Overview
SIST EN 18120-12:2026 - Packaging – Design for Recycling of Plastic Packaging – Part 12: Recyclability Evaluation Process for Plastic Packaging – Protocols for PE and PP Rigid Packaging is a European standard developed by CEN. Its primary objective is to guide the design and evaluation of rigid plastic packaging, specifically those made predominantly from polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), to improve their compatibility with state-of-the-art collection, sorting, and plastic recycling processes. This standard also provides protocols to assess the recyclability of packages with other material components, ensuring their suitability in polymer recycling streams.
Promoting sustainable packaging solutions, SIST EN 18120-12:2026 contributes to the circular economy by helping manufacturers, recyclers, and brand owners understand how the design and composition of packaging affect mechanical recycling processes and the quality of recycled plastics (recyclates).
Key Topics
- Design for Recycling: Guidance on the design of rigid PE and PP packaging to ensure compatibility with European collection, sorting, and recycling infrastructure.
- Recyclability Evaluation Process: Protocols and laboratory-scale procedures that simulate real mechanical recycling operations for rigid PE and PP packaging.
- Packaging Constituents and Components: Examination of items and materials other than PE and PP present in packaging, and evaluation of their impact on recycling streams.
- Testing Protocols: Recommendations on sample preparation, control materials, and selection of virgin resins for accurate recyclability assessments.
- Consistent Assessment: Methods to generate comparable recyclability data across different packaging designs, including the influence of elements such as labels, inks, or closures.
- Benchmarking and Reporting: Structured approach to documenting test outcomes, including benchmark values for assessing technical recyclability and facilitating improvements in packaging design.
Applications
SIST EN 18120-12:2026 has significant practical value for a range of stakeholders in the packaging value chain:
- Packaging Designers & Manufacturers: Supports the development of rigid plastic packaging that meets recyclability requirements, facilitating market access and compliance with sustainability legislation.
- Brand Owners & Retailers: Enables selection or specification of packaging with a proven recyclability profile, reducing environmental impact and aligning with corporate responsibility goals.
- Recycling Industry: Provides a standard reference for evaluating the recyclability of incoming packaging streams, improving process efficiency and the quality of recycled PE and PP materials.
- Regulatory Compliance: Assists industry players in demonstrating conformity with the latest European directives on packaging waste and recycling targets.
- Material Innovators: Informs the assessment and introduction of new additives, labels, closures, or non-PE/PP components by identifying their potential impact on recycling.
By using this standard, companies can enhance product sustainability, meet consumer expectations, and support circularity in plastics.
Related Standards
SIST EN 18120-12:2026 is part of a broader set of standards on plastic packaging recyclability, including:
- EN 18120-1: Definitions and general principles for design-for-recycling of plastic packaging.
- EN 18120-3: Sortability evaluation process for plastic packaging.
- EN 18120-6: Guidelines for designing rigid PE and PP packaging.
- EN 18120-10 & EN 18120-11: Protocols for PET bottles and other rigid PET packaging.
- EN ISO 178, EN ISO 527 Series: Key test methods for determining flexural and tensile properties of plastics.
- EN ISO 1133-1: Standard methods for measuring melt mass-flow rate of thermoplastics.
- EN ISO 18314-1, EN ISO 1183-1, EN ISO 3451-1: Analytical methods referenced for evaluating physical properties relevant to recyclability assessment.
Referencing these standards ensures harmonized evaluation across different packaging types and materials, contributing to uniformity and reliability in sustainable packaging practices across Europe.
Keywords: SIST EN 18120-12:2026, design for recycling, rigid plastic packaging, PE packaging, PP packaging, plastic recyclability, packaging evaluation protocol, sustainable packaging, packaging recycling standard, CEN, recyclates, circular economy.