Material qualification at a new level – the plastship Recycled Materials Benchmark enables you to qualitatively assess and compare recycled plastics.
Recyclate quality is the key to achieving the ultimate goal: increased use of recycled materials.
Our Recycled Materials Benchmark now offers, for the first time, a system-based approach to make recyclate quality tangible and comparable. It enables an informed evaluation of your recycled plastic materials and comparison with recyclate qualities available in the market.
Our services at a glance:
Using a standardised testing procedure, we provide a qualitative and comparable assessment of recyclates.
Our database enables you to compare your materials with others available on the market.
Our analyses provide you with insights into market trends, the adaptation of your recyclates to market requirements, and the securing of competitive advantages.
We test mechanical and physical properties, odour, composition, and optical quality.
Our exclusive database helps you anonymously compare, analyse, and continuously improve the quality of your recyclates.
Receive detailed reports with specific recommendations to optimise your materials and enhance the marketability of your products.
Recyclate quality remains the key topic when it comes to the use of recyclates. Currently, recyclates are specified by recyclate manufacturers and qualified by customers for their specific applications. We can assist plastic recyclers in assessing the quality of their materials in the market and provide plastic processors with greater confidence regarding the available recyclate qualities. Ideally, we will collectively increase the amount of recyclates used.
Review, create, and ensure compliance for data sheets:
Optimise your processes as a plastic recycler: With our benchmarking tool, you can quickly and accurately review data sheets, create new ones, and ensure compliance with all relevant requirements.
Recognising the potential of plastic recyclates:
Discover the potential of plastic recyclates: Our benchmarking tool assists plastic processors in better understanding the properties of recyclates, selecting the right materials, and thus making your production more efficient and sustainable.
Making Your recyclate quality tangible:
Receive a detailed, transparent assessment of your recyclate quality. Use our standardised methods to identify the strengths and weaknesses of your materials and successfully position them in the market.
Ensuring targeted pre-qualification of recyclates:
With our benchmarking tool, you can precisely pre-qualify recyclates and ensure that they meet the requirements of your specific applications before being integrated into the production process.
Identifying market potentials and developments early:
Leverage our market analyses to identify new trends and potentials at an early stage. These insights will help you optimally align your recyclates with future market developments.
Gaining an informed assessment of the recyclate market:
Obtain a comprehensive overview of the recyclate market and compare different qualities. This assessment enables you to make informed decisions regarding your material selection.
Aligning material quality with market demands:
Target the quality of your recyclates to meet market requirements. Our benchmark helps you continuously improve your materials and remain competitive.
Advancing qualification methods:
Continuously develop your methods for recyclate qualification. With our analyses and recommendations, you can optimise your processes and ensure that you are always working with the best available materials.
1. Preliminary analysis of existing data
We begin by analysing your existing data to ensure we generate as many insights as possible. This includes reviewing technical data sheets, safety data sheets, and relevant production information.
2. Sample preparation and shipment
Prepare your samples according to our guidelines and inform us once they are ready for collection. We will handle the logistics and ensure your samples are optimally prepared for analysis.
3. Conducting the evaluation
Upon receiving your samples, our experts will conduct detailed tests. Within 14 days, we will provide a comprehensive analysis of your recyclates' properties.
4. Presentation of results and ongoing support
You will receive a detailed report with the test results. These results will also be stored in our "Monitored Materials" database, which you can access at any time. If needed, we are available for follow-up discussions to further explore the potential of your materials.
To ensure the highest level of material qualification and provide you with a thorough assessment of your recycled materials, we collaborate closely with selected partners who are experts in their respective fields.
In our in-house laboratory, we assess the key rheological, mechanical, and physical parameters to continuously validate data sheet information and gather baseline data for the benchmark. For film types, we conduct impact tests (Dart Drop) and tensile tests on blown films.
► MFR (ISO 1133)
► Density (ASTM D792)
► Moisture (ASTM 6980)
► Ash content (ISO 3451)
► Bulk density
► Impact tests (ISO 179) / Dart drop
► Tensile tests (ISO 527) / on films
The MADSCAN® analyses the polymer composition using a sensor array that measures phase changes in polymer samples at a batch-representative scale. Compared to traditional DSC, the MADSCAN® enables precise detection of polymer content starting from 1% with up to 250 sensors, ensuring product properties, quality, and consistency.
► Characterisation of polymer content in percent
► Heavy metal analysis via XRF
The PQMex Gel Analyzer measures the optical characteristics of the material by blowing at least 50 meters of film with a uniform thickness. This process determines opacity, standardises and automates the counting of defects, and normalises the results per error category to 1m² for a precise evaluation of the optical material quality.
► Lab values
► Opacity
► Defects per 1m² classified by size from <0.05mm² to >1mm²
Odour evaluation is conducted using the gas sensor system “OCS” to obtain objective and quantifiable information about the product's emissions into the ambient air, in accordance with VDA 270. The sensor signals are converted into a grading scale for optimal comparison with similar materials (1 = very good, 6 = insufficient).
► OCS Odour assessment (Grade 1-6)
Before we begin the evaluation, we require essential information about your materials, such as composition and manufacturing process. This data allows us to align your product information with existing standards and differentiate the results for later comparisons across market sectors.
► Material status: origin, process, market, documentation
► Integration of results into the scoring system
► Ranking analysis in the category
► Assessment of data availability and material recommendations
► Recommendations for material quality
► Marketing strategies
The Monitored Materials Database encompasses all materials tested as part of the Recycled Materials Benchmark. With this data, you can classify recycled materials by quality, analyse quality developments over time, and compare material qualities across various application segments. The Monitored Materials Database is part of the plastship platform and is exclusively available to partners whose accounts have been granted access to the database. A notification system will keep you informed about current developments regarding the quality of recycled materials.
The database will be available starting in the fourth quarter of 2024. Participants will be notified via email and will receive detailed instructions on how to use the database once it is activated. Should there be any delays in the database launch, we will promptly inform all participants and provide an updated timeline.
With plastship, you have a partner committed to quality and innovation in the recycling industry. Our Recycled Materials Benchmark is more than just an assessment—it’s the key to your success in the market.
Join a growing community of industry leaders and secure the quality of your recyclates. Contact us today to learn more.
Feel free to contact us at any time. We will work together to find the right solution for you!
We are always happy to answer your questions personally. Get in touch with us now!
The Recycled Material Benchmark is a service offered by plastship that allows you to assess the quality of recycled plastics through a standardized evaluation process. The results can be used as a selling point and are stored anonymously in the Monitored Materials Database. This enables participants to compare their materials with those of other market players and analyze market trends.
Eligible materials include recycled plastics in the form of regrind, agglomerate, regranulate, or recompound that have reached product status. The Benchmark focuses on polyolefins; other polymer types such as polystyrenes may be added in the future.
A sample size of 5 kg per material batch is required for the assessment. The samples should be packaged according to plastship’s guidelines, and plastship will arrange the shipping.
The process begins with a preliminary analysis of your existing technical data, followed by sample preparation and shipping. Once the samples are received, plastship conducts the assessment and delivers a comprehensive report within 14 days. The results are stored in the Monitored Materials Database, which you can access once your account is activated.
To participate, please send an order or a signed offer to [email protected]. Once we receive your order, we will promptly initiate the process for sample collection and analysis, providing support at every step.
The Monitored Materials Database is expected to be available in Q4 2024. Participants will be notified via email and will receive detailed instructions on how to access the database once it is live. If the launch is delayed, participants will be promptly informed and provided with an updated timeline.
