SIST EN 18120-15:2026

Packaging - Design for recycling of plastic packaging - Part 15: Recyclability evaluation process for plastic packaging - Protocols for EPS packaging

This document provides requirements for the evaluation process of any rigid packaging which has its main component, in weight, predominantly made of EPS, with respect to compatibility of the design with recycling processes.
Packaging constituents and packaging components made of other materials than EPS are also covered by this document as they need to be evaluated on compatibility with polymer recycling.
Unless otherwise stated, in the interests of better readability, ‘EPS packaging’ always includes ‘EPS white goods packaging and fish boxes’.

Verpackung - Recyclingorientierte Gestaltung von Kunststoffverpackungsprodukten - Teil 15: Verfahren zur Bewertung der Recyclingfähigkeit von Kunststoffverpackungen - Protokolle für Verpackungen aus EPS

Dieses Dokument enthält Anforderungen an den Bewertungsprozess für starre Verpackungen, deren Hauptbestandteil nach Gewicht überwiegend aus EPS bestehen, im Hinblick auf die Kompatibilität der Gestaltung mit den Recyclingprozessen.
Verpackungselemente und -bestandteile aus anderen Materialien als EPS werden ebenfalls durch dieses Dokument behandelt, da sie hinsichtlich der Kompatibilität mit dem Polymer-Recycling bewertet werden müssen.
Sofern nicht anders angegeben, umfasst der Begriff „EPS-Verpackungen“ im Interesse einer besseren Lesbarkeit stets „EPS-Verpackungen für Haushaltsgeräte und Fischkartons“.

Emballages - Conception des emballages plastiques en vue de leur recyclage - Partie 15 : Processus d’évaluation de la recyclabilité des emballages plastiques - Protocoles pour les emballages en PSE

Le présent document traite de la conception d’emballages en PSE, et plus particulièrement de la compatibilité de la conception avec les processus de recyclage.
Les constituants et composants d’emballages fabriqués à partir de matériaux autres que le PSE sont également couverts par le présent document, car il est nécessaire d’évaluer leur compatibilité avec le recyclage des polymères.

Embalaža - Načrtovanje za recikliranje plastične embalaže - 15. del: Postopek za ocenjevanje zmožnosti recikliranja plastične embalaže - Protokoli za embalažo iz ekspandiranega polistirena (EPS)

Ta dokument določa zahteve za postopek ocenjevanja katere koli toge embalaže, katere glavna komponenta je po teži pretežno izdelana iz EPS, glede na združljivost zasnove s procesi recikliranja.
Sestavni deli embalaže in komponente embalaže, izdelane iz drugih materialov kot EPS, so prav tako zajeti v tem dokumentu, saj jih je treba oceniti glede združljivosti s polimernim recikliranjem.
Če ni drugače navedeno, v interesu boljše berljivosti, 'EPS embalaža' vedno vključuje 'EPS embalažo za bele izdelke in škatle za ribe'.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Public Enquiry End Date: 01-Nov-2024
• Publication Date: 13-May-2026
• ICS: 13.030.50 - Recycling
• ICS: 55.020 - Packaging and distribution of goods in general
• ICS: 83.080.20 - Thermoplastic materials
• Technical Committee: EPO - Packaging - sales and grouped
• Current Stage: 6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
• Start Date: 23-Apr-2026
• Due Date: 28-Jun-2026
• Completion Date: 14-May-2026
• Mandate: M/584 - Plastics recycling and recycled plastics
• Ref Project: EN 18120-15:2026 - Packaging - Design for recycling of plastic packaging - Part 15: Recyclability evaluation process for plastic packaging - Protocols for EPS packaging

Relations

• Referred By: SIST EN ISO 24232:2026 - Protective clothing - Protection against rain (ISO 24232:2024)
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026

Overview

SIST EN 18120-15:2026 is a comprehensive European standard developed by CEN addressing the recyclability evaluation process for rigid plastic packaging made predominantly of expanded polystyrene (EPS). The standard, as part of the broader EN 18120 series on packaging design for recycling, establishes protocols and requirements for assessing how EPS packaging designs interact with existing recycling processes. EPS packaging categories covered include protective packaging for white goods and fish boxes. Additionally, the standard applies to packaging components constructed from other materials, emphasizing the necessity for their compatibility with polymer recycling systems.

By providing detailed steps for evaluating recycling processes, SIST EN 18120-15:2026 promotes increased circularity, resource efficiency, and sustainable packaging design across European markets.

Key Topics

• Recyclability Assessment Protocols
  The document outlines specific procedures and protocols for evaluating the recyclability of EPS packaging. This includes:

  • Listing unit operations required for recycling, such as sorting, pre-treatment, grinding, washing, compacting, extrusion, and molding.
  • Assessment of packaging constituents (including non-EPS materials) for their impact on recycling.
  • Guidance on mandatory testing and sampling at each stage.

• Process Compatibility
  SIST EN 18120-15:2026 defines criteria for determining how well EPS packaging fits with current state-of-the-art collection, sorting, and recycling infrastructure. The evaluation grades compatibility as:

  • Green: fully compatible with recycling processes
  • Yellow: limited compatibility
  • Red: not compatible

• Testing and Evaluation Steps
  The protocols describe practical steps, such as:

  • Control sample selection and comparison
  • Pre-treatment (washing, grinding, compacting)
  • Extrusion and pelletizing processes
  • Performance testing of recycled pellets via molding
  • Physical and visual assessment criteria for recycled material
  • Performance benchmarking against recognized standards (e.g., EN ISO 527-2 for tensile properties)

• Continuous Improvement
  The standard emphasizes regular updates to reflect advances in packaging design, recycling technology, collection, and sorting operations.

Applications

SIST EN 18120-15:2026 is particularly relevant for:

• Packaging Manufacturers
  Enables design teams to develop EPS packaging with maximum recyclability, ensuring products remain compatible with European recycling systems and regulatory requirements.

• Recycling Operators
  Provides clear protocols for testing and benchmarking new and existing EPS packaging types, facilitating improved material recovery and higher-quality recycled plastics.

• Brand Owners & Retailers
  Supports strategic decisions around packaging material selection and supplier requirements, contributing to sustainability goals and compliance with EU packaging regulations.

• Sustainability Consultants
  Offers a structured framework for assessing the lifecycle impact of EPS packaging and supporting clients on eco-design and recyclability best practices.

Related Standards

For a holistic approach to design for recycling of plastic packaging, refer to these associated standards:

• EN 18120-1: Definitions and principles for design-for-recycling of plastic packaging
• EN 18120-3: Sortability evaluation process for plastic packaging
• EN 18120-9: Guideline for EPS packaging design
• EN ISO 527 series: Methods for determining the tensile properties of plastics
• EN ISO 1133-1: Melt mass-flow rate test for thermoplastics
• EN ISO 1183-1: Density determination for non-cellular plastics
• EN ISO 3451-1: Measurement of ash content in plastics
• ISO 11358-1: Thermogravimetric analysis for polymers

Following SIST EN 18120-15:2026 ensures the recyclability of EPS packaging meets the growing demand for sustainable packaging solutions, traceable performance, and regulatory alignment across Europe.

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-junij-2026
Embalaža - Načrtovanje za recikliranje plastične embalaže - 15. del: Postopek za
ocenjevanje zmožnosti recikliranja plastične embalaže - Protokoli za embalažo iz
ekspandiranega polistirena (EPS)
Packaging - Design for recycling of plastic packaging - Part 15: Recyclability evaluation
process for plastic packaging - Protocols for EPS packaging
Verpackung - Recyclingorientierte Gestaltung von Kunststoffverpackungsprodukten - Teil
15: Verfahren zur Bewertung der Recyclingfähigkeit von Kunststoffverpackungen -
Protokolle für Verpackungen aus EPS
Emballages - Conception des emballages plastiques en vue de leur recyclage - Partie 15
: Processus d’évaluation de la recyclabilité des emballages plastiques - Protocoles pour
les emballages en PSE
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 18120-15:2026
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
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EN 18120-15
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
April 2026
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 13.030.50; 55.020
English Version
Packaging - Design for recycling of plastic packaging - Part
15: Recyclability evaluation process for plastic packaging -
Protocols for EPS packaging
Emballages - Conception des emballages plastiques en Verpackung - Recyclingorientierte Gestaltung von
vue de leur recyclage - Partie 15 : Processus Kunststoffverpackungsprodukten - Teil 15: Verfahren
d'évaluation de la recyclabilité des emballages zur Bewertung der Recyclingfähigkeit von
plastiques - Protocoles pour les emballages en PSE Kunststoffverpackungen - Protokolle für Verpackungen
aus EPS
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 9 February 2026.

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. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references
concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN
member.
This European Standard exists 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.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2026 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 18120-15:2026 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
European foreword . 3
Introduction . 4
1 Scope . 6
2 Normative references . 6
3 Terms and definitions . 6
4 Recyclability evaluation process . 6
4.1 Principle . 6
4.2 Applicable unit operations for packaging type . 7
Annex A (informative) Control samples selection . 13
Bibliography . 14

European foreword
This document (EN 18120-15:2026) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 261
“Packaging”, the secretariat of which is held by AFNOR.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of
an identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by October 2026, and conflicting national
standards shall be withdrawn at the latest by October 2026.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the
subject of patent rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent
rights.
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.
Any feedback and questions on this document should be directed to the users’ national standards
body. A complete listing of these bodies can be found on the CEN website.
According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organisations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: 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 the United Kingdom.
Introduction
The EN 18120 series, under the general title Packaging — Design for recycling of plastic
packaging, which 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, consists of the following parts:
— Part 1: Definitions and principles for design-for-recycling of plastic packaging
— Part 3: Evaluation processes for the sortability of plastic packaging
— Part 4: Guideline for PET bottles
— Part 5: Guideline for PET rigid packaging (except bottles)
— Part 6: Guideline for PE and PP rigid packaging
— Part 7: Guideline for PE and PP flexible packaging
— Part 8: Guideline for PS and XPS rigid 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 rigid
packaging (except bottles)
— 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 rigid
packaging
— Part 15: Recyclability evaluation process for plastic packaging — Protocols for EPS packaging
Design for recycling guidelines are a common way of evaluating the compatibility with plastic-
packaging collection, sorting and recycling which enables the use of secondary raw materials that
are of sufficient quality when compared to the original material, in state-of-the-art facilities.
They provide guidance on the level of compatibility, defined as:
— green: packaging constituents and components with full compatibility with state-of-the-art
collection, sorting and recycling;
— yellow: packaging constituents and components with limited compatibility with state-of-the-
art collection, sorting and recycling;
— red: packaging constituents and components which are not compatible with state-of-the-art
collection, sorting and recycling.
The design for recycling guidelines provided in the EN 18120 series cover the design for recycling
based on the knowledge available at the time of the development of this document and are
representative of the state-of-the-art. They consider packaging waste collection, sorting and
recycling, so that the recycled plastic can substitute primary raw materials in packaging
application or other applications. Compliance with the design guidelines in the EN 18120 series
does not guarantee that the recycled plastic quality will be fit for purpose for a specific targeted
end application or compliant with applicable regulations.
Packaging recyclability is the combination of design of recycling, proven collection, sorting and
recycling in practice.
1 Scope
This document provides requirements for the evaluation process of any rigid packaging which
has its main component, in weight, predominantly made of EPS, with respect to compatibility of
the design with recycling processes.
Packaging constituents and packaging components made of other materials than EPS are also
covered by this document as they need to be evaluated on compatibility with polymer recycling.
Unless otherwise stated, in the interests of better readability, ‘EPS packaging’ always includes
‘EPS white goods packaging and fish boxes’.
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.
EN 18120-1, Packaging — Design for recycling of plastic packaging — Part 1: Definitions and
principles for design-for-recycling of plastic packaging
EN ISO 527-2, Plastics — Determination of tensile properties — Part 2: Test conditions for
moulding and extrusion plastics (ISO 527-2)
EN ISO 1133-1, Plastics — Determination of the melt mass-flow rate (MFR) and melt volume-flow
rate (MVR) of thermoplastics — Part 1: Standard method (ISO 1133-1)
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 178, Plastics — Determination of flexural properties (ISO 178)
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in EN 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 Recyclability evaluation process
4.1 Principle
This document provides a method for evaluating the technical recyclability of an EPS packaging
sample in alignment with the state-of-the art defined in part 1: Definitions and principles for
design-for-recycling of plastic packaging. The results characterize both the processability of the
sample as well as the quality of the recycled plastic.
Depending on the choice of the sample (see Annex A), the method can either provide a technical
recyclability determination for a given packaging design or item, or it can be employed to
selectively study the impact of individ
...