Autor: Karsten Schröder

Standardised quality standards for PE and PP plastic recyclates
The increasing importance of plastic recyclates in the circular economy requires clear and comprehensible quality standards. This is precisely where the standards DIN EN ISO 15344 and DIN EN ISO 15345 come in. They deal with the characterisation of recyclates made from polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) and create a reliable basis for communication and quality assurance between suppliers and customers.

by Dr Daniel Wachtendorf
Standardised basis for quality assurance

The two standards aim to facilitate standardised agreements – in particular by defining mandatory properties that are required to describe a plastic recyclate. These include, among others:
- Density
- Melt flow rate (MFR )
These basic parameters provide important information about the processability and application of the recyclates, but are of course far from sufficient to adequately characterise the quality.
Optional tests – a useful addition to the basic specification

In addition to the mandatory parameters, the standards also list a series of optional tests that can be used as a supplement depending on the application. In practice, we recommend including certain additional tests in the specification in order to ensure quality in the long term and recognise fluctuations at an early stage.

Recommended optional examinations include:
- Residual moisture
- Determination of foreign polymers
- Ash content
- Mechanical characteristics, e.g.
  
  Elongation at break
  
  Maximum tensile strength
Extended parameters for specific requirements
In addition to the properties defined in the standards, other test parameters can be highly relevant depending on the application – especially in the area of packaging with food contact or technical applications. These include, for example
- Screening for potentially genotoxic substances
- Sensory testing (odour )
- Colour location measurement of the granulate
These extended tests enable a more precise assessment of the recyclate’s suitability for sensitive areas of application and help to minimise risk.
Why a specification is essential – outlook for the PPWR

When the new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) comes into force in August 2026, the use of recyclate in packaging will become mandatory. This legal change will significantly increase the demand for recycled plastics.

As a result, material bottlenecks and the associated fluctuations in material quality are to be expected – especially if no clear requirements are defined for the recyclate. A clear specification based on the aforementioned standards helps to ensure quality, minimise risks and establish stable long-term supply relationships.

You can order our general film specification template here free of charge by e-mail.

Request a free specification template

Early data collection creates advantages

Early and comprehensive data collection on material quality not only creates transparency regarding the recycled materials used, but also facilitates the targeted search for suppliers. It also enables an open exchange with existing suppliers, for example in the further development of materials or the optimisation of supply relationships.

Innoform – Your partner for plastics analysis

The above-mentioned tests can be carried out at Innoform. As a competent partner in plastics analysis, we support you in the selection of suitable test methods and are happy to advise you when it comes to implementing a standard-compliant and future-proof specification.

Contact us – we will help you to use recyclates safely and efficiently. Phone: 0441 94986-22 or TS@innoform.de
5. Juni 2025

Practical testing of water vapour permeability – which method makes sense when

The Water / Moisture Vapour Transmission Rate (WVTR) is a key parameter for the durability, functionality and sustainability of flexible packaging. Innoform Testservice offers three recognised laboratory methods that together cover the entire practical range from breathable bags to high-barrier films. Below you can find out which test principle has proven itself in which application scenarios.

1 Electrolytic / hydrolysis sensor (ISO 15106-3)

Standards: DIN EN ISO 15106-3
Area of application:

High-barrier films, metallised or inorganically coated structures
WVTR from 0.01 g – m-² – d-¹ to approx. 100 g – m-² – d-¹
Moulded packaging (pouches, bottles, pharmaceutical primary packaging)

Why choose?
The phosphorus pentoxide (or calcium chloride) sensor system decomposes incoming water vapour electrolytically; the required current is directly proportional to the permeate. As a result, the method achieves very low detection limits and is suitable for premium barrier and shelf-life studies. Innoform offers the same technology for both flat films and complete packaging chambers.

2 Modulated infrared sensor (ASTM F 1249 / ISO 15106-2)

Normen: ASTM F 1249, DIN EN ISO 15106-2
Einsatzbereich:

Typical packaging barriers (≈ 0.05 – 50 g – m-² – d-¹)
Fast incoming goods and process control (results ≤ 2 h)
Temperature and RH-controlled tests for validation studies

Why choose?
A modulated infrared detector measures the water vapour absorption in the carrier gas behind the sample. The method delivers reproducible results with short analysis times and automatic climate control – ideal for series testing and comparative material benchmarking.

3 Gravimetric cup method

Standards: DIN 53122-1, DIN EN ISO 12572, ASTM E 96
Area of application:

Medium to high WVTR values (≈ 1 – 1000 g – m-² – d-¹)
Straight, flat samples ≥ 50 cm²
Quality control for standard laminates, paper/plastic composites, breathable construction films

Why choose?
The cup method is robust, inexpensive and widely recognised in standards. It measures the actual mass loss and is therefore ideal as a reference or for comparative measurements between laboratories. The disadvantages are longer measurement times (hours to days) and limited sensitivity for high-quality barrier films.

4 Decision-making aid at a glance

Requirement	Typical WVTR	Sample	Recommended Innoform method	Comment
Budget-friendly reference, standard-compliant	> 0,5 g · m⁻² · d⁻¹	≥ DIN A5 film	Cup gravimetric	slow, very robust
Fast QC measurement in production	0,05 – 50	Foil or flat moulded part	IR sensor	Resultate ≤ 2 h
High barrier, food/pharmaceuticals	0,01 – 0,05	Foil or pack	Electrolytic	Highest sensitivity

5 Practical recommendations

Sample conditioning – at least 24 h under test climate to harmonise moisture gradients.
Double measurement – Innoform carries out two determinations as standard in order to recognise outliers at an early stage.
Order reference foils at the same time – have a known barrier tested once a year; this way you can keep an eye on the calibration in the long term.
Select test climate – typically 23 °C / 85 % rH for food packaging, 38 °C / 90 % rH for tropical simulation.

Complete table of WVTR test methods for films & packaging

Test method	Important standards	Typical WVTR range (g – m-² – d-¹)	Special features	Innoform for Flexpack usual
Gravimetric (cup: dry / wet)	DIN 53122-1, ASTM E 96, ISO 12572	0,5 – 1000	favourable, reference	✔
Capacitive humidity sensor	ISO 15106-1	0,05 – 1000	fast QC, medium sensitivity	✖
Modulated IR sensor	ASTM F 1249, ISO 15106-2	0,02 – 100	automated, ±2 h Result	✔
Electrolytic / hydrolysis sensor	ISO 15106-3, ASTM F 2622	0,005 – 0,05	High barrier, moulded packs	✔
Calcium corrosion test	(R&D, DIN SPEC in progress)- (R&D, DIN SPEC in progress)	10⁻⁴ – 10⁻⁶	Ultra-OLED barriers	✖
Optical-electrical hybrid calcium	–	< 10⁻⁶	Combined measurement for photovoltaics	✖

Summary
Whether standard laminate or high-tech barrier layer: Innoform’s gravimetric, IR and electrolytic processes cover practically every WVTR window of practical relevance. The choice depends on your target WVTR, the time window and the sample geometry – and ultimately determines how reliable your shelf life and process data are.

You can find the Innoform tests and contact persons here:

WVTR Prüfungen

20. Mai 2025

19th Amendment of the Plastics Regulation (EU) No. 10/2011
New regulations for plastics in food contact by Regulation (EU) 2025/351 have been published.

Important amendments to the EU regulations on plastic food contact materials are presented here. These include amendments to Regulation (EU) No. 10/2011, amendments to Regulation (EU) 2022/1616 on recycled plastics and amendments to Regulation (EC) No. 2023/2006 on good manufacturing practice.

Important clarifications concern the definitions and requirements for plastics, the introduction of “UVCB substances”, purity requirements, regulations on reprocessing and recycling, new labelling regulations and extended declarations of conformity. In addition, rules on conformity testing and transition periods are specified.
1. Amendments to existing regulations:
  - Amendments to Regulation (EU) No. 10/2011 on plastic materials and articles that come into contact with food.
  - Amendments to Regulation (EU) 2022/1616 on recycled plastics and repeal of Regulation (EC) No 282/2008.
  - Amendments to Regulation (EC) No 2023/2006 on good manufacturing practice.
1. Clarifications and precisions:
  - Definitions and requirements for the composition of plastics have been specified.
  - Introduction of the term “UVCB substances” (substances with unknown or variable composition).
  - Extent and nature of evidence to demonstrate compliance and composition of starting materials at each stage of the manufacturing process
1. Purity requirements:
  - Specification of high purity levels for substances used in the manufacture of food contact materials.
  - Specific regulations for the purity of substances of natural origin.
2. Reprocessing and recycling:
  - Regulations for the reprocessing of plastic by-products.
  - Requirements for quality assurance systems in recycling plants.
3. Labelling and declaration of conformity:
  - New labelling regulations for reusable food contact materials.
  - Extended requirements for the declaration of compliance, including information on not intentionally added substances (NIAS)
4. Examinations
  - Rules on conformity testing and assessment of compliance with limit values clarified
  - Criteria for assessing the stability of reusable materials and objects
5. Transition periods:
  - 18 months first placing on the market
  - 9 months before the end of the transition period, information of the customer if the requirements have not yet been met.
You can find the regulation here: Regulation – EU – 2025/351 – EN – EUR-Lex

Contact: Heike Schwertke
9. April 2025
Innoform Online Consulting is out!
Discover our new online consulting service from Innoform Test Service!

We are delighted to present our new online consulting service at Innoform Testservice! With this innovative service, we offer you the opportunity to access our expertise conveniently and flexibly from anywhere.

What is the Innoform Testservice?

Innoform Testservice is a recognised testing service provider for flexible packaging made of paper and plastic, with a special focus on the food industry, packaging manufacturers and their suppliers as well as the trade. Our modern equipment and our comprehensive knowledge of food regulations and flexpack requirements enable us to provide you with precise answers to your questions, such as
- Food contact (conformity testing, migration tests, etc.)
- Material characterisation (type, properties, permeation, etc.)
- Recyclates (quality, suitability, contamination)
Our test results and assessments are recognised by manufacturers and users of paper and plastic packaging alike and help to assess and avoid risks.

Our new online consulting service

With our new online consulting service, you can now get in touch with our experts directly and discuss your questions and concerns about packaging testing and optimisation. Whether you need support in selecting the right packaging material or you have specific questions about our test methods – we are here for you!

And all without any risk. Because if you come to the conclusion that we were unable to help you sufficiently in the team meeting, there are no costs involved.

How can you book a consulting appointment?

Booking a consulting appointment is easy! Use our online booking service and book the next available slot directly with our experts. Our online tool shows you all available dates and automatically creates an invitation for MS teams. You do not need to be familiar with MS Teams, all you need is a browser, a microphone and speakers, which should be available everywhere these days. So here we go.

Make an appointment

We look forward to being able to assist you even better, faster and more competently with our new online consulting service and to answering your testing and packaging questions. Do not hesitate to contact us and benefit from our expertise!
9. April 2025
The gelbo flex test according to ASTM F 392
Innoform Testservice frequently receives requests to test the mechanical strength of flexible (barrier) materials. These materials play a crucial role in many applications, from food packaging to technical protective films. A proven method for testing the mechanical strength of these materials is the gelbo flex test in accordance with ASTM F 392, which focuses in particular on the crease and buckling resistance of barrier materials such as film or paper laminates.

What is the gelbo flex test?

The gelbo flex test simulates the stresses to which flexible films are exposed during use. A film sample is stretched onto two rings in the shape of a tube and exposed to repeated pressure and squeezing movements. The intensity and frequency of these movements can be varied to simulate different application scenarios. When performing the test, a distinction is made between two main types, complete and partial twisting. These different methods make it possible to accurately simulate the specific requirements of different applications.

After loading: testing the samples

After the mechanical stress caused by the yellow flex test, the film samples can be further analysed in two ways:

Optical examination for pinholes: In this case, the sample is checked for small holes or weak points that may have been caused by the mechanical stress. This can be done either with the aid of a light table or a special test liquid. These pinholes may significantly affect the barrier properties. 2. permeation test: Using this method, the barrier effect of the stressed sample is compared with that of an untreated sample. This shows the extent to which the mechanical load influences the film’s ability to retain gases or water vapour.
Why is the gelbo flex test important?

In practice, high demands are placed on flexible materials. The yellow flex test offers a standardised method for evaluating the mechanical strength of these materials under realistic conditions. This enables manufacturers and users to ensure the quality and reliability of their products.

Conclusion

Innoform Testservice is your competent partner for testing the mechanical strength of flexible materials. With the gelbo flex test in accordance with ASTM F 392, we offer you a reliable method for testing and optimising the strength and barrier properties of your materials. Trust in our expertise and experience to ensure the quality of your products. www.innoform-testservice.de

Video Innoform Testservice
3. Juni 2024
Initially unpopular EU directives promote innovation.

Hallo, I am the new Easy Opening cap – your hero on the beverage carton!

The EU did not think of that when they told me to live on the packaging.

Stay by my side, I will show you the world of beverages anew!

Hey, it is me, the brand new cap that never comes off your beverage packaging. Why am I so cool? Because I stick around, no matter what. I am like the loyal friend you never lose – always by your side!

Opening made easy – even for morning grouches!

I know it is hard to open your eyes in the morning. But do not worry, you do not have to struggle with me. One little movement and the milk is there! No spilling, no swearing. And when you have had enough, you simply close me again. Life can be that simple!

As secure as Fort Knox!

I have another cool feature: the tamper-evident closure. It is like promising you that nobody else can get to your drink but you. When you open it, you know you are the first. That is a good feeling, isn’t it?

Environmentally friendly – because I do not run away!

I stick to the packaging and do not disappear into the rubbish as a single item. Less plastic for the environment, more green conscience for you! And because you can close me again and again, you help to avoid food waste. That makes us a great team for the planet!

EU-compliant – I stick to the rules!

And in case you did not know: I fully comply with EU Directive 2019/904, which states that me and my mates, the other plugs, are not allowed to run away from the packaging. We stay where we are to produce less waste. Isn’t that great?

Try me out – and do good!

So, let us do it together – open, close, drink and repeat it! I promise you, disposal will never be a chore with me. Together we will make your beverages safe, convenient and environmentally friendly. And it is also fun! Give me a try and you will see how easy and clean your life can be!

PS: And a big thank you to all those who not only further develop resealable closures for disposable packaging in line with EU requirements and in a cost-optimised manner, but also produce genuine innovations, as this video shows.

Karsten Schröder

(with the support of ChatGPT)

Video: Innoform – delivers flexpack knowledge , Jan Schröder (js@innoform.eu)

This is my personal assessment. I was not paid or asked to do this by anyone.

24. April 2024
Choosing the right packaging material for a greener future
Example: paper or plastic film

The question of sustainability between film and paper packaging can be quite complex, as it depends on a number of factors, including manufacturing processes, the life of the material and recycling options.
1. Production effort
Paper packaging: the production of paper is energy intensive and requires the use of large quantities of water.

Plastic film packaging: plastic film production requires less energy and less water than paper production.
1. Recyclability
Paper packaging: paper packaging is generally easier to recycle and compost, which gives it an advantage in terms of environmental sustainability.

Film packaging: plastic packaging is currently more difficult to recycle. However, there is progress in the development of recyclable and biodegradable plastic films. With paper, on the other hand, seems to be slower as far as recyclability is concerned. However, progress in the removal of printing inks and adhesives can already be seen and smaller innovations are also still to be expected.
1. Protective function
Paper packaging: paper does not always offer the best protection from moisture and gases, which can affect the shelf life of the product. Nor does it have the sealing ability to close a package tightly. However, paper can score points when opening a sealed or glued package.

Film packaging: film packaging can provide a better barrier function, keeping the product fresh for longer and wasting less food, which can also have a positive impact on sustainability. Easy opening and resealing are also common features of film packaging today.

To be able to make an informed decision, consider a life cycle assessment (LCA) that evaluates all environmental aspects from manufacturing to disposal. Typical parameters often used for simplification are the carbon footprint and the water footprint. These two values are intended to establish a comprehensible comparability. The smaller both footprints are, the more environmentally friendly the product is.

However, sustainability consists of the three pillars of economy, ecology and social issues. All three pillars must be considered in a balanced way.

An optimum must be sought between these partly competing aspects. In such complex decisions today, usually only the economic factor and the two footprints mentioned before are evaluated. However, work is being done on models that enable sustainability controlling – similar to financial controlling – at the push of a button.

This is often still neglected in today’s discussion. Here, too, we initially focused only on environmental impacts and resource consumption.

With this article, I would like to contribute again step by step to the objective discussion about the selection of packaging materials – to be continued.
14. September 2023
Barrier films become more recyclable

One thing is clear in Würzburg on 22 and 23 June 2023 – The mega trend in the packaging sector – recyclability – is also and especially affecting barrier films.

Based on presentations on food waste and the guiding principle of sustainability itself, it quickly becomes clear – barrier films will continue to drive the flexpack market. The 3 pillars of sustainability: economy, ecology and social issues must be taken into account in a more balanced way, says Hilmar Heithorst. We are currently focusing on recycling and thus on ecology, but if this is not also implemented socially and economically, it is not sustainable.

The primary task of packaging as a whole is to avoid food waste, emphasises Thomas Gröner. It is a shame that about one third of the food produced is not eaten. Some of it still spoils on its way from the field to the plate because barriers are missing and supply chains are too long. Here, too, Flexpack can help to avoid CO2 emissions.

Peter Olbrich has solutions for this with his vacuum coating systems and a lot of know-how to produce wafer-thin barrier layers of aluminium, aluminium oxide (transparent) and silicon oxide. Here there are market-driven systems for the production of extremely inexpensive and meanwhile also robust barriers against oxygen and water vapour. And the best thing is that these layers, which are only a few nanometres thin, do not interfere with any of the previous recycling processes, so that the polymeric carrier layers can be recycled and reused. Only metallisation leads to a slight greying of the rain protection films – “grey is the new green”.

Stefan Schiessl presents the Fraunhofer development results around nanocomposites, which can be used as barriers on paper, among other things. The systems, which can be applied with common painting and coating processes, are also recyclable and some of them are already commercially available.

Ben Raven is aiming in the same direction with its polyethylenes for mono- and even biaxially oriented PE films. Mono-material instead of multi-material for even better recycling of film packaging. New here are PE types with higher density for the recycling process, which can be recycled mechanically and chemically without problems.

Jiabril Gigli relies on aqueous barrier coatings and presents his high-performance systems that result in good to very good barrier values on both paper and film.

Thomas Schmitt reports on monoaxial stretching systems for blown film that stretch at the top of the bubble before the tube is laid flat. This saves energy because the bubble is still warm and increases the degrees of freedom in the process. One advantage is the improved flatness of such films.

Anna Helgert reports on thermoformed packaging that can also be material-reduced in construction. For example, meat can hardly be packaged more minimally in shrink packaging – but of course this is also possible with the thinnest films using barrier coextrudates.

Achim Grefenstein shares his new developments from the modular system, which are all based on monoaxially stretched blown films, with market competitors. We need to quickly achieve significant volume shifts from multi-material to mono-material. For Flexpack, he sees only 3 polymers in the medium term: polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). These films are all based on either PE or PP and can also be combined. The multi-layer, stretched blown film can be supplied – depending on the application – with or without a barrier.

Christian Lutze enlightens the plastics experts about the advantages and disadvantages of paper packaging. Mitsubishi supplies only virgin fibres for the food packaging market and relies on recyclable, water-based systems for barriers, which should not exceed the 5 % foreign matter limit for paper packaging. Oxygen, aroma, fat and water vapour barriers already exist in the medium barrier range. But even in the paper sector, recyclates are only hesitantly used for food packaging – for good reason!

Jochen Moesslein offers a fluorescent tracer not only to mark individual materials or layers, but to make entire recipes identifiable in the recycling stream. A tracer can therefore be provided with an entire recipe – ideally printed on packaging or as a label. The first industrial prototypes have already been developed with Zeiss, and from September recyclers will be able to carry out tests at Polysecure’s technical centre.

Andreas Peterhanwahr offers monitoring and quality assurance systems for regenerated films from a single source. Integration into the machine software and retrofitting are also possible.

Victor Trapp relies on bio-ormocers. This is where the circle closes, he says, referring to the impressive barrier properties of ormoceres – also based on biopolymers. Intensive work is also being done on the price. The fact that ormocers are used, among other things, to refine high and ultra-high barriers proves their raison d’être.

Lars Hancke finally describes the enormous variety of coatings with different barriers against UV light, grease, oxygen and water vapour that a coating and ink manufacturer can offer today. Deinking will also play a role here to make printed films and papers even more recyclable in the future. All together, less material, mono-material build-ups, deinking and a barrier adapted to the application will, in his opinion and the opinion of all participants and speakers, enable the way to a circular economy with barrier films.

We cannot do without them – that is the consensus.

More information and purchase of access data to the recordings and presentations at: innoform-coaching.de/tagung/barriere-verbundfolien-der-expertentreff-2022.

We streamed the summary live on LinkedIn and it is available in German here: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/karstenschroeder_flexpackbranche-skz-innoform-activity-7077962399147786240-UTfI?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

Karsten Schröder, June 2023

6. Juli 2023
Innoform offers web seminars in English language

Due to numerous requests, Innoform will also offer selected web seminars in English from April 2023. In the first half of the year, the focus will be on the topics of film packaging basics, production and application. After the video courses and Inno-Talks Europe, this is Innoform’s third offer for English-speaking interested parties. Innoform is thus following the internationalisation of the entire flexpack industry, its customers and suppliers.

The series starts with Dr. Heiko Schenk, an internationally experienced speaker from the flexpack industry.

Basic knowledge on polymers

Film manufacturing processes – Influence on film properties

2. März 2023
Guidelines on the use of recyclates in food packaging

Associations are pushing for the release of recyclates in direct contact with food. Supposedly, about 42 % of all plastic packagings are intended for food packaging. And therefore the effect of a CO2 reduction by the use of recyclates for food packaging is necessary.

EU-wide, new rules for the use of recycled plastics in contact with food, e.g. food packaging, will apply from 10 October 2022. Although certain transitional periods still apply until mid-2023, many plastics recyclers and processors must already prepare for the new regulations. Joint guidelines published today by the associations of the plastics processing industry (GKV and its supporting associations) and the plastics recyclers (BDE, bvse) will help them to do so.

The use of recycled plastics represents an important contribution on the way to a climate-neutral circular economy, because it reduces CO2 emissions in product manufacturing and dependence on fossil raw materials. Recyclates are already irreplaceable for products that come into contact with food, e. g. PET beverage bottles, and they are becoming increasingly important, explains Dr Andreas Bruckschen, Deputy Chief Executive of BDE e.V.

With the guidelines, plastics associations want to facilitate the application of the new regulations for plastics recyclers and processors and show ways and means of implementing the regulations, some of which are very complicated, explains Herbert Snell, Vice President of the Plastics Recycling Association in the bvse. Together, the three associations appeal to the EU Commission to implement its announcement and finally approve the PET recycling processes that have meanwhile been assessed as safe and thus create legal certainty for the industry.

The brochure can be downloaded free of charge from the associations’ websites.

Contacts for queries:

Dr. Martin Engelmann, m.engelmann@kunststoffverpackungen.de, Tel.: 06172-9266 76,
Kaiser-Friedrich-Promenade 43, 61348 Bad Homburg

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30. November 2022