Wedoany.com Report on Mar 13th, RecyClass has recently updated its packaging recyclability guidelines to reflect current European sorting and recycling conditions.

Regarding sorting behavior, the organization assessed the sorting performance of metallized decorations through testing campaigns and examined the rolling behavior of rigid packaging. Furthermore, RecyClass has introduced a new color module for its PET bottle sorting evaluation protocol, addressing the management of clear, transparent, and light blue PET bottle streams, which are widely used in recycling operations.

For flexible packaging, RecyClass has published recommendations on the use of electron beam treatment for polyethylene films and confirmed the compatibility of PVB-based inks with polyethylene and polypropylene films. After two years of testing different ink concentrations, the recommendations for printing on clear films have been revised, shifting the evaluation method from print coverage to the proportion of ink relative to the total weight of the packaging.

In the areas of rigid plastics and PET applications, further testing has examined the direct printing of colored containers in HDPE, PP, and PS recycling streams and confirmed the compatibility of PET bottle caps. The research also provides recommendations for sealants used in clear PET thermoforming: EVA sealants are classified as compatible with the recycling process, while copolyesters are currently considered incompatible under the existing guidelines.

RecyClass states that the continuous generation of scientific data remains central to the development of its guidelines. New testing campaigns have already been initiated in 2026, with more projects planned within the year. The organization encourages companies across the packaging value chain to participate in testing to support a unified assessment method for the recyclability of plastic packaging.