Recyda GmbH developed a web-based tool to assess the recyclability of packaging of any material on a country-specific basis. Fraunhofer Umsicht tested the tool for its user-friendliness and the applicability of the legal rules and requirements. The result: the tool is easy to use, the rules of the minimum standard of the Central Agency Packaging Register (MstSZSVr) are applied stringently and packaging can be analysed precisely in its individual components.
Packaging is complex: outer packaging made of cardboard, individual parts additionally packaged in PET film, a water-soluble label or perhaps an adhesive film. In order to Assess the recyclability of everyday packagingpackaging type, components and materials must be taken into account. Extensive knowledge of (multi-)national requirements is also necessary. The Recyda GmbH has a Flexible evaluation tool developed, which can model various specifications ("regulations") for recyclability.
Fraunhofer prudence has tested the digital implementation of the MstSZSVr specifications as one of the regulations mapped in Recyda. The result: Recyda is a user-friendly evaluation toolwhich analyses the recyclability of packaging. It can also be used to help design future packaging in such a way that it is optimised for recyclability.
"Recyda has succeeded in creating a develop a comprehensive database structure that contains all the necessary parameters for evaluating packaging. In particular, the ease of use and the comprehensive analysis options are very successful."
Dr Stephan KabasciProject Development Products Division of Fraunhofer Umsicht
The web-based tool is characterised by a clearly structured layout that enables new users to enter their own packaging projects after a training period of half an hour to one hour and to Evaluate recyclability digitally. Users can evaluate their packaging according to packaging type, packaging components and packaging materials in just a few process steps - displayed in individual input masks.
Predefined packaging types simplify input within the masks; in addition to the type, the weight and volume of the packaging are also queried, as are questions about the colour and detachability of the packaging components. Depending on the set of rules used, the result is displayed scaled as a percentage or in colour and marked with Notes on categorisation in comparison with the respective (trans)national regulations provided. Fraunhofer Umsicht tested the tool using various sample packaging.
The Recyda tool is constantly being further developed and Updated with the latest data on country-specific recycling requirements. Fraunhofer Umsicht also recommends providing a glossary of MstSZSVr terms and updating it regularly so that non-specialists can also use the tool. The researchers also consider it useful, to create recommendations for action for different disposal options or separability.
Source: Fraunhofer prudence
