations, ultimately contributing to the advancement of recycling efforts and the improvement of recycling rates for PET materials.
La norme FprEN 18120-5, intitulée « Emballage - Conception pour le recyclage des emballages en plastique - Partie 5 : Lignes directrices pour les emballages rigides en PET (hors bouteilles) », propose une approche essentielle et complète pour la conception d’emballages rigides en PET, qui ne sont pas considérés comme des bouteilles, en matière de compatibilité avec les processus de collection, de tri et de recyclage à la pointe de la technologie. Le champ d'application de cette norme est particulièrement pertinent à l'heure actuelle, où l'accent est mis sur des pratiques durables dans l'industrie de l'emballage. En offrant des lignes directrices spécifiques pour les emballages rigides en PET, la norme permet aux fabricants de s'assurer que leurs produits sont non seulement conformes aux exigences environnementales, mais aussi optimisés pour le recyclage. Cela positionne FprEN 18120-5 comme un outil essentiel pour encourager une économie circulaire dans le secteur de l'emballage. Parmi ses points forts, la norme traite non seulement des matériaux en PET mais inclut également les constituants et composants d'emballage en matériaux autres que le PET, ce qui est crucial pour garantir une évaluation globale de la compatibilité avec le recyclage du polymère PET. Cette approche holistique renforce la pertinence de la norme dans le contexte plus large du recyclage des plastiques et facilite l'atteinte des objectifs de durabilité des entreprises, en leur permettant de concevoir des emballages qui répondent aux exigences actuelles en matière de recyclage et d'utilisation de recyclats. En résumé, la norme FprEN 18120-5 s'avère être une référence incontournable pour tous les acteurs de l'industrie de l'emballage, cherchant à concevoir des solutions d'emballage plus durables et compatibles avec les systèmes de recyclage modernes.
FprEN 18120-5は、プラスチック包装のリサイクル設計に関する標準の重要な部分として構成されており、特にPET剛体包装（ボトルを除く）に焦点を当てています。このドキュメントは、PETボトルの定義に該当しないあらゆる剛体PET包装の設計をカバーしており、リサイクルの最前線に位置する収集、選別、およびリサイクルプロセスとの設計の互換性に関するガイドラインを提供しています。 この標準の強みは、PETリサイクルにおける材料の適合性を優先しながら、デザインの考慮を促進する点にあります。リサイクル可能な素材としてのPETに着目し、他の素材で構成された包装要素についても評価を行うことが求められるため、全体としてのリサイクル率の向上に寄与することが期待されます。この包括的なアプローチは、環境への配慮からも非常に重要です。 さらに、この標準は、PETリサイクルの最先端技術とトレンドを考慮に入れているため、業界の実践に対して強い関連性を持っています。企業がサステナビリティを追求する中で、FprEN 18120-5は、製品デザインとリサイクルの効率を向上させるための指針として機能し、廃棄物削減と資源の持続可能な利用を促進します。 ディテールにおいても、PETリサイクルプロセスの進化に対応する柔軟性があり、技術革新や市場の変化に適応した内容となっているため、参照する価値は高いと言えるでしょう。この標準は、プラスチック包装業界におけるリサイクルの設計戦略において、重要な役割を果たすことが期待されます。
Das Dokument FprEN 18120-5 bietet eine umfassende Leitlinie für das Design von starren PET-Verpackungen, die nicht als PET-Flaschen gelten. Diese Norm ist besonders relevant in der Verpackungsindustrie, da sie sich mit der Kompatibilität des Designs hinsichtlich moderner Sammel-, Sortierungs- und Recyclingprozesse befasst. Damit trägt sie erheblich zur Förderung einer nachhaltigen Verpackungsstrategie bei. Ein wesentlicher Stärke dieses Standards ist seine ganzheitliche Betrachtung der Verpackungsbestandteile. Er umfasst nicht nur starr PET-Verpackungen, sondern auch Verpackungskomponenten aus anderen Materialien, was für die Beurteilung ihrer Kompatibilität mit PET-Polymer-Recycling von großer Bedeutung ist. Dies gewährleistet, dass alle Materialien innerhalb einer Verpackung optimal auf die Recyclingfähigkeit hin ausgelegt sind und reduziert potenzielle Probleme während des Recyclingprozesses. Des Weiteren fördert die Norm die Verwendung von Rezyklaten in Anwendungen durch die klare Anleitung, wie das Design und die Materialauswahl die Wiederverwertbarkeit unterstützen können. Dies ist besonders wichtig, da die Nachfrage nach nachhaltigen und umweltfreundlichen Verpackungslösungen stetig wächst. Der Fokus auf Recyclierbarkeit in der Gestaltung von PET-Verpackungen, gemäß den Anforderungen dieser Norm, ist ein Schritt in die richtige Richtung, um den ökologischen Fußabdruck der Verpackungsindustrie zu minimieren. Insgesamt ist das Dokument FprEN 18120-5 eine unverzichtbare Ressource für Hersteller und Designer von starren PET-Verpackungen, die sicherstellen möchten, dass ihre Produkte den modernen Anforderungen an Nachhaltigkeit und Recycling gerecht werden. Die klare Struktur und die umfassenden Richtlinien helfen dabei, innovative und gleichzeitig umweltfreundliche Verpackungslösungen zu entwickeln, die den heutigen Ansprüchen gerecht werden.
FprEN 18120-5 표준 문서는 플라스틱 포장의 재활용 디자인에 대한 지침으로, PET 고형 포장의 설계에 관한 내용을 포괄합니다. 이 표준은 PET 병에 해당하지 않는 모든 고형 PET 포장 제품의 설계를 다루며, 최신 수집, 분류 및 재활용 공정과의 호환성 및 재활용 물질의 활용 가능성에 중점을 두고 있습니다. 이 문서의 가장 큰 강점은 포장 재료가 PET가 아닌 다른 물질로 구성된 요소를 포함하여, PET 폴리머 재활용과의 호환성을 평가하도록 요구한다는 점입니다. 이러한 접근 방식은 다양하고 복잡한 포장재의 재활용율을 높이는 데 기여하며, 지속 가능한 포장 솔루션 개발에 필수적인 요소입니다. 또한, FprEN 18120-5는 재활용 과정에서 실제 적용 가능성을 중시하여, 설계 단계에서부터 재활용을 고려하도록 유도합니다. 이 표준의 적용은 기업들이 환경 친화적인 원칙을 따르면서도 실용적인 제품을 시장에 제공할 수 있도록 지원합니다. 따라서, PET 고형 포장에 대한 포괄적인 가이드는 재활용 가능성을 높이는 데 중요한 역할을 하며, 지속 가능한 포장 생태계를 만들어가는 데 기여합니다. 결론적으로, FprEN 18120-5 표준은 PET 고형 포장의 설계에 대한 필수적이고 실용적인 지침을 제공하여, 포장 산업 내 재활용 혁신을 촉진할 수 있는 큰 잠재력을 지니고 있습니다.
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