BS EN 15348 is the European standard that gives guidelines for the characterization of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) recyclates.
It gives the most important characteristics and associated test methods for assessing PET recyclates intended to be used for the production of semi-finished/finished products. It is intended for use by the supplier and purchaser of such materials, to assist them in agreeing on specifications.
BS EN 15348 is applicable without prejudice to any existing legislation.
Recycling of plastics waste is one type of material recovery process intended to save resources (virgin raw materials, water, and energy), while minimizing harmful emissions into air, water, and soil as well as any impacts on human health. The environmental impact of recycling has to be assessed over the whole life cycle of the recycling system (from the waste generation point to the disposal of final residues). To ensure that recycling constitutes the best environmental option for treating the available waste, some prerequisites should preferably be met:
- Recycling scheme being contemplated should generate lower environmental impacts than alternative recovery options
- Existing or potential market outlets should be identified that will secure a sustainable industrial recycling operation
- Collection and sorting schemes should be properly designed to deliver recyclable plastics waste fractions fitting reasonably well with the available recycling technologies and with the (changing) needs of the identified market outlets, preferably at minimum costs to society.
This standard has been produced in accordance with the guidance produced by CEN on Environmental Aspects and in accordance with CEN/TR 15353 Plastics. Recycled Plastics. Guidelines for the development of standards relating to recycled plastics.
CEN/TR 15353 considers the general environmental aspects that are specific to the recycling process.
It is often impossible to trace back each individual product at the end-user stage and to check whether the product has been used correctly throughout its life. Consequently, products are out of industrial control for a period of time. During this period, contamination with other materials may occur that could affect the product's suitability for recycling into the intended application.
Contents of BS EN 15348 include:
- Foreword
- Introduction
- Scope
- Normative references
- Terms, definitions, and abbreviated terms
- Characteristics of PET recyclates
- Quality Assurance
- Method for the determination of size and distribution of PET-R flakes by sieving
- Determination and expression of the results
- Test report
- Method for the determination of the melt mass-flow rate (MFR) of PET
- Test equipment
- Safety precautions
- Measurement
- Results
- Gravimetric method for the determination of residual humidity (water content)
- Rapid method for the determination of residual impurities
- Potentiometric method for the determination of the residual alkalinity
- Method for the determination of infusible impurities by filtration
- Bibliography
See other standards for recycled plastics:
BS EN 15342:2007 Plastics. Recycled plastics. Characterization of polystyrene (PS) recyclates
BS EN 15343:2007 Plastics. Recycled plastics. Plastics recycling traceability and assessment of conformity and recycled content
BS EN 15344:2007 Plastics. Recycled plastics. Characterization of polyethylene (PE) recyclates
BS EN 15345:2007 Plastics. Recycled plastics. Characterization of polypropylene (PP) recyclates
BS EN 15346:2007 Plastics. Recycled plastics. Characterization of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) recyclates
BS EN 15347:2007 Plastics. Recycled Plastics. Characterization of plastics waste
