Meaning
Verification processes for ensuring that plastics recovered from waste streams meet safety and quality standards define the path for material reuse. Post consumer recycled polymer compliance requires a documented history of the feedstock and the decontamination process. This status is necessary for materials intended for food contact or medical applications.
Decontamination Efficiency
Challenging the recycling process with specific chemical surrogates proves that contaminants are removed effectively. Reaching post consumer recycled polymer compliance involves demonstrating that the cleaning technology can handle a worst case contamination scenario. This data is submitted to regulatory bodies for formal approval.
Feedstock Purity
Sorting systems must separate different polymer types to prevent the degradation of mechanical properties. High levels of non-plastic contaminants like paper or metal make achieving post consumer recycled polymer compliance more difficult. Moulders track the origin of the waste to ensure it comes from controlled collection systems.
Certification Path
Audits by third party organizations verify that the recycling plant follows the approved protocols for washing and extrusion. Achieving post consumer recycled polymer compliance allows a company to use the recycled content in their final product branding. This documentation provides the evidence required for the declaration of compliance sent to the end customer.