Protocols Recycle Check

Recycle Check for Rigid Plastic Packaging

• Tool for Determining the Correct Size of Labels and Sleeves

When the material types of the primary component and the label differ, the size of the label relative to the main component is important for proper sorting. On behalf of Verpact, the Netherlands Testing Centre for Plastics (NTCP) has developed an online tool to help determine the correct label size.

• Compression Protocol (Compressibility of a Cylindrical Disposal Unit)

Would you like to know whether your cylindrical or conical disposal unit is compressible? Simply step on the empty disposal unit and then step off. If the unit is not flattened or if it springs back to its original shape, there is a high chance that it will retain its shape during collection and sorting. In that case, it may not be sorted correctly.

If there is any doubt, the Compression Protocol, which forms part of the NTCP's SOP – Simulation of Consumer Use, Collection, and Transport of Packaging Waste protocol, can be used. This protocol simulates the collection and sorting process.

• Protocol for Removing Glued Labels from Rigid PET Disposal Units

The protocols for removing glued labels from PET bottles and PET trays are very similar in content.

For PET bottles, removability must be assessed according to the EPBP protocol: QT508 Labels & Adhesives Testing Procedure.

For PET trays, removability must be assessed according to the TCEP protocol: QT508 Label Adhesives Testing Procedure.

• Protocol for Removing Glued Labels from Rigid PE and PP Disposal Units

Labels that remain attached during recycling can disrupt the recycling process and therefore need to be removed. Verpact and the NTCP have jointly developed a protocol to assess the removability of glued labels from PE and PP disposal units: Assessment Protocol of the Releasability of Plastic Labels from Rigid PP and PE Packaging in the Recycling Process.

The protocol describes the procedure that must be followed to perform the test and specifies the materials required. To determine whether a specific disposal unit/adhesive/label/sub-component combination needs to be tested separately under this protocol, or whether previous positive test results can be used as a reference, an assessment framework and supporting Excel tool are available:

- Assessment Framework for the Label Removal Protocol for Rigid PE and PP Packaging

- Label Releasability Calculation Sheet NTCP

More information about assessing the removability of glued labels and sub-components can be found on the relevant information page.

Recycle Checks for Paper, Cardboard, and Beverage Cartons

Cepi is the European association representing the paper industry and works closely with 4evergreen, a consortium of producers, designers, brand owners, researchers, and recyclers dedicated to optimizing fibre-based packaging to improve circularity and reduce environmental impact.

All current testing and evaluation protocols for paper, cardboard, and beverage cartons from both Cepi and 4evergreen can be found here.

• Recyclability Evaluation Protocol

The Recyclability Evaluation Protocol combines standardized test methods and evaluation protocols used throughout the European paper and packaging industry to assess how efficiently fibres from paper and cardboard packaging can be recovered as a usable raw material. Cepi Test Method Part I can be used to test paper and cardboard packaging. Cepi Test Method Part III can be used to test beverage cartons.

The results from both tests can then be interpreted using the 4evergreen Evaluation Protocol.

A list of certified testing laboratories that can perform these assessments according to the protocol is available here.

• Adhesive Removal Protocol

This protocol describes a standardized test for assessing whether adhesives are sufficiently released during the pulping stage of paper recycling.

Adhesives that do not separate properly can interfere with the recycling process and reduce the quality of recycled paper. The protocol helps manufacturers select adhesive systems that do not hinder recycling and supports the development of more recyclable paper and cardboard packaging.

• Design for Recycling Guidelines (4evergreen)

These guidelines provide practical design recommendations for fibre-based packaging, enabling optimal collection, sorting, and recycling across different types of paper mills. The guidelines include: An updated decision tree, clear definitions of recyclability and specific recommendations for packaging components. The objective is to align packaging design with high recycling standards from the outset and to enhance circularity throughout the paper value chain.

Other Protocols

With the introduction of the PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation), recycling protocols will be updated. This page will be adjusted accordingly. The most up-to-date information on the PPWR can be found here.