Recycled UN packaging

First in the Nordics with UN-approved PCR

This week NET has certified two packagings for liquid with PCR (Post-consumer resin) plastic material: NET9703R (PDF) and NET9705R (PDF). It is a well-known fact that the world is dependent on increasing recycling, in general and plastics in particular. If we are to achieve the UN's sustainability goal 12.5, which requires that by 2030 the amount of waste be significantly reduced through prevention, reduction, material recycling and reuse, it is important that regulations and regulations do not stand in the way of using PCR if it is possible in a responsible way. It is therefore pleasing that the jerricans to Muovi-Heljanko OY as the first manufacturer in the Nordics, met the stricter requirements of NET ITM010. These packagings are the first to be approved under NET's program to ensure the safe production of jerricans containing PCR plastic in accordance with the requirements of ADR 6.1.4.8.8.

ADR defines reusable plastic as plastic that has only been used industrially, it therefore does not allow for running clean PCR material in type-approved packaging. The certification of this packaging assumes that PCR is used as "building blocks" in a layer between virgin HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) materials. The chemicals will only be in contact with virgin material, in the same way that it is protected from weather and wind by a corresponding outer layer.

This requires that the packaging is produced using multilayer technology and it is in this way possible to ensure safe production using a "tightened" regulatory framework. 

(The picture shows the jerricans after a drop test)

NET congratulates Muovi-Heljanko as the first company in the Nordics to hold type approval for this concept. At the same time, we hope that this work will lead to more people following and that in this way we can help make a difference. NET sits in the working group of ISO (ISO/TC122/SC3/WG8) whose main goal is to change these regulations in the long term, but until this work is completed we hope this will be a positive contribution to solving an ever-growing problem worldwide.

Certification of this type of packaging not only requires a good quality program at the manufacturer, it will also require regular follow-up after the type approval itself. This is ensured by means of NET's program follow-up given in ITM010.