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More transparency in the circular economy is made possible by the standardised exchange of recycling-relevant information. GS1 Germany has published a free application recommendation for the standardised collection and structured exchange of this data.
Where do the raw materials for the packaging come from? When and where were they processed into which materials? The new application recommendation for the standardised recording and structured exchange of recycling-relevant data supports all partners involved in the plastic packaging value chain This enables us to precisely track and recycle materials so that they can be reused for new detergent bags, shampoo bottles and the like. This conserves resources and reduces packaging waste.
Plastic is a central component of the economy and everyday life, with a wide range of benefits: In the area of packaging, the material contributes to product safety and thus makes it possible to reduce food waste, for example. However, if plastic packaging is not recycled, important raw materials are lost that could be reprocessed and used for new packaging. Shampoo bottles, cereal bags and the like often have a complex structure made of different materials. In order for companies to maintain these in the value-added cycle, they need Transparency about the type, origin and processing of the raw materials used. It is precisely this information base that helps to fulfil legal requirements and consumer expectations in terms of sustainability on the one hand and to enable efficient recycling to obtain high-quality recyclates on the other.
Common language for the traceability of plastics
At present, however, recycling-relevant information from the production processes of plastics is neither recorded in a standardised way nor made available in a structured manner. In order to facilitate and promote this in the future, GS1 Germany, in collaboration with stakeholders from the plastics industry, has developed the „Circular Plastics Traceability“ application recommendation“ developed.
„In order to promote high-quality recycling and a sustainable raw material cycle for plastic packaging, efforts are required from all stakeholders.“
Sarah Grede, Senior Manager Sustainability at GS1 Germany
A common data framework enables all partners involved to exchange standardised data with each other and to map the traceability of plastics in the recycling system. The document describes the individual process steps of data exchange in the packaging cycle and lists the recycling-relevant information for data transfer. This involves Attributes that influence the production of high-quality recyclates or their traceability in packaging components have.
„This is an important cornerstone for the data-based management of material flows. As a development partner and user of the new GS1 Germany Guideline, with R-Cycle we offer a standardised IT infrastructure for data exchange and transparency along the entire life cycle of plastics. The data is automatically stored in accordance with the ‚Circular Plastics Traceability‘ application recommendation and can be exchanged with all participants in the value chain.“
Benedikt Brenken, Director R-Cycle
The application recommendation addresses all stakeholders involved in the life cycle of plastic packaging. Special attention is paid to the process steps of machine manufacturers and their customers, especially for consumer goods packaging. The document is available to download free of charge.
Optimised recycling by mapping dynamic processes
As the production of plastic packaging, for example, involves a dynamic and constantly changing use of raw materials and recyclates, the experts recommend that the underlying business process steps be analysed in detail. via the GS1 interface standard EPCIS (Electronic Product Code Information Services). The focus here is on the collection of structured information through data collection points in machines that are used in the production and recycling process of plastic packaging. They are the basis for primary life cycle data, that manufacturers need for downstream business processes and trading partners. Six EPCIS events have been identified to create more transparency along the physical material flows of plastic packaging. The corresponding attribute set aims to increase recyclate qualities and quantities through improved knowledge of the composition of this secondary raw material.
The aim is to use this information to enable more efficient and application-orientated recycling and the quantities of recycled content in plastic applications are tracked, optimised and traceable.
„A common business language and structured data at the beginning of packaging lifecycles also bring benefits to business partners in the later lifecycle stages. They can also contribute to compliance with legal regulations.“
Thomas Walther, Head of Application & Process Development at injection moulding machine manufacturer Arburg.
EPCIS, together with the associated data standard CBV (Core Business Vocabulary), is GS1's core standard for improving transparency in companies or value-added networks. Put simply, it offers A common language for recording and exchanging EPCIS events, which provide companies with information about the what, when, where, why and how of objects that pass through business processes.
Source: GS1 Germany
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