BS EN 15347:2007 Plastics. Recycled Plastics. Characterization of plastics waste
BS EN 15347 is the European standard that provides a scheme for the characterisation of plastics wastes, laying out those properties for which the supplier of the waste shall make information available to the purchaser, and identifying test methods where applicable. The scheme provides for a division of information between "Required Data", where a statement is required, even if it is "unclassified", and additional "Optional Data" which the supplier may choose to provide if it adds value to the waste.
BS EN 15347 is applicable without prejudice to any existing legislation. This standard does not cover the characterisation of plastics recyclates.
Recycling of plastics waste is one type of material recovery process intended to save resources (virgin raw materials, water, and energy), while minimising 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 through its life. Consequently, products are out of industrial control for a period of time. It is possible that 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 15347 include:
- Foreword
- Introduction
- Scope
- Normative references
- Terms, definitions and abbreviated terms
- Requirements
- Classification scheme
- Quality Assurance
- Bibliography
See other standards for recycled plastics:
BS EN 15342:2007 Plastics. Recycled plastics. Characterization of polystyrene (PS) recyclates
BS EN 15344:2007 Plastics. Recycled plastics. Characterization of polyethylene (PE) recyclates
BS EN 15345:2007 Plastics. Recycled plastics. Characterization of polypropylene (PP) recyclates