ISO 5677:2023

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 5677
First edition
2023-01
Testing and characterization of
mechanically recycled polypropylene
(PP) and polyethylene (PE) for
intended use in different plastics
processing techniques
Essais et caractérisation du polypropylène (PP) et du polyéthylène
(PE) recyclés mécaniquement pour une utilisation dans différentes
techniques de transformation des matières plastiques
Reference number
© ISO 2023
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Published in Switzerland
ii
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 2
4 Testing and characterisation . 2
4.1 Melting point by differential scanning calorimetry(DSC) . 2
4.2 Density . 2
4.3 Melt-mass flow rate (MFR) . 2
4.4 Ash content . 2
4.5 Tensile properties . 2
4.6 Charpy impact strength . 3
4.7 Water content . 3
4.8 Classification of recyclates . 3
5 Test report . 3
6 Quality assurance . 5
Bibliography . 6
iii
Foreword
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iv
Introduction
In the present context, countries across the globe have been promoting and bringing in regulations to
use recyclates in different plastics processing techniques for conversion into variety of end products.
In a few countries, guidelines or regulations for use of mechanically recycled granules or pellets may be
available from the respective national standardization bodies.
The broad objectives of this document are:
— listing of important test methods, which will be useful for processing of mechanically recycled PP
and PE [in granular or pellet form, abbreviated as PP (REC) and PE (REC)];
— provide uniform guidelines to recyclers on testing and characterization for issue of technical
specifications;
— facilitate plastics processors in selecting mechanically recycled granules or pellets based on test
report.
v
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 5677:2023(E)
Testing and characterization of mechanically recycled
polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) for intended use
in different plastics processing techniques
1 Scope
This document specifies test methods for assessing important properties of mechanically recycled
polypropylene [PP (REC)] and polyethylene [PE (REC)] in granular or pellet form for use in conventional
plastics processing techniques.
General guidance is provided for determining the characteristics of PP (REC) and PE (REC), which can
be used at 100 % or in a proportion with standard (virgin) material grades available for processing on
machines such as injection moulding, blow moulding, types of extrusion techniques, etc.
This document intends to help plastics processors and end users who intend to use recyclates with
agreement on product specifications, as applicable.
Country specific health and food-safety and environment related regulations for use of plastics
recyclates are not in the scope of this document.
Mixture of recyclates of PP and PE is not in the scope of this document.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 179-1, Plastics — Determination of Charpy impact properties — Part 1: Non-instrumented impact test
ISO 472, Plastics — Vocabulary
ISO 527-1, Plastics — Determination of tensile properties — Part 1: General principles
ISO 527-2, Plastics — Determination of tensile properties — Part 2: Test conditions for moulding and
extrusion plastics
ISO 1133-1, Plastics — Determination of the melt mass-flow rate (MFR) and melt volume-flow rate (MVR)
of thermoplastics — Part 1: Standard method
ISO 1183-1, Plastics — Methods for determining the density of non-cellular plastics — Part 1: Immersion
method, liquid pycnometer method and titration method
ISO 3451-1, Plastics — Determination of ash — Part 1: General methods
ISO 15270, Plastics — Guidelines for the recovery and recycling of plastics waste
ISO 17855-2, Plastics — Polyethylene (PE) moulding and extrusion materials — Part 2: Preparation of test
specimens and determination of prope
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