RECOUP unveils updated recyclability guidelines ahead of EPR implementation

RECOUP has announced new updates to its Recyclability by Design (RBD) guidelines 2024 in preparation for the compliance and financial impact of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme.

These updates aim to support businesses in designing plastic packaging that not only complies with regulations but also aligns with broader sustainability objectives.

The guidelines set out material-specific recommendations such as material compatibility and design principles from commonly used plastics. Given the challenges posed by multi-layer and composite materials, it advises that these designs should be avoided unless they can be efficiently separated during recycling.

Updated compatibility tables also provide a framework for determining the recyclability of various material combinations, for instance PET bottles with clear or light-tinted materials are marked as compatible, while those with heavy pigments or non-separable barrier layers are deemed unsuitable.

Lifecycle assessments (LCAs) and metrics for circular economy contribution have further been added to the updated guidelines to offer businesses ways to quantify the environmental impacts of their packaging.

The guidance outlines steps to integrate these considerations into early-stage product development, hoping to reduce later modifications and the associated costs.

Paul East, RECOUP’s Head of Packaging Recycling and Design, commented: “RBD is a reminder of the importance of designing for recycling, when making decisions, as well as for marketing and brand recognition.”

The guidelines also address the complexities of recent EU regulations, including the Recycled Plastic Materials and Articles Regulations updated in 2022, which impose stricter traceability requirements.

East added: “By using the recommendations within RBD, you will be ensuring that your plastic packaging is given the best chance to be recycled in line with upcoming legislation.”