Packaging - Design for recycling of plastic packaging - Part 3: Evaluation processes for the sortability of plastic packaging

This technical specification outlines the methodologies for assessing the sortability of plastic packaging within recycling streams. Focusing on the third installment of a comprehensive series, it establishes a structured procedure to evaluate how effectively plastic items can be separated during mechanical sorting processes. The document provides detailed criteria and metrics to determine the compatibility of various plastic packaging designs with existing sorting infrastructure. It emphasizes the importance of design features that facilitate efficient separation from other material types, thereby enhancing the overall recycling rate. By adhering to these guidelines, manufacturers and stakeholders can gain insights into optimizing packaging forms to minimize contamination in recycled fractions. The content serves as a practical reference for engineers and recyclers aiming to align packaging solutions with operational realities of sorting facilities. This approach supports the broader objective of creating a more circular economy by ensuring that plastic waste is more readily identifiable and processable. The methodology integrates established principles of material identification and flow dynamics specific to waste management facilities.