BS EN 18120-1:2026

What is BS EN 18120-1 - Definitions and principles for design-for-recycling of plastic packaging about? 

BS EN 18120‑1 is the foundational standard in the Packaging — Design for recycling of plastic packaging series. It sets out clear definitions, principles and a common technical language for designing plastic packaging that is compatible with modern collection, sorting and recycling systems across Europe.

The standard provides a structured approach to assessing whether plastic packaging components are fully recyclable, partially recyclable, or not recyclable, based on their real‑world performance in state‑of‑the‑art recycling infrastructure. 

It establishes consistency across the packaging value chain and underpins the wider BS EN 18120 series of material‑specific guidelines and evaluation protocols.

Who is BS EN 18120-1 - Definitions and principles for design-for-recycling of plastic packaging for? 

BS EN 18120 1 is for any organization or professional involved in the design, specification, production, regulation or recycling of plastic packaging, from early design through to end of life processing.

This includes:

• Packaging designers and product developers.
  
• Plastic packaging manufacturers and converters.
  
• Brand owners, retailers and FMCG companies.
  
• Waste management, collection and sorting operators.
  
• Recycling facilities and recycling technology providers.
  
• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes and compliance bodies.
  
• Regulators, policymakers, industry bodies and standards professionals.

The standard is relevant across household, commercial and industrial plastic packaging markets and is intended to be used throughout the entire value chain.

What does BS EN 18120-1 - Definitions and principles for design-for-recycling of plastic packaging cover? 

BS EN 18120 1 defines the core principles for design for recycling of plastic packaging and establishes the framework used by the rest of the BS EN 18120 series.

It covers:

• Definitions of packaging materials, components and structures
  
• Principles for assessing compatibility with collection, sorting and recycling.
  
• Harmonized recyclability categories: 
  
• Green – fully compatible
  
• Yellow – limited compatibility
  
• Red – not compatible
  
• The relationship between packaging design and real recycling systems.
  
• Alignment with state of the art mechanical and chemical recycling processes.
  
• Cross references to detailed material specific guidelines and recyclability evaluation
• protocols in Parts 3–15 of the series
  

The standard applies to all plastic packaging where the main body is plastic and supports the substitution of primary raw materials with high quality recycled plastics where possible.

Why should you use BS EN 18120-1 - Definitions and principles for design-for-recycling of plastic packaging?

Implementing BS EN 18120 1 helps organizations design plastic packaging that is genuinely recyclable in practice, not just in theory.

It enables you to:

• Meet current and emerging EU packaging and circular economy requirements.
  
• Apply a harmonized, Europe wide approach to recyclability.
  
• Make consistent, credible recyclability claims using shared technical definitions.
  
• Reduce design, testing and R&D costs through a common methodology.
  
• Improve collaboration across suppliers, brands, recyclers and compliance schemes
  
• Future proof packaging designs by aligning with evolving recycling technologies
  

The standard was developed in response to a formal request from the European Commission, with EFTA approval, to support EU legislation and provide a robust technical backbone for recyclable plastic packaging.