Recyclability Criterion
Standardized testing procedures developed for the European paper industry provide a uniform method for quantifying the recovery potential of complex packaging materials. Technicians apply pts-rh 021 to simulate the industrial processing of adhesive-bound or coated paper products in a laboratory environment. This method determines the percentage of fibre that can be recovered without compromising the quality of the recycled stock.
It establishes the baseline for environmental claims regarding the circularity of packaging.
Disintegration Protocol
Preparation of the sample involves a specific disintegration time in a standard laboratory pulper to mimic the mechanical action of mill equipment. Under pts-rh 021, the resulting slurry undergoes a series of screening steps to separate usable fibres from macro-sticky particles and non-paper residues. The weight of the dry rejects is compared to the starting mass.
Precise temperature control ensures that the behavior of adhesives reflects real-world recycling conditions.
Material Applicability
Results from this test inform the design of functional barriers and surface treatments for paper. If a material fails to meet the threshold for fibre yield, the manufacturer must revise the adhesive chemistry or the coating weight. This standard is frequently cited in commercial contracts for the supply of recyclable substrates.
