A recent article provides practical guidance on how to clearly classify material flows as waste, by-products, pre-consumer or post-consumer recycled materials. It is based on key regulations such as the German Circular Economy Act, the European Waste Framework Directive and CEN/TR 18160:2025-04-24 – Recycling of Plastics. Classification of plastic recyclates as post-consumer recyclates (PCR) and post-industrial recyclates (PIR).
It is clearly demonstrated that the correct assessment of input streams and processes is crucial for the classification of the resulting end product. This affects legal requirements, processing steps, quality and environmental assessment, as well as the designation of the recyclates. Using concrete examples, the article illustrates the conditions under which materials are considered waste and thus fulfil the prerequisite for the production of recyclate.
At the same time, the article highlights existing ambiguities, for example in the case of multiple recycling cycles or the lack of uniform assessment methods. With around 15 concrete cases, it provides excellent practical guidance and supports companies in the legally compliant assessment of their material flows and processes.
Link to Issue 5: https://www.kunststoffe.de/a/news/kunststoffe-52026-ist-erschienen-7753522
