FprEN 18120-13
(Main)Packaging - Design for recycling of plastic packaging - Part 13: Recyclability evaluation process for plastic packaging - Protocols for PE and PP flexible packaging
Packaging - Design for recycling of plastic packaging - Part 13: Recyclability evaluation process for plastic packaging - Protocols for PE and PP flexible packaging
This document provides requirements for the evaluation process of any flexible packaging with the main body of the packaging unit predominantly made of PE or PP and for the evaluation process of separate components predominantly made of flexible PE or flexible PP, with respect to compatibility of the design with state-of-the-art collecting, sorting and recycling processes, and the characterization of the output(s) compared to a reference material.
Packaging constituents and packaging components made of other materials than PE and PP are also covered by this document as they need to be evaluated on compatibility with PE or PP polymer recycling.
Verpackung - Recyclingorientierte Gestaltung von Kunststoffverpackungsprodukten - Teil 13 - Verfahren zur Bewertung der Recyclingfähigkeit von Kunststoffverpackungen - Protokolle für flexible Verpackungen aus PE und PP
Dieses Dokument enthält Anforderungen an den Bewertungsprozess von allen flexiblen Verpackungen, deren Hauptteil überwiegend aus PE oder PP besteht, sowie für den Bewertungsprozess separater Bestandteile, die überwiegend aus flexiblem PE oder flexiblem PP bestehen, im Hinblick auf die Kompatibilität der Gestaltung mit den Sammel-, Sortier- und Recyclingverfahren nach dem aktuellen Stand der Technik und die Charakterisierung der Austritte gegenüber einem Referenzmaterial.
Verpackungselemente und Verpackungsbestandteile aus anderen Materialien als PE und PP werden ebenfalls durch dieses Dokument behandelt, da sie hinsichtlich ihrer Kompatibilität mit dem PE- oder PP-Polymer-Recycling bewertet werden müssen.
Emballages - Conception des emballages plastiques en vue de leur recyclage - Partie 13 : Processus d’évaluation de la recyclabilité des emballages plastiques - Protocoles pour les emballages souples en PE et PP
Le présent document traite de la conception d’emballages souples en PE et PP, et plus particulièrement de la compatibilité de la conception avec les processus de recyclage disponibles pour les emballages en PE et PP.
Les constituants et composants d’emballages utilisés dans/sur les emballages souples en PE et PP, mais fabriqués à partir de matériaux autres que le PE et le PP, sont également couverts par le présent document, car il est nécessaire d’évaluer leur compatibilité avec les processus de recyclage mécanique du PE et du PP.
Embalaža - Načrtovanje, ki omogoča recikliranje plastične embalaže - 13. del: Postopek za ocenjevanje možnosti recikliranja plastične embalaže - Protokoli za prožno plastično embalažo iz polietilena (PE) in polipropilena (PP)
General Information
Overview
FprEN 18120-13 (CEN) specifies a reproducible evaluation process for the technical recyclability of flexible packaging whose main body is predominantly polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP). The document focuses on compatibility with state-of-the-art European collection, sorting and mechanical recycling processes and characterizes recycled outputs relative to reference materials. It is part of the EN 18120 series that provides guidance and protocols for design for recycling of plastic packaging.
Key Topics
- Scope and purpose: Evaluation of PE and PP flexible packaging and flexible PE/PP components, including the assessment of non-PE/PP constituents for compatibility with PE/PP polymer recycling.
- Recyclability evaluation process: A laboratory-based method that simulates the unit operations of mechanical recycling (pre-treatment, washing, flotation, drying, extrusion and conversion to film products) to determine processability and recycled plastic quality.
- Sampling and controls: Requirements for representative test samples, selection of control materials and virgin resins to provide meaningful comparators for performance and quality.
- Test method and reporting: Procedures to generate reproducible test data, and standardized test reporting to support consistent evaluation and decision-making.
- Annexes: Normative Annex A detailing experimental determination of technical recyclability, Annex B on recommended virgin and control materials, and informative Annexes C and D offering benchmarks and method overviews.
Applications
This protocol is designed for practical use by:
- Packaging designers and brand owners seeking to validate design choices against recyclability targets for PE and PP flexible formats.
- Recyclers and test laboratories performing technical assessments to inform acceptance criteria and process adjustments in mechanical recycling lines.
- Policy makers and ecolabel bodies requiring standardized evidence of compatibility with EU collection, sorting and mechanical recycling streams.
Benefits and practical value:
- Supports objective, repeatable evaluation of flexible PE/PP packaging recyclability.
- Informs design-for-recycling decisions that improve circularity of plastic packaging.
- Enables comparability of results across laboratories by prescribing sampling, controls and reporting requirements.
Related Standards
- prEN 18120-1: Definitions and principles for design-for-recycling of plastic packaging.
- prEN 18120-3: Sortability evaluation process for plastic packaging (sorting at MRF/PRF).
- prEN 18120-12: Protocols for PE and PP rigid packaging recyclability evaluation.
- Other referenced standards for testing (e.g., EN ISO methods for tensile, MFR, density, DSC) are cited within the document to support analytical characterization.
This standard does not assess chemical or solvent-based recycling routes; its conclusions apply to mechanical recycling into film products as implemented in European recycling systems. Use FprEN 18120-13 to guide reproducible technical assessments and to align packaging design with current recyclability best practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
FprEN 18120-13 is a draft published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Its full title is "Packaging - Design for recycling of plastic packaging - Part 13: Recyclability evaluation process for plastic packaging - Protocols for PE and PP flexible packaging". This standard covers: This document provides requirements for the evaluation process of any flexible packaging with the main body of the packaging unit predominantly made of PE or PP and for the evaluation process of separate components predominantly made of flexible PE or flexible PP, with respect to compatibility of the design with state-of-the-art collecting, sorting and recycling processes, and the characterization of the output(s) compared to a reference material. Packaging constituents and packaging components made of other materials than PE and PP are also covered by this document as they need to be evaluated on compatibility with PE or PP polymer recycling.
This document provides requirements for the evaluation process of any flexible packaging with the main body of the packaging unit predominantly made of PE or PP and for the evaluation process of separate components predominantly made of flexible PE or flexible PP, with respect to compatibility of the design with state-of-the-art collecting, sorting and recycling processes, and the characterization of the output(s) compared to a reference material. Packaging constituents and packaging components made of other materials than PE and PP are also covered by this document as they need to be evaluated on compatibility with PE or PP polymer recycling.
FprEN 18120-13 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 18120-13 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.
You can purchase FprEN 18120-13 directly from iTeh Standards. The document is available in PDF format and is delivered instantly after payment. Add the standard to your cart and complete the secure checkout process. iTeh Standards is an authorized distributor of CEN standards.
Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
oSIST prEN 18120-13:2024
01-oktober-2024
Embalaža - Načrtovanje, ki omogoča recikliranje plastične embalaže - 13. del:
Postopek za ocenjevanje možnosti recikliranja plastične embalaže - Protokoli za
prožno plastično embalažo iz polietilena (PE) in polipropilena (PP)
Packaging - Design for recycling for plastic packaging - Part 13: Recyclability evaluation
process for plastic packaging - Protocols for PE and PP flexible packaging
Verpackung - Recyclingorientierte Gestaltung von Kunststoffverpackungsprodukten - Teil
13 - Verfahren zur Bewertung der Recyclingfähigkeit von Kunststoffverpackungen -
Protokolle für flexible Verpackungen aus PE und PP
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN 18120-13
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 18120-13:2024 en,fr,de
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
oSIST prEN 18120-13:2024
oSIST prEN 18120-13:2024
DRAFT
EUROPEAN STANDARD
prEN 18120-13
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
September 2024
ICS 55.020; 13.030.50; 83.080.20
English Version
Packaging - Design for recycling for plastic packaging -
Part 13: Recyclability evaluation process for plastic
packaging - Protocols for PE and PP flexible packaging
Verpackung - Recyclingorientierte Gestaltung von
Kunststoffverpackungsprodukten - Teil 13 - Verfahren
zur Bewertung der Recyclingfähigkeit von
Kunststoffverpackungen - Protokolle für flexible
Verpackungen aus PE und PP
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 18120-13:2024 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
oSIST prEN 18120-13:2024
prEN 18120-13:2024 (E)
Contents Page
European foreword . 4
Introduction . 5
1 Scope . 7
2 Normative references . 7
3 Terms and definitions . 8
4 Recyclability evaluation process . 8
4.1 Principle . 8
4.2 Sampling .10
4.2.1 Test material requirements . 10
4.2.2 Control sample selection . 11
4.2.3 Virgin resin selection . 11
4.3 Test method .11
4.4 Test report .11
4.5 Evaluation .12
Annex A (normative) Experimental determination of the technical recyclability of PE and PP flexible
packaging samples . 13
A.1 Principle . 13
A.1.1 Apparatus . 13
A.1.2 Materials . 14
A.1.3 Sampling . 14
A.1.4 Procedure . 14
A.1.5 Expression of results . 20
A.1.6 Test report . 22
Annex B (normative) Recommendations for virgin and control materials. 24
Annex C (informative) Benchmark recommendations for the assessment of technical recyclability 25
Annex D (informative) Overview of the test method . 27
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prEN 18120-13:2024 (E)
Bibliography . 29
oSIST prEN 18120-13:2024
prEN 18120-13:2024 (E)
European foreword
This document (prEN 18120-13:2024) 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 18120-13:2024
prEN 18120-13:2024 (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 18120-13:2024
prEN 18120-13:2024 (E)
Packaging recyclability is the combination of five parameters: packaging designed for recycling,
packaging waste collection, sorting when necessary, recycling and use of recycled plastic in a new
application. This series of standards covers one parameter: the design for recycling.
oSIST prEN 18120-13:2024
prEN 18120-13:2024 (E)
1 Scope
This document covers the design of PE and PP flexible packaging with respect to compatibility of the
design with recycling processes available for PE and PP packaging.
Packaging constituents and components used in/on PE and PP flexible packaging but made of materials
other than PE and PP are also covered by this document as these need to be evaluated for compatibility
with PE and PP mechanical recycling processes.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that 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
prEN 18120-12, Packaging — Design for recycling of plastic packaging — Part 12: Recyclability evaluation
process for plastic packaging — Protocols for PE and PP rigid packaging
EN 14477, Packaging — Flexible packaging material — Determination of puncture resistance — Test
methods
EN ISO 527-1, Plastics — Determination of tensile properties — Part 1: General principles (ISO 527-1)
EN ISO 527-2, Plastics — Determination of tensile properties — Part 2: Test conditions for moulding and
extrusion plastics (ISO 527-2)
EN ISO 527-3, Plastics — Determination of tensile properties — Part 3: Test conditions for films and sheets
(ISO 527-3)
EN ISO 1133-1:2022, Plastics — Determination of the melt mass-flow rate (MFR) and melt volume-flow rate
(MVR) of thermoplastics — Part 1: Standard method (ISO 1133-1:2022)
EN ISO 1183-1, Plastics — Methods for determining the density of non-cellular plastics — Part 1: Immersion
method, liquid pycnometer method and titration method (ISO 1183-1)
EN ISO 3451-1, Plastics — Determination of ash — Part 1: General methods (ISO 3451-1)
EN ISO 6383-2, Plastics — Film and sheeting — Determination of tear resistance — Part 2: Elmendorf
method (ISO 6383-2)
EN ISO 15512, Plastics — Determination of water content (ISO 15512)
EN ISO 18314-1, Analytical colourimetry — Part 1: Practical colour measurement (ISO 18314-1)
ISO 4593, Plastics — Film and sheeting — Determination of thickness by mechanical scanning
ISO 7765-1, Plastics film and sheeting — Determination of impact resistance by the free-falling dart method
— Part 1: Staircase methods
ISO 11357-1, Plastics — Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) — Part 1: General principles
oSIST prEN 18120-13:2024
prEN 18120-13:2024 (E)
ISO 11357-3, Plastics — Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) — Part 3: Determination of temperature
and enthalpy of melting and crystallization
ISO 11358-1, Plastics — Thermogravimetry (TG) of polymers — Part 1: General principles
ISO 14782, Plastics — Determination of haze for transparent materials
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in prEN 18120-1 and the following
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/
3.1
machine direction
MD
direction along the surface of a plastic film which is parallel to the direction of the blow or cast film
production line
3.2
transversal direction
TD
direction along the surface of a plastic film which is perpendicular to the direction of the blow or cast film
production line
3.3
melt mass-flow rate
MFR
rate of extrusion of a molten resin through a die of specified length and diameter under prescribed
conditions of temperature, load and piston position in the cylinder of an extrusion plastometer, the rate
being determined as the mass extruded over a specified time
Note 1 to entry: MFR is expressed in units of grams per 10 min. Alternative units accepted by SI are decigrams per
minute, where 1 g/10 min is equivalent to 1 dg/min.
[SOURCE: EN ISO 1133-1:2022, definition 3.2]
4 Recyclability evaluation process
4.1 Principle
This document provides a method of evaluating the technical recyclability of a flexible PE or PP packaging
material sample into a plastic film in mechanical recycling processes as they are implemented in Europe.
The results characterize both the processability of the sample as well as the quality of the recycled plastic.
oSIST prEN 18120-13:2024
prEN 18120-13:2024 (E)
A statement about the recyclability based on other processes such as physical recycling (e.g. solvent-
based) or chemical recycling (e.g. pyrolysis) cannot be derived from the method described this
document.
Depending on the choice of the sample, the method can either provide a technical recyclability
determination for a full packaging design, or it can be employed to selectively study the impact of
individual constituents in flexible PE and PP plastic packaging materials on the technical recyclability. The
latter approach may be employed to generate data for the updating of design-for-recycling guidelines.
The test method follows the steps (unit operations) that occur in a mechanical recycling process for
flexible PE or PP packaging into blown or cast films and seeks to simulate each operation on a laboratory
scale. The relevant unit operations are shown in Table 1. Steps 1 and 2 describe the plastic recycling
process itself whereas step 3 represents the conversion of the recycled plastic into products, either
flexible films or rigid products. As such, steps 1 and 2 provide information on the processability of the
sample whereas step 3 provides information on the quality of the recycled plastic that can be obtained.
Table 1 — List of unit operations in mechanical recycling of PE or PP flexible packaging
Step # Unit operation Description of operation
1 Pre-treatment
1.1 Grinding PE or PP based flexible packaging waste is ground into
flakes
1.2 Washing The flakes are washed to remove product residue and
optionally components such as labels. Most European PE
and PP flexible packaging recycling lines use cold water
washing conditions, with no detergents nor added
chemicals
1.3 Flotation (Washed) flakes are separated from higher density
materials in a float/sink tank. Flakes and other objects that
sink are removed; flakes that float together with the PE or
PP flakes are recycled with the floating PE or PP flakes
The flakes are dried to reduce their moisture to less than
1.4 Drying
1 wt% by mass
2 Extrusion The dried flakes are extruded into pellets, employing melt
filtration and vacuum degassing in the process
Pellet production
3 Converting
3.1 Pellet blend preparation (dry The recycled pellets are blended with virgin pellets
blending)
3.2a Blown film extrusion Pellet blends are converted into film products by blown
film extrusion
Pellet blends are converted into film products by cast film
3.2b Cast film extrusion
extrusion
Future versions of this document may include evaluation processes for these recycling technologies.
This table describes the unit operations in a commercial recycling process. It is not a description of the testing
methodology described in this document. For an overview of the methodology described in this document, refer to
Annex C.
oSIST prEN 18120-13:2024
prEN 18120-13:2024 (E)
NOTE This document does not describe sorting steps that occur at material recovery facilities (MRF) or plastics
recovery facilities (PRF). For the evaluation of such sorting operations, references is made to prEN 18120-3.
It is appreciated that the current state of recycling systems can mean that some flexible materials will not
be able to be recycled in flexible films stream but can be recycled in rigid streams instead. PE and PP
flexible packaging that does not pass the requirements of this standard may therefore separately be
evaluated according to prEN 18120-12 – Packaging – Recyclability evaluation process for plastic
packaging – Part 12: Protocols for PE and PP rigid packaging to determine whether it is suitable for
recycling into rigid end uses. Testing shall be performed according to Annex A of part 12 of this series of
standards. Specifically, the testing described for the unit operation ‘converting’ in part 12 of this series of
standards shall be performed, using pellet samples obtained as per A.1.4.2.4 of this document.
The flow of the test method (shown in Figure D.1) that is specified in this standard simulates the three
main steps in the form of:
1) Pre-treatment of test material and characterization of its behaviour in these processes
2) Extrusion pre-treated test material flakes, together with control material flakes, to obtain pellet
samples and characterization of those pellets
3) Conversion of pellet samples, together with virgin resin, into film samples and characterization of those
samples
NOTE 3 This standard describes two dilution steps. The first dilution step (creation of flake mixes from test
material flakes and control material flakes at 25 wt% and 50 wt % of test material) represents the dilution of
individual packaging structures in the overall PE/PP flexible packaging recycling stream and therefore in the sorted
bales of waste that recyclers receive.
The second dilution step (creation of pellet mixes from pellet samples and virgin resin at 50 wt% of virgin
resin) represents the commercial practice of using less than 100 % of recycled plastic in the production
of films for packaging applications. In this method, instead of creating a blend of pellets (compounding),
the pellet samples and virgin resin pellets are only physically mixed. Optionally 100 wt% of the pellet
samples can be tested, in case the constituent under investigation is of very low concentration in the
packaging to ensure reliable data in terms of compatibility of the constituent with recycling and the
quality of the recycled plastic.
4.2 Sampling
4.2.1 Test material requirements
For the purposes of this document, at least 15 kg amount of the packaging material to be evaluated (‘test
material’) is required. The test material may be provided in form of finished flexible packaging or in form
of a film or other flexible packaging material (e.g. nonwoven, net).
In the case that a test material passes testing as described in this document, this shall be considered as sufficient
to demonstrate recyclability and a negative result according to prEN 18120-12 – Packaging – Recyclability
evaluation process for plastic packaging – Part 12: Protocols for PE and PP rigid packaging for the same test material
shall not be considered in this case.
Packaging structures that contain additional components such as spouts, caps, zips, valves shall be tested only in
form of finished packaging articles.
oSIST prEN 18120-13:2024
prEN 18120-13:2024 (E)
In order to provide comparability of results between tests, the test material shall be clean and free of
residual product and not obtained from collected waste but rather taken directly from packaging
production processes.
To fulfil the intended purpose of this document, i.e. to provide the basis for updates to design-for-
recycling guidelines by studying the impacts of individual packaging constituents, detailed information
on the structure and composition of the test material is required. For such testing, the test material should
be based on PE or PP and include only the constituent or component that is to be studied.
For the testing of finished packaging designs, the test material shall not be reduced to a PE or PP film
itself; it needs to contain all parts found in the final packaging at the stage of disposal that is to be
evaluated (e.g. labels, adhesives, attachments, printing, seals).
4.2.2 Control sample selection
For the purposes of this standard, at least 25 kg of a suitable control material in film form is required. The
control material can be selected from:
Option 1: A film made from a PE or PP resin or a resin blend according to Annex B. The chosen resin or
resin blend shall be extruded into film at conditions resembling commercial practices (refer to the
technical data sheets of the chosen resin(s)) to obtain the control material.
6 7
which is known to be recyclable and consisting of the same base PE or PP
Option 2: A PE or PP film
resin, or the same PE or PP resin blend, as the test sample, apart from the constituents or components
that are to be tested such as labels, print, etc.
4.2.3 Virgin resin selection
For the conversion tests into films, at least 25 kg of a suitable virgin resin in form of pellets is required.
This virgin resin is used for creating pellet mixes (i.e. mix of pellet samples with virgin pellets). It may be
selected from the virgin resins listed in Annex B. To reduce the number of variables, it is recommended
to select a virgin resin as similar to the control material as possible. If the control material was produced
from a single resin, the virgin resin shall be the same single resin.
4.3 Test method
Conduct the testing according to the method described in Annex A. If recycling of flexible materials into
rigid streams is to be evaluated, use pellets samples obtained in A.1.4.2.4 of this document to perform the
testing described for the unit operation ‘converting’ in part 12 of this series of standards.
4.4 Test report
Create the test report according to the requirements described in Annex A. If recycling of flexible
materials into rigid streams is to be evaluated, add the reporting for the converting step as specified in
prEN 18120-12.
or other flexible packaging material (e.g., nonwoven, net).
Or other flexible packaging material (e.g., nonwoven, net).
Based on a review of the packaging design according to Part 7 of this series of standards (all constituents and
integrated components in the fully compatible column) or based on prior testing according to the protocol described
in this document.
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prEN 18120-13:2024 (E)
The test report shall include sufficient information to confirm the statistical significance of all results
contained and shall be clear as to which deviations from the control value can be considered as
statistically significant and which ones cannot.
4.5 Evaluation
To aid in the evaluation of the technical recyclability, benchmark recommendation values in Annex C may
be consulted.
oSIST prEN 18120-13:2024
prEN 18120-13:2024 (E)
Annex A
(normative)
Experimental determination of the technical recyclability of
PE and PP flexible packaging samples
A.1 Principle
The method described in this annex provides a way of evaluating the technical recyclability of a flexible
PE or PP packaging sample in mechanical recycling processes as they are implemented in Europe. The
test method follows the steps (unit operations) that occur in a mechanical recycling process for flexible
PE or PP packaging and seeks to simulate each operation on a laboratory scale. The results characterize
both the processability (A.1.4.2) of the sample as well as the quality of the recycled plastic (A.1.4.3).
WARNING – The use of this document can involve hazardous materials, operations, and equipment. It
does not purport to address all the safety or environmental risks associated with its use.
A.1.1 Apparatus
Aside from common laboratory equipment and tools, and the equipment required by the normative
references, the following is required to conduct the testing described in this document.
Recognizing the variation in available equipment across testing sites, the apparatus specifications below
are recommendations. If the operator deviates from these recommendations, the actual
parameters/properties shall be recorded in the report, including the reason for deviation.
A.1.1.1 Granulator, suitable for grinding/cutting sample and control into flakes of (10 to 20) mm
edge length.
A.1.1.2 Stirred vessel for the washing and flotation of flakes, with a capacity of (150 to 200) L,
and a paddle stirrer, capable of reaching 1 000 rpm.
A.1.1.3 Sieve, (30 to 60) cm diameter, with (500 to 1 000) μm holes, for removing floating flakes
from water.
A.1.1.4 Trays, ca 50 cm × 90 cm for drying flakes.
A.1.1.5 Forced convection oven, capable of reaching 100 °C.
A.1.1.6 (Optional) Dryer hopper or climate-controlled room at 60 °C for quickly drying large
quantities of flakes.
A.1.1.7 Rigid or flexible container for mixing flakes, with a volume of (20 to 30) L, suitable for the
mixing of 5 kg of flakes.
A.1.1.8 Co-rotating twin-screw extruder, with a screw diameter in the range of (18 to 25) mm, a
minimum L/D value of 40, a melt filter with around 110 μm hole size, a throughput of (1 to 10) kg/h, a
vacuum degassing unit and a strand or underwater pelletisation unit. The extruder should be preferably
equipped with a thermocouple in the barrel to measure the melt temperature or alternatively allow for
manual measurement at the exit.
If a strand pelletiser is to be used, confirm melt strength before performing the testing.
oSIST prEN 18120-13:2024
prEN 18120-13:2024 (E)
A.1.1.9 (For testing blow extrusion) Single screw blown film extruder with a screw diameter of
(25 to 45) mm, a fixed head die diameter of (30 to 70) mm, a throughput of about 3,5 kg/h to 11,5 kg/h
and a take-off unit and winder of > 250 mm width. The extruder should be preferably equipped with a
thermocouple in the barrel to measure the melt temperature or alternatively allow for manual
measurement at the exit. To ensure good mixing, it is recommended to use a screw with low compression
ratio and preferably a barrier screw and Maddock mixing element and with an L/D > 24.
A.1.1.10 (For testing cast extrusion) Single screw cast film extruder with a screw diameter of
(25 to 45) mm, a L/D value of 30, a throughput of about (2 to 5) kg/h and a cast sheet die of
(250 to 300) mm width. The extruder should be preferably equipped with a thermocouple in the barrel
to measure the melt temperature or alternatively allow for manual measurement at the exit.
A.1.1.11 Brass brushes, for cleaning the extruder barrel and screws.
A.1.2 Materials
A.1.2.1 Tap wate
...
標準化文書「FprEN 18120-13」は、プラスチック包装のリサイクルデザインに関する重要な要件を提供しており、主にPE（ポリエチレン）またはPP（ポリプロピレン）で構成される柔軟な包装に対する評価プロセスに焦点を当てています。この文書は、現代の収集、選別、リサイクルプロセスとの互換性を考慮した設計の評価方法を明確に示しており、プラスチック包装のリサイクル性評価における標準化の重要性を強調しています。 この標準の強みは、PEおよびPP以外の素材で作られた包装成分や包装要素も評価の対象に含む点です。これは、異なる材料との互換性を評価し、全体としてのリサイクルプロセスへの適合性を確保するために不可欠です。また、設計と出力物の特性評価は、リサイクル可能な材料と基準材料の比較に役立ち、業界全体のリサイクル技術の進展を促進するための重要な要素となっています。 「FprEN 18120-13」は、環境負荷の低減を目指す現代社会において、プラスチック包装の持続可能な利用を推進するための具体的かつ実践的なガイドラインを提供しており、その relevance（関連性）は極めて高いといえます。この文書によって、企業は自らの包装設計を再評価し、リサイクル可能な素材を選択することで、環境保護に寄与できる道筋を見出すことができるでしょう。
La norme FprEN 18120-13 offre un cadre essentiel pour l'évaluation de la recyclabilité des emballages plastiques, en particulier ceux fabriqués principalement en polyéthylène (PE) et en polypropylène (PP). Ce document se concentre sur le processus d'évaluation des emballages flexibles, qui constituent une part importante du marché du packaging, et il inclut également les composants de ces emballages qui utilisent principalement des matériaux flexibles en PE ou PP. L'un des points forts de cette norme est sa capacité à établir des exigences claires concernant la compatibilité des designs d'emballage avec les processus modernes de collecte, de tri et de recyclage. Cela permet de s'assurer que les emballages peuvent être intégrés efficacement dans les infrastructures de recyclage existantes, optimisant ainsi le taux de recyclabilité des matériaux utilisés. De plus, la norme FprEN 18120-13 aborde également les constituants d'emballage réalisés à partir d'autres matériaux que le PE et le PP, soulignant l'importance d'une évaluation sur leur compatibilité avec le recyclage des polymères PE ou PP. Cela garantit une approche holistique de la recyclabilité, élargissant le champ d'application de la norme au-delà des seuls emballages en PE et PP. Pour les concepteurs et fabricants d'emballages, cette norme représente un outil précieux pour améliorer la durabilité et l'impact environnemental de leurs produits. En fournissant des protocoles précis pour évaluer la recyclabilité des emballages flexibles en PE et PP, la norme FprEN 18120-13 contribue efficacement à la promotion de l'économie circulaire et à la réduction des déchets plastiques. Ce document est donc d'une grande pertinence dans le contexte actuel, où les préoccupations environnementales et la nécessité d'optimiser le recyclage des plastiques sont au cœur des stratégies de développement durable.
The standard FprEN 18120-13 is instrumental in guiding the design for recycling of plastic packaging, specifically focusing on flexible packaging made from polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). Its defined scope encompasses the evaluation process for any flexible packaging units predominantly composed of these materials, as well as for their separate components. One of the core strengths of this standard lies in its comprehensive approach to assessing compatibility with state-of-the-art collecting, sorting, and recycling processes. By establishing clear criteria for the recyclability evaluation process, it enhances the effectiveness of recycling programs and contributes to the reduction of plastic waste. The explicit inclusion of packaging constituents made from materials other than PE and PP underscores its thoroughness, as these components must also be evaluated for their compatibility with PE and PP polymer recycling systems. This standard is particularly relevant today, as the global emphasis on sustainable packaging solutions intensifies. It lays down crucial protocols that empower manufacturers and packaging designers to align their products with increasing regulatory expectations and consumer demands for environmentally responsible practices. By ensuring that the design of packaging supports effective recycling, FprEN 18120-13 plays a vital role in promoting the circular economy within the plastic packaging industry. In summary, the FprEN 18120-13 standard is a pivotal document that enhances the recyclability evaluation process for flexible packaging, confirming its significance in advancing sustainable practices in the manufacturing and recycling sectors.
FprEN 18120-13 표준은 PE(폴리에틸렌)와 PP(폴리프로필렌)로 주로 구성된 유연한 포장재의 재활용 가능성 평가 프로세스를 제공하는 중요한 문서입니다. 이 문서의 주된 범위는 유연한 포장재의 디자인이 최신 수거, 분류 및 재활용 프로세스와의 호환성에 대한 요구 사항을 구체화하며, 참조 재료와 비교하여 출력물의 특성을 평가하는 과정을 포함합니다. 이 표준의 강점 중 하나는 PE 및 PP로 제조된 유연한 포장뿐만 아니라, 이러한 재질로 재활용되고자 하는 다른 재료들에 대해서도 호환성 평가를 필요로 한다는 점입니다. 이는 다양한 포장 구성 요소가 포장재의 전체 재활용성에 미치는 영향을 충분히 고려할 수 있는 기반을 제공합니다. 또한, FprEN 18120-13은 재활용 산업의 최전선에서 요구되는 성능 기준 설정을 위한 명확한 프로토콜을 제시하고 있습니다. 이 표준의 적용은 포장업체가 환경 친화적인 제품 개발에 기여할 수 있는 길을 열어줍니다. 특히, PE 및 PP 유연한 포장재의 디자인이 재활용 가능성을 최적화할 수 있도록 유도하는 점에서 매우 중요합니다. 결과적으로, FprEN 18120-13 표준은 포장재의 재활용 가능성 향상에 기여하고, 지속 가능한 포장 솔루션을 지향하는 기업들에게 필수적인 지침서가 될 것입니다. 이는 재활용 과정에서 발생하는 문제를 최소화하며, 고품질의 재활용 원료를 확보하는 데 필수적인 프레임워크를 제공합니다.
Das Dokument FprEN 18120-13 bietet eine umfassende Grundlage für die Bewertung der Recycelbarkeit von flexiblen Verpackungen, die hauptsächlich aus Polyethylen (PE) oder Polypropylen (PP) bestehen. Der Umfang dieses Standards ist bemerkenswert, da er nicht nur die Evaluation von Verpackungseinheiten adressiert, die überwiegend aus fiel PE oder PP gefertigt sind, sondern auch separate Komponenten dieser Materialien berücksichtigt. Dies fördert ein ganzheitliches Verständnis der Recyclierbarkeit und der Kompatibilität des Designs mit modernen Sammel-, Sortier- und Recyclingprozessen. Ein herausragendes Merkmal des FprEN 18120-13 ist die klare Definition der Anforderungen für den Evaluationsprozess. Diese Anforderungen stellen sicher, dass die Verpackungen im Einklang mit den gegenwärtigen Recyclingstandards stehen. So wird nicht nur die Qualität der produzierten Recyclate gewährleistet, sondern auch die Vereinbarkeit mit dem industriellen Recyclingprozess hingewiesen. Das Dokument bietet zusätzlich Vorgaben zur Charakterisierung der Ausgangsmaterialien im Vergleich zu Referenzmaterialien, was eine essenzielle Grundlage für die marktgerechte Implementierung von Recyclingprozessen darstellt. Die Relevanz dieses Standards kann nicht hoch genug eingeschätzt werden. In einer Zeit, in der Nachhaltigkeit und Umweltbewusstsein zentrale Themen in der Verpackungsindustrie sind, stellt die Möglichkeit zur Evaluierung der Recyclierbarkeit einen bedeutenden Fortschritt dar. Unternehmen, die flexible Verpackungen aus PE oder PP herstellen, finden in diesem Dokument wertvolle Leitlinien, um ihre Produkte effizienter und umweltfreundlicher zu gestalten. Zudem wird die Integration von Komponenten aus anderen Materialien als PE und PP, deren Kompatibilität ebenfalls bewertet werden muss, positiv hervorgehoben, was den Fokus auf innovative Lösungsansätze im Recyclingbereich legt. Insgesamt zeigt das FprEN 18120-13 eine wesentliche Weiterentwicklung in der Standardisierung im Bereich Verpackungsdesign und Recycelbarkeit von Kunststoffverpackungen. Die Stärkung des Bewusstseins für die Notwendigkeit von Kompatibilität in der Verpackungsindustrie ist ein entscheidender Schritt in Richtung einer kreislauforientierten Wirtschaft, und dieser Standard liefert die notwendigen Werkzeuge, um diesen Wandel weiterhin voranzutreiben.
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