Overview
SIST EN 18120-4:2026 - Packaging - Design for Recycling of Plastic Packaging - Part 4: Guideline for PET Bottles provides guidance for the design of plastic bottles predominantly made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Developed by CEN, this standard focuses on the compatibility of PET bottles and their components with modern collecting, sorting, and recycling systems. It addresses not only PET but also other materials used as components, emphasizing their effect on the recyclability of the bottle as a whole. The document seeks to facilitate the effective recovery and reuse of PET recyclates, particularly in high-quality applications such as bottle-to-bottle recycling.
Key Topics
- Design for Recycling: Guidance to maximize the recyclability of PET bottles, considering both the main PET body and all separate components.
- Component Evaluation: Assessment of closures, labels, adhesives, sleeves, barrier layers, and other constituents for their compatibility with PET recycling.
- Material Compatibility: Clear categorization of materials and design practices into full compatibility (green), limited compatibility (yellow), and not compatible (red) with recycling processes.
- Transparency and Colour: Recommendations for bottle colour and clarity to optimize sortability and maintain product protection requirements.
- Design Principles:
- Prefer mono-material, unpigmented PET bottles
- Minimize the use of non-PET components and ensure they can be easily separated during recycling
- Avoid certain materials such as bio-/oxo-/photodegradable or compostable components
- Ensure labels, adhesives, and inks do not interfere with recycling processes
Applications
SIST EN 18120-4:2026 is relevant to a range of stakeholders in the packaging and recycling sectors:
- Packaging Designers and Manufacturers: Offers practical guidance for developing PET bottle designs that enhance collection, sorting, and recycling efficiencies.
- Brand Owners and Retailers: Assists in meeting regulatory and sustainability commitments by ensuring packaging is compatible with existing recycling infrastructure.
- Recyclers and Waste Management Companies: Improves transparency regarding which packaging formats contribute to high-quality recyclates, reducing contamination risks.
- Regulatory Authorities: Supports legislative initiatives aimed at increasing plastic packaging recycling rates and promoting a circular economy for plastics.
- Consumers: Encourages better on-pack communication on recyclability, aiding recycling participation and proper disposal behaviors.
Practical use cases include the development of beverage bottles, personal care containers, household product packaging, and medical product containers, all designed to maintain product integrity while ensuring the potential for high-value recyclate recovery. This standard also helps in evaluating existing and new PET packaging lines for recyclability improvements.
Related Standards
For a comprehensive approach to the recyclability of plastic packaging, the following standards are closely related to SIST EN 18120-4:2026:
- EN 18120-1: Definitions and principles for design-for-recycling of plastic packaging
- EN 18120-2: Process and governance to evaluate the recyclability of plastic packaging
- EN 18120-3: Sortability evaluation process for plastic packaging
- EN 18120-10: Protocols for PET bottle recyclability evaluation
- CEN/TR 13688: Report on requirements for substances and materials to prevent impediments to recycling
- EPBP and Recyclass Guidelines: Industry guidelines for PET bottle design compatible with recycling (available at www.epbp.org and www.recyclass.eu)
By implementing SIST EN 18120-4:2026, organizations contribute to environmental sustainability by supporting efficient plastic waste management and high-quality PET recycling. This ensures compliance with European best practices and positions products favorably in markets prioritizing sustainable packaging solutions.