Meaning
European standardization establishes the specific characterization scheme for plastics waste by defining the critical properties required for recycling. This en 15347 standard provides a structured list of characteristics that a supplier must declare to the purchaser of recycled polymer materials. The framework covers both the origin of the waste and its chemical composition.
Evaluation Metric
Materials are categorized based on their technical data sheet values rather than visual inspection. Under the guidelines of en 15347, the supplier must report properties like melting flow rate and density. These values allow the moulder to assess if the recycled batch can run on their existing machines.
Sourcing Standard
Purchasing recycled resins presents more volatility than buying virgin material. By demanding compliance with en 15347, sourcing managers ensure that every incoming batch of post-consumer resin meets a baseline consistency. This consistency is essential for maintaining cycle times and preventing damage to the injection screw.
Quality Control
Test methods outlined in the standard minimize the risk of processing contaminated polymer materials. Laboratories run checks for volatile substances and foreign polymers before the material enters the hopper. By knowing the precise contamination level, process engineers can adjust the venting of the extruder or set the backpressure to accommodate the batch.
This rigorous screening prevents melt filtration blocks, reduces the occurrence of cosmetic defects, and protects the high-value injection mould from abrasive wear.