KIDV Recycle Check: PET trays now 'good recyclable'

Today, the Netherlands Institute for Sustainable Packaging (KIDV) publishes an update of the Recycle Check Rigid Plastic Packaging. The biggest adjustment in this new version is that PET trays and other thermoformed PET packaging are now also classified as 'good recyclable'. "Until now, thermoformed PET packaging, such as trays, cups and blisters, were regarded as only partially recyclable. This type of packaging behaves differently in the recycling process than PET packaging that is blown, such as bottles. Because thermoformed PET packaging forms a significant proportion of packaging waste, investments have been made in recent years to improve recycling options, and as a result they are now well recyclable," says Niels van Marle, packaging expert at the KIDV. He warns, however, that not every PET tray is automatically recyclable. "They do have to meet design guidelines. For example, packaging made of mono-PET is well recyclable, but the addition of a layer of PE or the wrong cover film still causes problems. These details can be found in the Recycle Check."  

Adjustments Recycle Check version 2022

With the KIDV Recycle Check, companies can check whether a package has good recyclability in the current system. Recyclechecks are available for various packaging materials: flexible plastic packaging and packaging made of paper/cardboard and glass). Every year the KIDV, in cooperation with sorters and recyclers of packaging waste, checks whether there are developments in the current system that affect the Recycle Checks. These are then updated on the basis of these developments.

In summary, the following changes have been made to the Recycle Check for Rigid Plastic Packaging version 2022, compared to the 2021 version:

• In order to be able to more clearly distinguish the detailed differences between PET packaging and PE and PP packaging, the decision tree in the Recycle Check has been split up according to these types of plastic.
  More attention is paid to sub-components, such as caps, pumps and cover films. These components can not only improve the recyclability of the main component, but can themselves be as recyclable as possible. The recyclability of these components becomes even more important due to the higher recycling targets in European legislation.
• The test protocol for releasability of labels and glues on PP and PE packaging (July 2021) has been included in the Recycle Check. Companies can apply to Afvalfonds Verpakkingen (the Packaging Waste Fund) for support in financing the test.
• A clear distinction is made between coloured PET and colourless/transparent PET. Transparent PET can be processed in several cycles with a higher quality. As soon as a colour is added to virgin PET, the options for new applications are more limited.
• On 1 July 2021, small PET bottles for soft drinks and waters will fall under the deposit obligation. These packagings will then no longer fall under the conditions of the recycling check, but under those of statiegeld.nl.

Plastic Fee modulation

If packaging is found to be 'good recyclable' in the Recycle Check for rigid plastic packaging, companies may apply for plastic fee modulation from Afvalfonds Verpakkingen. They then pay a lower waste management contribution. However, there is an exception for thermoformed packaging. These are not eligible for the differentiated rate. Do you have questions about the plastic fee modulation? Please contact Afvalfonds Verpakkingen.

Companies that pay the packaging waste management contribution can file a declaration for the 2021 financial year until 1 April 2022. To determine whether their packaging is recyclable, the conditions from the 2021 Recycle Check apply. From 1 January 2022, the conditions of the 2022 version of the Recyclecheck will apply. Both versions are available on the websites of the KIDV and Afvalfonds Verpakkingen.

Download

Click here to download the KIDV Recycle Check Rigid Plastic Packaging (version 2022).