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Protocols Recycle Check

KIDV has developed several so-called Recycle Checks to help companies make their packaging recyclable. A number of questions from the Recycle Check for Rigid Plastic Packaging (2023 version) are marked as complex. These are parameters that must be tested according to a protocol before a score can be given to them (optimal, reasonable, limited or non-recyclable). On this page, you can find everything about these protocols, as well as other resources for this specific Recycle Check.

Recycle Check Rigid Plastic Packaging

  • Tool for determining the correct size of labels and sleeves

If the material types of the main component and the label are different, the size of the label in relation to the main component is important for proper sorting. The NTCP has developed an online tool for this on behalf of the KIDV. Click here to go to this tool. 

  • Protocol 'Compressibility of cylindrical packaging' 

Do you want to know whether your cylindrical- or conical packaging is compressible or not? Then step on the (empty) packaging and off again. If the packaging is not flattened or springs back into round shape, chances are that it will keep its round shape even in the collection and sorting process. It cannot then be sorted properly. When in doubt, the NTCP's Compression Protocol can be used, which simulates the collection and sorting step. Click here for the protocol.

 

New protocol washable adhesives (2024)

  • Protocol 'Washable adhesives on rigid PP and PE packaging'

PE and PP packaging are hot washed by some recyclers. Adhesives that do not release in the washing process may interfere with further recycling and should be avoided.

Important: the hot and cold wash steps are now integrated in the same protocol. All the information about this new protocol can be found on this dedicated page.

In Q1 of 2025 the KIDV will publish the Label Releasability Monitor that allows users to check whether packaging has already been tested with the same critical parameters in the past. Until then, this should be checked with the NTCP.

 

Older protocols (2023)

  • Protocol 'Hot washable adhesive for PET bottles and PET trays' 

The European PET Bottle Platform (EPBP) has developed a protocol to test releaseability for hot washable adhesives for PET packaging. Adhesives that do not release in the washing process can interfere with further recycling and should be avoided. Click here to go to the EPBP protocol.

  • Protocol 'Cold washable adhesive for PP and PE packaging' 

PE and PP packaging is often cold washed by recyclers. Adhesives that do not release in the washing process can interfere with further recycling and should be avoided. For testing these cold-washable adhesives, a protocol has been drawn up by KIDV in collaboration with NTCP and Recyclass. Companies can test the releaseability using the protocol themselves (e.g. in their own laboratory or test facility) or at the NTCP. The protocol consists of two documents:
The protocol itself offers a description of the steps you need to go through to perform the test and the material you need to do so, click here.
In addition, a calculation tool in Excel provides another tool to follow the protocol, click here.