The European PET Bottle Platform (EPBP) has introduced the Circularity Test Protocol, a new test procedure that simulates multiple PET recycling. The initiative is intended to provide a sound assessment of the recyclability of PET bottles in the development phase and thus support the switch to sustainable packaging solutions.
The European PET Bottle Platform (EPBP) presented its new Circularity Test Protocol in Brussels. This test procedure simulates several recycling cycles and thus expands the platform's existing design-for-recyclability approach. It is an important step towards achieving the circular economy goals in the European PET bottle industry.
Making circularity measurable
The introduction of the new protocol enables companies to systematically test the recyclability of their PET packaging as early as the research and development phase. According to the EPBP, the procedure is a further development of the existing Recyclability Test Protocol, which is already in line with the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).
„With this new protocol, EPBP reaffirms its commitment to sustainable packaging innovations that enable a truly circular economy,“ said Antoon Spiessens, co-chair of EPBP and representative of UNESDA. John McClelland, co-chair of EPBP and representative of Petcore Europe, added: „The protocol provides the industry with a reliable framework to assess and optimise the circularity of PET bottles.“
Test procedure in transition
During a transition phase, EPBP will offer both the previous and the new test protocol. During this time, companies can decide for themselves which procedure they use to assess their packaging innovations. Nevertheless, EPBP recommends an early switch to the Circularity Test Protocol, as successful validations under the previous Recyclability Protocol may not automatically pass under the new criteria.
The associated design guidelines for the new assessment methodology are to be published shortly. The aim is to gradually support the industry in the transition to recyclable packaging solutions.
New industry standard for PET innovations
For over 17 years, EPBP has been supporting the industry with practical guidelines for the recycling-friendly design of PET bottles. As a liaison organisation with the Technical Committee for Packaging of the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN), EPBP contributes its expertise to standardisation at European level.
With the development of the Circularity Test Protocol, EPBP is responding to the increasing demands on the proportion of recycled material in PET packaging and providing the industry with a sound basis for decision-making for future innovations. The aim is to ensure the quality of recycled PET in the long term and enable a genuine multiple cycle.
Source: European PET Bottle Platform
