In a context where sustainability and the circular economy are becoming increasingly important, responsible plastic management is crucial for companies and manufacturers. This article explores regulations and standards affecting plastic use—both at the source (such as the introduction of recycled plastics and usage quantities) and at the end of the value chain (recyclability). It covers UNE EN 15343 certification, characterization testing, eco-design, and recyclability, providing a comprehensive overview of the needs and opportunities in plastic usage, particularly in the packaging sector.
This content is based on a recent webinar led by Ana Maria Masip and José Guardiola from Product Certification, Alejandro Belmez from the Polymer Laboratory at Applus+ Laboratories, and guest speaker Sofía Garín from the consultancy firm Inèdit.
This information is especially relevant for companies using plastics in packaging, those incorporating or aiming to incorporate recycled plastic into their products, manufacturers, importers, distributors looking to claim plastic tax deductions, and plastic waste management companies.
Various regulations govern the use of plastics in Spain and Europe, aiming to reduce environmental impact, promote the circular economy, and establish eco-design requirements for sustainable products.
The UNE EN 15343 certification specifies the procedures and requirements to establish the traceability of recycled plastics and calculate the recycled content of a product. Applus+ Laboratories is accredited by ENAC to certify both the content and traceability of recycled plastics.
UNE EN 15343 outlines a clear methodology and specific procedures to ensure the traceability and quality of recycled plastics. Key aspects include:
Factory production control is a crucial component of UNE EN 15343 certification. Only pre-consumer and post-consumer recycled materials count toward the recycled content calculation. The recycled content declaration is based on the percentage of recycled material in a product, verified through mass balance calculations.
The certification process at Applus+ starts with the application submission, where the company submits a request. Once received, the auditor contacts the company to schedule the necessary assessments. The process continues with a documentary audit, where all relevant documentation related to recycled plastic use is reviewed, followed by an on-site audit at the company’s facilities. If any non-conformities are identified, the company is given the opportunity to address them before proceeding. Finally, once all requirements are met, the certificate is issued, valid for three years with annual surveillance inspections.
Characterization testing is essential to ensure the quality, functionality, and performance of recycled materials before incorporating them into production. Key materials and required tests include:
These tests are the minimum required by the standard, but additional testing can be performed.
Eco-design and recyclability are key factors in improving sustainability in the plastics industry. Eco-design focuses on enhancing circularity, reducing resource use and waste generation, and minimizing carbon footprints. Essential eco-design criteria include:
One of the most critical aspects of regulation is ensuring the circularity of plastic materials—incorporating recycled content and enhancing recyclability. Some key eco-design strategies for recycling include:
Considering economic policies such as plastic taxation, eco-modulation in Green Dot fees for packaging, or CO₂ emissions taxes, implementing eco-design strategies is not just an environmental commitment—it also enhances market competitiveness, offering economic and social benefits.
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