ASTM D5491-08(2022) PDF

Overview

ASTM D5491-08(2022), Standard Classification for Recycled Post-Consumer Polyethylene Film Sources for Molding and Extrusion Materials, establishes guidelines for classifying sources of recycled post-consumer polyethylene (PE) films. Published by ASTM International, this standard helps the plastics industry and recyclers characterize PE film materials for use as feedstock in molding and extrusion processes. By categorizing post-consumer PE films according to their origin, this classification supports recycling quality, traceability, and process efficiency, contributing to the responsible recovery and reuse of polyethylene materials.

Key Topics

• Classification by Source: The standard defines specific post-consumer PE film sources, such as shrink wrap, dry-cleaning film, merchandise bags, grocery sacks, stretch wrap, recycle bags, redemption bags, bubble packaging film, commercial/industrial liners or bags, and commercial overwrap.
• Material Identification: Materials are classified based on their original end use and must be listed by source in documentation to aid in their identification and sorting.
• Contamination Limits: The standard sets expectations for minimal contamination levels, specifying that non-polymeric, non-PE, and non-film plastics should not exceed 2% by weight. Certain hazardous contaminations are strictly prohibited.
• Supplier Certification: Suppliers are required to provide written certification with each shipment verifying that the material derives from specified post-consumer PE film sources and meets contamination criteria.
• Scope Limitations: ASTM D5491 does not determine the suitability of recycled PE film for specific end-use applications nor provide design or performance data for products.

Applications

Adopting ASTM D5491 provides significant practical benefits for stakeholders in the plastics recycling and manufacturing sectors:

• Feedstock Selection for Reprocessing: By classifying the source of post-consumer PE films, recyclers and manufacturers can better select materials for use in molding and extrusion applications.
• Quality Assurance: The standard's uniform classification and contamination requirements ensure consistent material quality, improving recyclate performance in secondary production processes.
• Traceability and Compliance: Listing sources and providing certification supports traceability and helps organizations comply with internal or external sustainability initiatives and regulations.
• Material Sorting: Enhanced source identification aids in the sorting and separation of plastic waste streams at recovery facilities, boosting the efficiency of recycling operations.
• Procurement Specifications: Buyers and sellers of recycled polyethylene films can use this standard to specify clear requirements in contracts and purchasing agreements.

Related Standards

The following ASTM standards and guides are referenced within ASTM D5491, providing additional frameworks for terminology and best recycling practices:

• ASTM D883 – Terminology Relating to Plastics: Offers standardized definitions for plastic materials, ensuring clear communication across the industry.
• ASTM D1600 – Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plastics: Provides common abbreviations to facilitate interpretation of technical documents.
• ASTM D7209 (Withdrawn) – Guide for Waste Reduction, Resource Recovery, and Use of Recycled Polymeric Materials and Products: (For historical reference) Supported best practices for recovery and utilization of recycled plastics.

Note: There is no known ISO equivalent to ASTM D5491 at the time of publication.

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