New RAL Quality Mark for Recycled Polyethylene
The more plastic is produced, the more important it is that it is reused several times and that high standards are set for recycling quality. The new RAL Quality Assurance Association for Films, Bags and Carrier Bags Made from Recycled Polyethylene (RAL Gütegemeinschaft Folien, Beutel, Tragetaschen aus recyceltem Polyethylen e. V.) is committed to this goal through its Quality Mark for Post-Consumer Recycled Polyethylene (Gütezeichen Post-Consumer Recyceltes Polyethylen). Its work primarily focuses on plastics from end-consumer waste. The aim is to replace new materials with high-quality recycled polyethylene without compromising on quality.
To ensure this is achieved, the Quality Assurance Association has set out a number of comprehensive requirements, including those relating to the manufacture of carrier bags made from recycled polyethylene, which must be of an equivalent standard to products made from primary raw materials. These requirements cover the entire production process, from sorting and washing the plastic waste to manufacturing the recycled material granulate. This post-consumer recycled material is then used to make high-quality, reusable carrier bags consisting of at least 85% recycled polyethylene. The bags must also meet the high quality standards set out in the Quality Assurance and Test Specifications, for example, concerning reusability and strength characteristics. Laboratory tests are also carried out at regular intervals to check compliance with various regulations. This is because the reusable carrier bags made from recycled material are suitable for short-term direct contact with peeled and/or washed fruit and vegetables.
RAL Quality Assurance in this area offers many advantages. For example, plastic waste can be reduced and recycled effectively. Resources and CO₂ emissions are reduced. Additionally, the high quality of the carrier bags increases acceptance and competitiveness. Products made from recycled polyethylene can also be recycled.
The RAL Quality Mark identifies products that have been tested and are made from recycled polyethylene. The new EU directives were also taken into account.
“A reusable carrier bag made from recycled plastic bearing the Quality Mark is part of the solution, not the problem. Our mission is to create the right conditions for this”, says Dr. Wolfram Krause, Managing Director of the RAL Quality Assurance Association for Films, Bags and Carrier Bags Made from Recycled Polyethylene (RAL Gütegemeinschaft Folien, Beutel, Tragetaschen aus recyceltem Polyethylen e. V.).
Currently, the Quality Assurance and Test Specifications apply to carrier bags. Specifications for the manufacture of plastic bags and the production of plastic films for industrial packaging will follow.
More information:
Gütegemeinschaft Folien, Beutel, Tragetaschen aus recyceltem Polyethylen e. V.
Geschäftsführer: Dr. Wolfram Krause
Koellikerstraße 13 97070 Würzburg
Tel.: (0931) 3 52 92-0
E-Mail: contact@pcr-quality.com
