This series is not one universal document for every recycled plastic. Select the relevant standard according to the polymer type and the information needed to describe the recycled material.
Why does the EN 15342–EN 15348 series exist?
Recycled materials can differ in origin, purity, physical properties and preparation. European standards for recycled plastics help align terminology, material characterisation and the information exchanged between suppliers and customers.
Individual standards cover different polymers
The numbers in this series should not be used interchangeably. Each standard concerns a specific material group. Before using a document, check its current title, edition and scope in an official standards catalogue.
What is their practical role?
The standards can provide a reference when establishing:
- the name and description of a recycled material;
- parameters to declare in the specification;
- test methods appropriate to each parameter;
- sampling and result-reporting rules;
- requirements agreed between the supplier and customer.
A standard does not replace the customer's specification
A customer may require parameters beyond the minimum set described in a standard. In practice, the commercial specification should combine normative requirements with the needs of the particular conversion process.
A standard does not confirm material origin
Quality characterisation and traceability are different issues. Material property data does not replace evidence of origin, PCR/PreCR status or the data required by a certification scheme.
How should standards be used during an audit?
A company claiming that its material conforms to a particular standard should be able to identify the current edition, the parameters used, test methods, control frequency and procedures for results outside the specification.
Key takeaway
The EN 15342–EN 15348 series helps establish a common quality language for recycled plastics. It does not replace a traceability system or an individual specification agreed with the customer.