GDR 7: Increase Recycling Value in Rigid HDPE and PP

For all rigid HDPE and PP packaging:

1. For all labels, ensure material choice, adhesive choice, inks and size is not problematic for recycling¹
2. Use minimal or moderate direct printing²
3. For closures, ensure material choice, liners and seals are not problematic for recycling
4. Do not use fillers that increase the density of the packaging to >1g/cm³

The rule applies to all rigid HDPE and PP packaging, including bottles and squeeze tubes.

Rigid HDPE and PP packaging is recycled in practice and at scale in many markets², but there is significant scope for increasing value in recycling and increasing availability and quantity of recycled material³.

Read more detail in the Resources section of this website.

THE SCALE

If adopted industry-wide, this rule would affect 20% of the total plastic packaging market.*

 

1) Including phase out of paper labels, and PET, PETG, PLA and PVC labels/sleeves; and non-water soluble/dispersible adhesives. Labels/sleeves should not lead to misdetection of the packaging and misdirection to waste. For in-mould labelling use only polyolefins. 2) E.g. production or expiry date. Where additional printing is necessary, use of labels is preferred. If this is not possible, use only inks that do not bleed or which are proven not to limit recyclability. 3) Including phase out of silicone valves, and PVC and silicone seals; PS and PVC; and steel and aluminium caps. Closures should not lead to the misdetection of the packaging and misdirection to waste.

* EMF New Plastics Economy Global Commitment Progress Report 2020