FprEN 18120-4
(Main)Packaging - Design for recycling of plastic packaging - Part 4: Guideline for PET bottles
Packaging - Design for recycling of plastic packaging - Part 4: Guideline for PET bottles
This document covers the design of any bottle with the main body of the packaging unit predominantly made of PET and the design of separate components predominantly made of PET, with respect to compatibility of the design with state-of-the-art collecting, sorting and recycling processes and useability of the recyclates in an application.
Packaging constituents and packaging components made of other materials 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 4: Leitfaden und Protokolle für Flaschen aus PET
Dieses Dokument gilt für die Gestaltung von Flaschen, deren Hauptteil überwiegend aus PET besteht, sowie für die Gestaltung separater Bestandteile, die überwiegend aus PET bestehen, 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 4 : Lignes directrices pour les bouteilles en PET
Le présent document traite de la conception de bouteilles en PET, 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 - 4. del: Smernica za plastenke iz polietilen tereftalata (PET-plastenke)
General Information
Overview
FprEN 18120-4 is a draft European standard developed by CEN/TC 261 that provides a comprehensive guideline for the design of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles to enhance their recyclability. This standard focuses on ensuring that PET bottles and their components are designed to be compatible with modern collection, sorting, and recycling processes. It emphasizes maximizing the use of recyclates in new applications, especially within the packaging loop, such as bottle-to-bottle recycling.
The standard covers PET bottles primarily used in food contact applications but also addresses non-food packaging, ensuring that non-food designs do not adversely affect food-contact PET recycling. It also evaluates packaging components made from materials other than PET for their impact on recycling quality.
Key Topics
Design for Recycling Principles
PET bottles should be designed for lightweight construction, functional protection, and maintaining high-quality recyclate usability.
The design must avoid materials and additives that disrupt recycling or reduce the quality of recycled PET.Packaging Constituents and Materials
Key constituents covered include:- PET as the main material
- Closures, liners, seals, and valves (preferably PE, PP, or compatible polymers)
- Labels and sleeves with specified material types and coverage limits
- Inks and adhesives compatible with recycling processes
- Barrier layers and additives with controlled quantities to avoid contamination
Colour and Barrier Layer Guidelines
- Prefer unpigmented or transparent PET to optimize sorting and recycling efficiency
- Barrier layers such as SiOx plasma coatings or specific nylon blends are allowed within limits to maintain recyclability
- Avoid colours and additives that reduce NIR detection or degrade recyclate quality
Sorting Compatibility
Bottles and components should be easily separable in state-of-the-art sorting technologies such as sink/float and delabelling systems. Designs should facilitate residual content removal to avoid waste.Restrictions
Usage of bio-, oxo-, photodegradable, or compostable materials is banned, as these disrupt recycling streams. Adhesives and labels must be removable and comply with food safety requirements.
Applications
FprEN 18120-4 is relevant for stakeholders involved in the design, manufacturing, and recycling of PET bottles, including:
- Packaging Designers - for creating PET bottles optimized for recyclability and sustainable lifecycle.
- Bottle Manufacturers - to ensure compliance with evolving regulations and improve product circularity.
- Recycling Facilities - to assess compatibility of bottle designs with sorting processes and recycled material quality.
- Brand Owners and Retailers - aiming to meet sustainability goals and compliance with EU directives on packaging waste.
- Regulatory Authorities - for establishing guidelines and enforcing standards on plastic packaging recyclability.
This guideline supports the European Green Deal and Circular Economy Action Plan by promoting closed-loop recycling of PET beverage containers and other rigid packaging.
Related Standards
FprEN 18120-4 is part of the EN 18120 series, which collectively provide a holistic framework for plastic packaging design and recyclability:
- EN 18120-1: Definitions and principles for design-for-recycling of plastic packaging
- EN 18120-2: Processes and governance for recyclability evaluation
- EN 18120-3: Sortability evaluation process for plastic packaging
- EN 18120-5: Guideline for other PET rigid packaging
- EN 18120-6: Guideline for PE and PP rigid packaging
- EN 18120-7: Guideline and protocols for PE and PP flexible packaging
- Other parts cover PS, XPS, EPS packaging and related recyclability protocols
These standards collectively ensure consistent assessment, design best practices, and support innovation in plastic packaging recycling across Europe.
Keywords: PET bottles design, recycling guidelines, packaging recyclability, plastic packaging standard, design for recycling, PET bottle sorting, packaging sustainability, EU plastic packaging standards, closed-loop recycling, recycled PET packaging.
Frequently Asked Questions
FprEN 18120-4 is a draft published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Its full title is "Packaging - Design for recycling of plastic packaging - Part 4: Guideline for PET bottles". This standard covers: This document covers the design of any bottle with the main body of the packaging unit predominantly made of PET and the design of separate components predominantly made of PET, with respect to compatibility of the design with state-of-the-art collecting, sorting and recycling processes and useability of the recyclates in an application. Packaging constituents and packaging components made of other materials 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 bottle with the main body of the packaging unit predominantly made of PET and the design of separate components predominantly made of PET, with respect to compatibility of the design with state-of-the-art collecting, sorting and recycling processes and useability of the recyclates in an application. Packaging constituents and packaging components made of other materials than PET are also covered by this document as they need to be evaluated on compatibility with PET polymer recycling.
FprEN 18120-4 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 18120-4 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 18120-4:2024
01-oktober-2024
Embalaža - Načrtovanje, ki omogoča recikliranje plastične embalaže - 4. del:
Smernica za plastenke iz polietilen tereftalata (PET-plastenke)
Packaging - Design for recycling of plastic packaging - Part 4: Guideline for PET bottles
Verpackung - Recyclingorientierte Gestaltung von Kunststoffverpackungsprodukten - Teil
4: Leitfaden und Protokolle für Flaschen aus PET
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN 18120-4
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 18120-4:2024 en,fr,de
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
oSIST prEN 18120-4:2024
oSIST prEN 18120-4:2024
DRAFT
EUROPEAN STANDARD
prEN 18120-4
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
4: Guideline for PET bottles
Verpackung - Recyclingorientierte Gestaltung von
Kunststoffverpackungsprodukten - Teil 4: Leitfaden
und Protokolle für Flaschen aus PET
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 18120-4:2024 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
oSIST prEN 18120-4:2024
prEN 18120-4:2024 (E)
Contents Page
European foreword . 3
Introduction. 4
1 Scope . 6
2 Normative references . 6
3 Terms and definitions. 6
4 Compatibility of PET Bottles with recycling . 6
4.1 General . 6
4.2 General characteristics for PET bottles . 6
4.3 Sorting . 8
4.4 Design guidelines summary table . 8
Bibliography . 18
oSIST prEN 18120-4:2024
prEN 18120-4:2024 (E)
European foreword
This document (prEN 18120-4:2024) 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 18120-4:2024
prEN 18120-4:2024 (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 other rigid packaging
— 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 18120-4:2024
prEN 18120-4:2024 (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 18120-4:2024
prEN 18120-4:2024 (E)
1 Scope
This document covers the design of PET 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 Compatibility of PET 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 characteristics for PET bottles
PET rigid packaging is designed to be lightweight and highly functional, to provide protection for
sensitive goods. PET 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 (e.g. bottle-to-bottle).
When it is designed for a food contact application (which is the most prominent use of PET bottles) it
should be done in a way that the recycled material can go back into food contact applications.
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 i.e./e.g. by preventing the use of
unwanted substances.
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, industrial and others) need to be considered.
The following bottle constituents and components should be addressed in standard design for recycling
guidelines:
— material;
— colour;
oSIST prEN 18120-4:2024
prEN 18120-4:2024 (E)
— barrier layer (material and % of inclusion);
— additives (material and % of inclusion);
— closures (material type);
— liners, seals and valves (material type);
— labels (material, % surface coverage);
— sleeve (material, % surface coverage);
— inks for labels and sleeves and direct printing;
— adhesives for labels and sleeves;
— direct print;
— tamper evidence;
— other components (handles, base-cups…).
Besides the main bottle body made from PET, closures, labels, and sleeves (including inks used and
varnishes) along with adhesives are indispensable since they play an essential role in providing
information to consumers required by law such as nutritional information, health and safety warnings,
manufacturers address and recycling information as well as barcodes and branding.
Full body sleeves, coloured bottle and/or additives and barrier layers can also be necessary to protect
the packaged product, e.g. from UV radiation or to increase shelf life considerably. The functions of these
mentioned additional constituents need to be considered when setting thresholds of allowed amounts
and components.
The following general principles should be followed when designing rigid PET bottle:
— prefer unpigmented PET bottles;
— make the package of mono material PET unless a second material is strictly necessary for technical
reasons e.g. to avoid product waste;
— if the package needs additives or barrier layers, make sure they do not contaminate and/or disrupt
recycling for the intended use targeted by the design guidelines;
— label should be minimized, easily removable and be compatible with recycling processes. The
standard provides guidance on partial and full coverage labels and sleeves, the definition of “partial”
and “full” are available in part 1 of this series of standards;
— adhesives should be minimized, compatible with the recycling process and have no impact on food
safety;
— the closure or lidding system, label and/or components
...
The standard FprEN 18120-4 is a crucial guideline focusing on the design for recycling of PET bottles, offering comprehensive insights into the design criteria necessary to ensure compatibility with current recycling processes. The scope of this document is particularly robust, covering both PET bottle designs and separate components predominantly made of PET, thereby addressing a significant aspect of plastic packaging sustainability. One of the key strengths of FprEN 18120-4 lies in its emphasis on the usability of recyclates in applied contexts. This ensures that the design considerations not only facilitate the recycling process but also make the recycled materials practical and effective for further use. Furthermore, the inclusion of packaging constituents and components made from materials other than PET indicates a thorough approach where the interactions between different materials are acknowledged. This comprehensive assessment is vital for enhancing the overall efficacy of plastic recycling initiatives. Additionally, the standard's alignment with state-of-the-art collecting, sorting, and recycling processes underscores its relevance in contemporary waste management practices. By ensuring that design principles adhere to the latest technological advancements, FprEN 18120-4 positions itself as a forward-thinking document that contributes significantly to the goal of sustainable packaging solutions. In summary, the FprEN 18120-4 standard stands out for its inclusive design guidance, its integration with recycling technology, and its focus on the practical application of recyclates, making it a vital resource for manufacturers striving for environmentally responsible PET bottle designs.
FprEN 18120-4는 플라스틱 포장의 재활용을 위한 설계에 대한 중요 지침을 제공하는 문서로, PET 병의 설계에 중점을 두고 있습니다. 이 표준은 주로 PET로 구성된 포장 단위의 본체와 별도의 구성 요소의 설계에 대해 다루고 있으며, 최신의 수집, 분류 및 재활용 과정과의 호환성, 재활용된 물질의 활용 가능성을 중심으로 작성되었습니다. 이 문서의 강점은 다양한 PET 구성 요소가 포함된 포장 설계의 일관성을 제공하여, 재활용 프로세스의 효율성을 극대화할 수 있다는 점입니다. 또한, PET 외의 재료로 구성된 포장 구성 요소도 포함되어 있어, 이러한 재료들이 PET 재활용과 어떻게 호환되는지를 평가할 수 있는 체계를 갖추고 있습니다. 이는 다양한 재질과 형태의 포장이 현재의 재활용 체계에 어떻게 적합할 수 있는지를 명확히 하여, 업계 전반에 걸쳐 실질적인 기여를 할 수 있도록 합니다. 따라서 FprEN 18120-4는 PET 병의 재활용 가능성을 높이고, 친환경적인 포장 설계의 기준을 제시하는 데 매우 중요한 역할을 하며, 현대적인 재활용 생태계에서의 실용성을 더욱 확대하는 데 기여할 것입니다.
標準FprEN 18120-4は、プラスチック包装のリサイクル設計において重要なガイドラインを提供しています。この文書は、主にPET（ポリエチレンテレフタレート）で作られた包装ユニットの本体を持つボトルの設計と、PETを主成分とする別の構成要素の設計に焦点を当てています。特に、設計の互換性が最先端の収集、選別、リサイクルプロセスに適合し、リサイクル材が様々な用途でどのように使用可能かに関する評価が求められています。 この標準の強みは、PETボトルの設計がリサイクルプロセスと高い互換性を持つことを強調している点です。これにより、業界全体が環境に配慮した持続可能な包装ソリューションを実現するための基盤を築くことができます。また、PET以外の材料で作られた包装の構成要素も評価の対象となるため、全体的なリサイクル効率を向上させるための包括的なアプローチが提供されています。 さらに、本標準はPETポリマーのリサイクルにおける互換性の重要性を認識しており、これにより異なる素材間の相互作用についての理解が深まります。このような詳細なガイドラインは、製品の設計段階からリサイクルの視点を取り入れることを促し、業界の持続可能性を促進する上で非常に有意義です。この文書は、包装業界における設計とリサイクルに関する最先端の知識と実践を反映しており、製造者やデザイナーが持続可能な包装を実現するための強力なリソースとなることは間違いありません。
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