How we do a Recycling Evaluation !

The European PET Bottle Platform has established several test procedures to assess the influence of PET bottle innovations - such as barrier materials, resin formulations, additives and non-PET components in or on PET bottles - on R-PET recycling processes. Non-PET components in new or innovative PET bottles may affect specific properties of R-PET which are relevant for its re-use as secondary raw material in applications such as bottles, film, sheet, strapping and fibre.

Quick Tests

The first set of test procedures are relatively rapid and low-cost techniques for the quick assessment of the recycling profile of PET bottles. All quick tests include a complete explanation of the scope, techniques, equipment and test conditions, as well as a “summary interpretation” explaining how to use the test results. The results of the quick tests are purely indicative, and are often used for the optimisation of further tests.

Download the EPBP Quick Tests here.

Testing Protocol for PET Recycling Compatibility

EPBP has also developed a test protocol for testing innovative PET bottles. This protocol is designed to evaluate PET packaging solutions that generally end up in the PET recycling stream and that can possibly influence the quality of - or even disturb - the recycling system. Our experts will use the information provided by the applicant, combined with its expertise and knowledge database, to determine the optimal test program, using up-to-date testing methods that produce qualitative and/or quantitative test results. Products that pass the tests should not experience any problems during recycling. 

Companies developing new resins, additives, technologies and novel processes for PET bottles are encouraged to bring their bottle packaging solutions to the European PET Bottle Platform at their earliest opportunity in order to obtain an objective third party assessment of their impact on recyclability in the most efficient and economic manner. The EPBP process is briefly described below: 

• Approach EPBP
• Fill in Application Form
• Assess the Concentration in the Recycle Stream
• Test Critical Properties
• Finalise Test Programme
• Discussion
• Decision 

There will be a number of discussions before EPBP makes a decision, but EPBP believes that this way of working will minimise the cost of testing for the applicants and ease the decision path.

If you wish to apply for an evaluation of your PET bottle innovation by the European PET Bottle Platform,, download the public version of the EPBP test protocol and the application documents here, or contact us.

Accredited laboratories

The specific test program must be executed by independent testing laboratories that have been approved by EPBP.  These laboratories provide expertise on specific materials and perform testing using modern test equipment according to the EPBP protocol and evaluation requirements. To find out which testing laboratories have been accredited by EPBP, click here.

Validation of test results

A panel of technical experts in the field of PET production, design and recycling reviews all test results in order to assess the impact of new packaging technologies on the PET recycling processes across Europe. Packaging solutions are assessed by the EPBP technical expert panel whilst protecting applicant’s confidential information. Innovations that pass the tests should not cause any problems during recycling, assuming that the set conditions are met.

To find out which PET bottle technologies have been positively assessed by the European PET Bottle Platform, click here.