Overview
SIST EN 18120-7:2026, developed by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN), provides comprehensive guidelines for the design for recycling of plastic packaging, specifically focusing on flexible packaging made predominantly of polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP). The standard ensures that PE and PP flexible packaging, along with their separate components and other materials used within these packaging solutions, are evaluated for compatibility with current collection, sorting, and recycling technologies. This alignment is crucial for promoting the use of recyclates and enhancing the sustainability of the packaging sector.
Key Topics
- Material Compatibility:
- Guidance on selecting materials (PE, PP, copolymers, additives, laminates, and coatings) to maximize recycling yield and quality.
- Classification of packaging constituents according to their recyclability: green (full compatibility), yellow (limited compatibility), and red (not compatible).
- Design Guidance Tables:
- Tables for different packaging types (natural, coloured, or white PE/PP flexible packaging) indicating compatibility levels of commonly used materials and components.
- Component Evaluation:
- Assessment of integrated and separate packaging components (e.g., closures, spouts, labels) for recycling compatibility.
- Sortability and Residual Content:
- Considerations to ensure that packaging can be effectively collected and sorted in existing European recycling systems, including methods to minimize residual product content.
- Use of Barrier Materials:
- Recommendations on the use of non-PE/PP layers (such as barrier coatings, metallization, and adhesives), balancing functional requirements (shelf life, protection) with recyclability.
- Printing and Labeling:
- Guidance on inks, coatings, print coverage, and label adhesives to optimize identification and removal in recycling streams.
- Thresholds for Content:
- Practical guidance about acceptable content levels of non-PE/PP materials, enabling compliance without compromising the packaging’s essential properties.
Applications
SIST EN 18120-7:2026 is vital for manufacturers, designers, and brands seeking to enhance the recyclability of their plastic flexible packaging. Applications include:
- Household Packaging: Packaging for food, personal care, pharmaceuticals, and consumer goods that must balance functional barriers and recyclability.
- Commercial and Industrial Films: Shrink wrap, pallet covers, and collation wraps where high PE/PP purity is more easily maintained.
- Packaging Development: Assists R&D and sustainability teams in evaluating material choices, structure design, and supplier requirements for new packaging lines.
- Compliance and Eco-Labeling: Supports organizations aiming to meet European recycling targets, eco-label requirements, and circular economy goals.
- Supplier Communication: Provides a reference point for communicating design-for-recycling requirements along the packaging value chain.
Related Standards
For a holistic approach to circular plastic packaging, reference to related standards is recommended:
- EN 18120-1: Definitions and design principles for recycling of plastic packaging
- EN 18120-3: Sortability evaluation process for plastic packaging
- EN 18120-6: Guideline for PE and PP rigid packaging
- EN 18120-13: Protocols for recyclability evaluation of PE and PP flexible packaging
- EN 13430: Requirements for packaging recoverable by material recycling
The series collectively empowers better decision-making towards compliant and sustainable plastic packaging design.
Keywords: design for recycling, flexible packaging, plastic packaging recycling, PE packaging, PP packaging, sustainable packaging, CEN standard, packaging recyclability, European packaging directive, polymer recycling.