Plastic circularity involves design, collection, sorting, reprocessing and reuse. Understanding material sources and end-use requirements supports a traceable recovery process.
Distinguish material sources
Pre-consumer and post-consumer materials have different origins and management requirements. Purchasing and production records should identify material category, batch and supply source.
Define quality around the application
Requirements for contamination, colour, mechanical properties and processing consistency vary by end use. Establish the relevant tests and retain the corresponding records.
Link claims to evidence
Statements about recycled content, certification or environmental benefit should match the actual material, calculation boundary and supporting documents. Equipment names alone do not establish product certification.
Consider recovery during product design
Material identification, single-material designs and separable components can assist recovery. Discuss connections between product design and recycling around customer requirements.