Recoup’s guideline document for Packaging Technologists and Pack Developers involved in plastic packaging -‘Recyclability By Design’ – has been revised for the second time this year.
The aim of this guide is to encourage designers to consider recycling possibilities, provide guidelines, for those wishing to make their packaging (more) recyclable and provide everyone with information to prevent their packaging inadvertently interfering with existing plastic recycling schemes.
‘Recyclability By Design’ is one of RECOUP’s most important documents, and well regarded throughout Europe. The version released in June this year was a refresh of the look and update of some of the content, including some additional chapters and more relevant photographs. However the technical details, the recyclability matrices for each polymer, were not re-written. Recoup would not publish any review of these without major research, input and approval from both the recycling industry and the packaging industry.
The polymer recyclability tables are the most important and relevant part of the document, which is why we have spent some time talking to the most relevant people to ensure the information is current, informative and accurate.
The recyclability tables are polymer specific, with separate tables for PET Bottles, PET Trays, PP, HDPE, PS and PVC. The PET guidelines have previously been one table, but Recoup felt this would be more relevant split into separate tables, one for Bottles and one for Trays.
For the formation of this document, a program of engagement with experts, supporters and industry associations was undertaken to obtain broad acceptance for the document, and more specifically for the updated recyclability tables. Contacts included Recoup members and other industry contacts from both the recycling industry and the packaging industry. Recoup are extremely grateful to all concerned for their help and advice in the formation of the revised recyclability tables.
The document covers all forms of rigid plastic packaging and with several thousand downloads, is recognised by industry and enjoys a positive reputation worldwide. It is an essential guide for all those involved in plastic packaging development, design, marketing and procurement. The guide was first launched in 2006, revised in 2009, and re-written in June 2013.
