Set of EN 18120-1-15 - Packaging. Design for recycling of plastic packaging Recyclability evaluation process for plastic packaging

BS EN 18120 Series:2026 – Packaging Design for Recycling of Plastic Packaging

The BS EN 18120 series provides a comprehensive European framework for designing plastic packaging with improved recyclability. The standards establish harmonized definitions, design principles, evaluation methods, and material-specific guidance to support the circular economy and increase the efficiency of plastic packaging collection, sorting, and recycling processes.

The series covers both general design-for-recycling principles and detailed technical requirements for specific plastic packaging formats and polymer types, including PET, PE, PP, PS, XPS, and EPS packaging. It also defines standardized recyclability assessment protocols to evaluate how packaging performs within existing recycling systems.

Overview of the individual standards

• BS EN 18120-1:2026
  Packaging. Design for recycling of plastic packaging Definitions and principles for design-for-recycling of plastic packaging
  Defines the fundamental terminology, principles, and general requirements for designing recyclable plastic packaging. It establishes the overall framework for design-for-recycling across the plastic packaging value chain.
• BS EN 18120-3:2026
  Packaging. Design for recycling of plastic packaging Evaluation processes for the sortability of plastic packaging
  Specifies evaluation methods for assessing the sortability of plastic packaging within waste sorting systems, ensuring compatibility with current identification and separation technologies.
• BS EN 18120-4:2026
  Packaging. Design for recycling of plastic packaging Guideline for PET bottles
  Provides design-for-recycling guidelines specifically for PET bottles, including recommendations related to materials, labels, closures, colors, additives, and barrier layers.
• BS EN 18120-5:2026
  Packaging. Design for recycling of plastic packaging Guideline for PET rigid packaging (except bottles)
  Establishes recyclability guidance for rigid PET packaging other than bottles, addressing trays, containers, and similar formats.
• BS EN 18120-7:2026
  Packaging. Design for recycling of plastic packaging Guideline for PE and PP flexible packaging
  Defines design recommendations for flexible PE and PP packaging, focusing on multilayer structures, inks, adhesives, and compatibility with flexible film recycling streams.
• BS EN 18120-8:2026
  Packaging. Design for recycling of plastic packaging Guideline for PS and XPS rigid packaging
  Provides guidance for rigid packaging made from PS and XPS materials, supporting improved recovery and recycling performance.
• BS EN 18120-9:2026
  Packaging. Design for recycling of plastic packaging Guideline for EPS packaging
  Covers recyclability considerations for EPS packaging, including material composition and processing compatibility.
• BS EN 18120-10:2026
  Packaging. Design for recycling of plastic packaging Recyclability evaluation process for plastic packaging. Protocols for PET bottles
  Defines standardized recyclability evaluation protocols for PET bottles, enabling consistent technical assessment of recycling performance.
• BS EN 18120-11:2026
  Packaging. Design for recycling of plastic packaging Recyclability evaluation process for plastic packaging. Protocols for PET rigid packaging (except bottles)
  Specifies recyclability testing and evaluation procedures for rigid PET packaging excluding bottles.
• BS EN 18120-12:2026
  Packaging. Design for recycling of plastic packaging Recyclability evaluation process for plastic packaging. Protocols for PE and PP rigid packaging
  Establishes recyclability assessment protocols for rigid PE and PP packaging.
• BS EN 18120-13:2026
  Packaging. Design for recycling of plastic packaging Recyclability evaluation process for plastic packaging. Protocols for PE and PP flexible packaging
  Provides standardized evaluation methods for flexible PE and PP packaging recyclability.
• BS EN 18120-14:2026
  Packaging. Design for recycling of plastic packaging Recyclability evaluation process for plastic packaging. Protocols for PS and XPS rigid packaging
  Defines recyclability evaluation protocols for rigid PS and XPS packaging.
• BS EN 18120-15:2026
  Packaging. Design for recycling of plastic packaging Recyclability evaluation process for plastic packaging. Protocols for EPS packaging
  Specifies recyclability assessment procedures for EPS packaging.

Overall purpose of the series

Together, the BS EN 18120 standards support packaging producers, converters, recyclers, and brand owners in developing plastic packaging that is compatible with existing recycling infrastructure and aligned with European sustainability and circular economy objectives. The standards promote greater material recovery, improved recyclate quality, and more transparent recyclability assessment across the packaging industry.