Post-industrial vs. Post-consumer recycled plastic | APS

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Post-industrial recycled plastic: What is it?

The term post-industrial recycled plastic refers to plastic materials discarded in industrial processes that do not reach the market for final consumer sale. This includes production waste, cut-offs, or scraps from manufacturers using plastic in their production processes.

Post-industrial plastic is typically of fairly good quality and can be recycled and reused for the same production process or for the creation of new plastic products. By recycling this type of plastic and reintegrating it into the same transformation process, it prevents it from ending up in landfills and contributes to a more sustainable use of resources.

Examples of post-industrial plastic may include manufacturing waste from packaging such as bottles and jerrycans, pipe waste, electronic components, among others. These waste materials are collected, sorted, and processed by a waste manager to give them a new purpose, avoiding the use of virgin plastic and reducing environmental impact.

Post-consumer recycled plastic (PCR): What is it?

Post-consumer recycled plastic, or PCR, refers to plastic that has been collected, sorted, and processed to be reused after its life as a consumer product. This means the plastic has been used by consumers and then recycled for subsequent use in manufacturing new products. Using post-consumer recycled plastic to manufacture new products helps reduce the amount of plastic waste in landfills and conserves the natural resources used in virgin plastic production.

Advantages of using post-consumer recycled plastic for plastic packaging

1. Reduction of plastic waste: Using post-consumer recycled plastic allows giving new life to plastic waste, preventing it from accumulating in landfills or polluting the environment.
2. Saving natural resources: Using recycled plastic reduces the need to extract and process virgin raw materials, leading to energy and water savings.
3. Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions: The manufacturing process of post-consumer plastic appears to generate fewer CO2 emissions compared to virgin plastic production.
4. Increased environmental awareness: Using recycled plastic packaging can help promote environmental awareness among consumers and encourage a circular economy.

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Disadvantages of using post-consumer plastic for plastic packaging

1. Reduced quality and durability: In some cases, recycled plastic may have lower quality and durability than virgin plastic, affecting the lifespan of the packaging.
2. Residual contamination: Post-consumer recycled plastic, obtained through mechanical recycling, may contain traces of contaminants acquired during its original use, affecting the safety or quality of the final product.
3. Higher cost: The collection, sorting, and recycling process of post-consumer plastic can be more expensive than virgin plastic production, potentially impacting the final packaging price.
4. Technical limitations: Some applications of plastic packaging, especially those requiring high transparency or strength, may face technical limitations when using recycled plastic.

Homologation of post-industrial and post-consumer recycled plastic for use in new packaging

Both post-industrial and post-consumer recycled plastic must be homologated for use in the manufacturing of new packaging. Homologating recycled plastic involves subjecting it to tests and analyses to ensure it meets the necessary quality and safety requirements for use in packaging.

This ensures that recycled plastic does not contain hazardous substances and has the proper mechanical properties to fulfill its function as packaging. Homologation is also crucial to guarantee the traceability of recycled materials and promote transparency in the recycling process.

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There is no single global standard for homologating recycled plastic. Many countries have regulations and standards related to recycling and waste management, including post-consumer plastic. These standards may vary depending on the country and its environmental legislation.

The European standard specifying the necessary procedures for the traceability of recycled plastics is UNE-EN . This standard provides the basis for calculating the recycled content of a product: "Recycled plastics. Traceability and assessment of conformity for recycled plastics and recycled content." It establishes requirements and test methods for recycled plastics from municipal solid waste and mechanical recycling of plastic packaging, enabling them to be used in the manufacturing of non-food products.

UNE-EN is a European standard that sets requirements and test methods for recycled plastics intended for use in manufactured products. Its goal is to ensure that recycled plastics have suitable properties for use in products, complying with quality and safety standards.

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The standard establishes criteria for classifying recycled plastics into different categories based on their origin, recycling processes, and technical characteristics. It also sets minimum quality requirements for these recycled plastics, including physical, mechanical, and thermal properties.

Additionally, it defines the testing methods that should be used to determine the properties of recycled plastics, including tests for strength, hardness, density, thermal stability, among others.

UNE-EN standard: Why is it important?

Its importance lies in standardizing the requirements and test methods for recycled plastic used in plastic products. It is crucial for promoting the use of recycled plastic as an alternative that supports sustainability, reduces the environmental impact of plastic waste, and fosters a circular economy.

The UNE-EN standard establishes quality and safety criteria to ensure that recycled plastic meets the technical and health requirements necessary for its use in plastic products. This is essential to ensure that products made with recycled plastic are safe for users and comply with established technical specifications.

In conclusion, the homologation of recycled plastic, whether post-industrial or post-consumer, plays a fundamental role in the transition to a circular and sustainable economy. The UNE-EN standard serves as an essential pillar by setting rigorous criteria for the quality and safety of recycled plastics used in the manufacturing of new products.

This standard not only contributes to reducing the environmental impact of plastic waste but also promotes environmental awareness and encourages the adoption of more responsible practices in plastic material management. Adhering to these standards promotes the creation of more sustainable packaging, mitigating the negative effects of plastic on the environment and moving towards a greener future.

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