SIST EN 18120-8:2026
(Main)Packaging - Design for recycling of plastic packaging - Part 8: Guideline for PS and XPS rigid packaging
Packaging - Design for recycling of plastic packaging - Part 8: Guideline for PS and XPS rigid packaging
This document covers the design of any rigid packaging with the main body of the packaging unit predominantly made of PS or XPS and the design of separate components predominantly made of rigid PS or XPS with respect to compatibility of the design with state-of-the-art collecting, sorting and recycling processes and useability of the recyclates in an application.
Packaging constituents and packaging components made of other materials than PS and XPS are also covered by this document as they need to be evaluated on compatibility with PS or XPS polymer recycling.
Verpackung - Recyclingorientierte Gestaltung von Kunststoffverpackungsprodukten - Teil 8: Leitfaden und Protokolle für starren Verpackungen aus PS
Dieses Dokument gilt für die Gestaltung von allen starren Verpackungen, deren Hauptteil überwiegend aus PS oder XPS besteht, sowie für die Gestaltung separater Bestandteile, die überwiegend aus starrem PS oder starrem XPS bestehen, im Hinblick auf die Kompatibilität der Gestaltung mit den Sammel-, Sortier- und Recyclingverfahren nach dem aktuellen Stand der Technik und die Verwendbarkeit der Rezyklate in einer Anwendung.
Verpackungselemente und Verpackungsbestandteile aus anderen Materialien als PS und XPS werden ebenfalls durch dieses Dokument behandelt, da sie hinsichtlich ihrer Kompatibilität mit dem PS- oder XPS-Polymer-Recycling bewertet werden müssen.
Emballages - Conception des emballages plastiques en vue de leur recyclage - Partie 8 : Lignes directrices pour les emballages rigides en PS et XPS
Le présent document traite de la conception d’emballages rigides en PS et XPS, et plus particulièrement de la compatibilité de la conception avec les processus de collecte, de tri et de recyclage.
Les constituants et composants d’emballages fabriqués à partir de matériaux autres que le PS sont également couverts par le présent document, car il est nécessaire d’évaluer leur compatibilité avec le recyclage du polymère.
Embalaža - Načrtovanje za recikliranje plastične embalaže - 8. del: Smernica za plastično embalažo iz polistirena (PS) in ekstrudiranega polistirena (XPS)
General Information
- Status
- Not Published
- Public Enquiry End Date
- 01-Nov-2024
- Technical Committee
- EPO - Packaging - sales and grouped
- Current Stage
- 6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
- Start Date
- 23-Apr-2026
- Due Date
- 28-Jun-2026
Overview
SIST EN 18120-8:2026, published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN), provides guidelines for the design for recycling of rigid plastic packaging predominantly made of polystyrene (PS) or extruded polystyrene (XPS). This part of the EN 18120 standard series focuses on the compatibility of PS and XPS packaging - including all main components and separate elements - with state-of-the-art collection, sorting, and recycling processes in Europe. The guidance also includes criteria for evaluating packaging constituents and components made from materials other than PS and XPS, ensuring their compatibility within PS/XPS recycling streams.
Design for recycling plays a vital role in the broader context of sustainable packaging, supporting high-quality recyclate production and circularity in the plastics industry.
Key Topics
- Design Compatibility: Clear definitions of which materials, barriers, colorants, and closure systems are considered fully compatible, limited, or not compatible with PS and XPS recycling processes.
- Sortability: Guidance ensures packaging designs enable effective collection and sorting, referencing EN 18120-3 for detailed sortability evaluation processes.
- Material Guidelines:
- Main packaging body: Must be predominantly PS or XPS.
- Other components: Non-PS/XPS elements are assessed for recycling stream impact.
- Compatibility Categories:
- Green: Full compatibility (e.g., natural/white PS, water-soluble labels).
- Yellow: Limited compatibility (e.g., some PE closures, Near Infra-Red detectable colors).
- Red: No compatibility (e.g., PVC labels, metallic inks, multi-layer films with certain polymers).
- Additives and Barriers: Specifies acceptable and non-acceptable additives (stabilizers vs. bio/oxo/photodegradables) and barrier materials (e.g., EVOH <5% allowed).
- Labels, Inks, Sleeves: Recommendations prioritize materials and adhesives that allow for efficient washing, deinking, and removal during recycling.
Applications
SIST EN 18120-8:2026 is relevant to:
- Packaging Design: Guiding brand owners, packaging manufacturers, and designers on optimal material selection and construction for PS and XPS rigid packaging, such as trays, cups, and food containers.
- Material Selection: Supporting decisions around additives, coatings, labels, inks, and closure systems to maximize recyclability.
- Collection and Recycling Operations: Ensures designs are compatible with established European collection, sorting, and mechanical recycling processes, facilitating high-quality secondary raw materials production.
- Stakeholders across the Value Chain:
- Brand owners and converters: Integrate approved materials and design features from project concept stage.
- Waste management and recyclers: Benefit from improved packaging input that leads to enhanced throughput and end-product quality.
- Regulatory compliance: Assists in meeting European sustainability targets and legislative requirements for recyclability.
Related Standards
SIST EN 18120-8:2026 is an integral part of the comprehensive EN 18120 series, which addresses design for recycling of various types of plastic packaging, supporting harmonization across the sector. Related standards include:
- EN 18120-1: Definitions and principles for design-for-recycling of plastic packaging.
- EN 18120-3: Sortability evaluation process for plastic packaging.
- EN 18120-14: Recyclability evaluation protocols specifically for PS and XPS packaging.
- EN 18120-9 & EN 18120-15: Guidelines and protocols for expanded polystyrene (EPS) packaging.
- DIN SPEC 91496: Recycling of printed polymer packaging, focusing on deinking evaluation methods.
By following SIST EN 18120-8:2026, organizations can achieve greater resource efficiency, facilitate the circular economy, and demonstrate leadership in sustainable packaging design for PS and XPS rigid applications.
Keywords: PS packaging recycling, XPS packaging design, rigid plastic recycling, sustainable packaging, European recycling guidelines, sortability, recyclability assessment, packaging design for recycling, PS/XPS compatibility.
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Frequently Asked Questions
SIST EN 18120-8:2026 is a draft published by the Slovenian Institute for Standardization (SIST). Its full title is "Packaging - Design for recycling of plastic packaging - Part 8: Guideline for PS and XPS rigid packaging". This standard covers: This document covers the design of any rigid packaging with the main body of the packaging unit predominantly made of PS or XPS and the design of separate components predominantly made of rigid PS or XPS with respect to compatibility of the design with state-of-the-art collecting, sorting and recycling processes and useability of the recyclates in an application. Packaging constituents and packaging components made of other materials than PS and XPS are also covered by this document as they need to be evaluated on compatibility with PS or XPS polymer recycling.
This document covers the design of any rigid packaging with the main body of the packaging unit predominantly made of PS or XPS and the design of separate components predominantly made of rigid PS or XPS with respect to compatibility of the design with state-of-the-art collecting, sorting and recycling processes and useability of the recyclates in an application. Packaging constituents and packaging components made of other materials than PS and XPS are also covered by this document as they need to be evaluated on compatibility with PS or XPS polymer recycling.
SIST EN 18120-8:2026 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 13.030.50 - Recycling; 55.020 - Packaging and distribution of goods in general; 83.080.20 - Thermoplastic materials. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
SIST EN 18120-8:2026 is associated with the following European legislation: Standardization Mandates: M/584. When a standard is cited in the Official Journal of the European Union, products manufactured in conformity with it benefit from a presumption of conformity with the essential requirements of the corresponding EU directive or regulation.
SIST EN 18120-8:2026 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
oSIST prEN 18120-8:2024
01-oktober-2024
Embalaža - Načrtovanje, ki omogoča recikliranje plastične embalaže - 8. del:
Smernica za plastično embalažo iz polistirena (PS) in ekstrudiranega polistirena
(XPS)
Packaging - Design for recycling for plastic packaging - Part 8: Guideline for PS and XPS
packaging
Verpackung - Recyclingorientierte Gestaltung von Kunststoffverpackungsprodukten - Teil
8: Leitfaden und Protokolle für Verpackungen aus PS
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN 18120-8
ICS:
13.030.50 Recikliranje Recycling
55.020 Pakiranje in distribucija blaga Packaging and distribution of
na splošno goods in general
83.080.20 Plastomeri Thermoplastic materials
oSIST prEN 18120-8:2024 en,fr,de
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
oSIST prEN 18120-8:2024
oSIST prEN 18120-8:2024
DRAFT
EUROPEAN STANDARD
prEN 18120-8
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
September 2024
ICS 55.020; 13.030.50; 83.080.20
English Version
Packaging - Design for recycling for plastic packaging -
Part 8: Guideline for PS and XPS packaging
Verpackung - Recyclingorientierte Gestaltung von
Kunststoffverpackungsprodukten - Teil 8: Leitfaden
und Protokolle für Verpackungen aus PS
This draft European Standard is submitted to CEN members for enquiry. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee
CEN/TC 261.
If this draft becomes a European Standard, CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations
which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.
This draft European Standard was established by CEN in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other
language made by translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre has the same status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and
United Kingdom.
Recipients of this draft are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant patent rights of which they are
aware and to provide supporting documentation.
Warning : This document is not a European Standard. It is distributed for review and comments. It is subject to change without
notice and shall not be referred to as a European Standard.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2024 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. prEN 18120-8:2024 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
oSIST prEN 18120-8:2024
prEN 18120-8:2024 (E)
Contents Page
European foreword . 3
Introduction . 4
1 Scope . 6
2 Normative references . 6
3 Terms and definitions . 6
4 Design compatibility of PS and XPS packaging with recycling . 6
4.1 General characteristics . 6
4.2 Sortability . 7
4.3 Design guidelines summary table . 7
4.4 Expected developments for PS and XPS packaging . 11
Bibliography . 12
oSIST prEN 18120-8:2024
prEN 18120-8:2024 (E)
European foreword
This document (prEN 18120-8:2024) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 261
“Packaging”, the secretariat of which is held by AFNOR.
This document is currently submitted to the CEN Enquiry.
This document has been prepared under a standardization request addressed to CEN by the European
Commission. The Standing Committee of the EFTA States subsequently approves these requests for its
Member States.
oSIST prEN 18120-8:2024
prEN 18120-8:2024 (E)
Introduction
EN 18120 consisting of 15 parts aims via a series of guidelines and protocols to establish consistency
and improvement for the Design for recycling of household, industrial and commercial plastic
packaging.
— Part 1: Definitions and principles for design-for-recycling of plastic packaging
— Part 2: Process and governance to evaluate the recyclability of plastic packaging
— Part 3: Sortability evaluation process for plastic packaging
— Part 4: Guideline for PET bottles
— Part 5: Guideline for PET rigid packaging (except bottle)
— Part 6: Guideline for PE and PP rigid packaging
— Part 7: Guideline and protocols for PE and PP flexible packaging
— Part 8: Guideline for PS and XPS packaging
— Part 9: Guideline for EPS packaging
— Part 10: Recyclability evaluation process for plastic packaging — Protocols for PET bottles
— Part 11: Recyclability evaluation process for plastic packaging — Protocols for PET other rigid
packaging
— Part 12: Recyclability evaluation process for plastic packaging — Protocols for PE and PP rigid
packaging
— Part 13: Recyclability evaluation process for plastic packaging — Protocols for PE and PP flexible
packaging
— Part 14: Recyclability evaluation process for plastic packaging — Protocols for PS and XPS
packaging
— Part 15: Recyclability evaluation process for plastic packaging — Protocols for EPS packaging
Design for recycling guidelines are a common way of describing compatibility with plastic packaging
collection, sorting and recycling into high quality recycled plastic into state-of-the-art facilities. They
provide guidance on the level compatibility, defined as:
— green: Packaging constituents with full compatibility with recycling;
— yellow: Packaging constituents with limited compatibility with recycling;
— red: Packaging constituents which are not compatible with recycling.
Recyclability guidelines will require regular review and improvement to reflect innovations in design,
collection, sorting and recycling.
The Design for recycling guidelines provided in this series of standards are representative of the state
of the art in Europe and cover all steps from design for recycling, packaging waste collection, sorting,
recycling into recycled plastic and to use in a new application.
oSIST prEN 18120-8:2024
prEN 18120-8:2024 (E)
Packaging recyclability is the combination of five parameters: packaging designed for recycling,
packaging waste collection, sorting when necessary, recycling and use of recycled plastic in a new
application. This series of standards covers one parameter: the design for recycling.
oSIST prEN 18120-8:2024
prEN 18120-8:2024 (E)
1 Scope
This document covers the design of PS and XPS rigid packaging with respect to compatibility of the
design with the collecting, sorting, and recycling processes.
Packaging constituents and packaging components made of other materials than PS are also covered by
this document as they need to be evaluated on compatibility with polymer recycling.
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.
prEN 18120-1, Packaging — Design for recycling of plastic packaging — Part 1: Definitions and principles
for design-for-recycling of plastic packaging
prEN 18120-3, Packaging — Design for recycling of plastic packaging — Part 3: Sortability evaluation
process for plastic packaging
prEN 18120-14, Packaging — Design for recycling of plastic packaging — Part 14: Recyclability
evaluation process for plastic packaging — Protocols for PS and XPS packaging
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and defini
...
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