TCEP PETCORE
The Blue Angel ecolabel is a useful tool to communicate the use of recycled plastic in products.
The TCEP (Tray Circularity Evaluation Platform) certification is an initiative by PETCORE Europe, dedicated to advancing the recyclability and promoting the circular economy of PET trays. Developed in collaboration with tray manufacturers, EPRO (formerly the European Association of Plastics Recycling and Recovery Organizations), and Plastics Recyclers Europe (PRE), this certification serves as a pivotal step in transforming the PET thermoformed tray industry.
The mission of TCEP is clear and ambitious: to enhance the recyclability of PET trays and drive the industry towards a fully circular economy. By fostering innovation and collaboration across the value chain, TCEP supports sustainable practices and the effective recovery and reuse of PET materials, ensuring a greener future.
Purpose of the Platform
The Tray Circularity Evaluation Platform (TCEP PETCORE) focuses on providing technical and strategic support to the PET thermoformed tray industry. This includes evaluating innovative technologies and issuing independent, confidential technical analyses on their impact on PET recycling processes across Europe. Through a panel of experts in design, production and recycling, the platform works exclusively on optimizing recyclability these products and promoting sustainable practices throughout the value chain.
PET Design Guidelines and Evaluation Methodology
TCEP PETCORE has established strict design guidelines and rigorous testing procedures to ensure that new packaging technologies do not interfere with recycling processes. These assessments evaluate each innovation’s impact on PET recycling to ensure that only products meeting platform standards receive recyclability certification.
The platform also offers technical opinions on packaging solutions that have earned a positive evaluation from the TCEP panel of technical experts to ensure that only these innovations maintain recyclability certification, provided the established conditions are followed.
Evaluation and Certification Process for PET Packaging Technologies
The Tray Circularity Evaluation Platform offers a thorough and detailed assessment of new packaging technologies. This process includes signing a confidentiality agreement and submitting an application form for an evaluation of innovative packaging. Upon receipt, the TCEP panel of technical experts conducts a comprehensive evaluation to assess the technology’s impact on PET recycling. If the assessment is favourable, a technical opinion is issued certifying that the technology does not create recycling problems when the specified conditions are met.
Benefits of TCEP PETCORE Certification
Receiving TCEP PETCORE certification provides PET tray companies with several advantages:
- Market positioning: It acts as a quality seal that enhances consumer and business partner confidence in the product’s recyclability.
- Regulatory compliance: It supports compliance with European Union recycling and sustainability regulations.
- Drive for sustainability: It promotes the development of more sustainable and recyclable packaging technologies to actively contribute to the circular economy.
How to Begin the Certification Process
To start the evaluation process for a new packaging technology or to request more information, please contact AIMPLAS, a laboratory accredited by TCEP.
Certifications
