If necessary, the KIDV Recycle Checks are updated. Today the update of the Recycle Check for flexible plastic packaging will be published. Manufacturers and importers can relatively easily test the recyclability of their flexible plastic packaging with the Recycle Check.
The design and form of the Recycle Check has been updated. For example, the new format clearly distinguishes between different types of plastic, namely PE, PP and other flexible plastics. A separate checklist with questions about the packaging has been drawn up for each type of plastic. Additional information can be found in a background document and an explanation of the questions from the checklist is provided.
Users can select the correct answer for each packaging question. The results are automatically processed and this leads to the assessment of the packaging (good, reasonable, limited and non-recyclable). The scores and any comments are clearly summarized. This summary can be saved as a PDF and shared with colleagues or other stakeholders. Users can also directly consult the other KIDV Recycle Checks if parts of the packaging consist of paper, glass or metal.
Below is a list of the most important changes in the Recycle Check for flexible plastic packaging compared to the previous version. This 2023 version of the Recycle Check will soon also be published in English.
- The requirement that the packaging must be at least A4 in size in order to be considered ‘easily recyclable’ has been abolished. The sorting processes have been modernised, so that in most cases smaller formats can now also be properly sorted and recycled.
- Flexible packaging smaller than 50×50 mm was classified as ‘not recyclable’ in the previous version of the Recycle Check. This has been adjusted in the 2023 version. Packaging larger than 30×30 mm can increasingly be properly sorted and recycled.
- Barrier layers (e.g. EVOH, SiOx and AlOx) have a limited influence on packaging recycling if they are used in low concentrations. They can score ‘reasonably recyclable’. This also applies to metallization, as long as this layer is not visible on the outside.
- Small form-retaining components made of the same material as the main component are no longer regarded as disruptive to the recycling process.
- PP packaging can score a maximum of ‘reasonably recyclable’, because they are only recycled in limited quantities.
- Other flexible plastic packaging that does not mainly consist of PE and/or PP can score a maximum of ‘limited recyclability’, because they are not sorted in a separate mono-stream. As a result, they mainly end up in the mixed flow, often together with form-retaining plastic packaging, multi-materials that are difficult to sort and black packaging.
- A foil, wrapper or sheet with different materials on both sides can score at most ‘reasonably recyclable’.
The background document contains tips for minimizing product residue and the amount of ink and adhesives.
Click here for the form to access the KIDV Recycle Check Flexible Plastic Packaging.