Testing HDPE packaging recyclability just got faster and easier

With the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) fast approaching, pressure is mounting on brands to prove that their packaging is truly recyclable. For HDPE formats, this means subjecting real packaging to real recycling conditions to understand exactly how it performs.

To support that, AD Procerta™ has launched a new HDPE packaging recyclability testing service. It’s designed for brand owners in fast-moving consumer goods (CPG), especially across home and personal care, and is now available through our ISO/IEC 17025-accredited lab (Registration number L702, RvA Netherlands) in Leiden, Netherlands.

This launch marks the next step in expanding our capabilities beyond pharma and automotive, where we’ve spent the past five years helping customers test and qualify their packaging under real-world conditions.

Recycling isn’t always as straightforward as it sounds. A package might tick all the right boxes in theory, but once it enters the HDPE recycling stream, performance depends on how materials, labels, adhesives and decorations interact. That’s where testing makes the difference.

AD Procerta’s new service simulates how your complete HDPE package — container, label and decoration — behaves during recycling. Testing is based on the RecyClass HDPE recyclability evaluation protocol*, developed with input from recyclers, brands and packaging manufacturers. It reflects real-world conditions and follows a widely recognized industry standard.

*AD Procerta is not a RecyClass certification body. We follow their protocol for testing purposes only.

We offer two versions of the test:

• A full protocol, following the complete RecyClass testing methodology

• A shortened version, offering faster and more cost-efficient results for early-stage evaluation or internal decision-making

One of the biggest advantages of working with AD Procerta is speed. All testing is done in-house, which means you can get initial results in less than 30 days — a huge advantage for teams working against PPWR timelines or tight development schedules. And with the shortened version of the test, results can even be delivered in as little as 15 days.

Confidentiality is also incorporated. We don’t share results with RecyClass or any third parties. All findings go directly to you. You stay in control of how and when to act on the results, with no risk of early disclosure if your packaging needs further adjustment.

Every HDPE packaging setup is different. That’s why we tailor our testing approach where possible and advise on next steps if your packaging doesn’t meet expectations. Our goal is to help you move forward with confidence, not just run tests, but solve problems.

What sets us apart is our ability to look at the full picture. Alongside recyclability testing, we can assess how your packaging performs across its entire lifecycle — from production and handling to shelf life and disposal. It’s a complete view of how your label and packaging work in the real world.

If your packaging falls under PPWR — including formats like shampoo bottles, detergents and household cleaners — testing is a practical next step. These are among the most common HDPE applications and among the most important to get right. And with AD Procerta, you get clear answers, fast turnaround and expert support to act on them.

Get in touch to find out how our HDPE recyclability testing can support your packaging decisions.

Avery Dennison Corporation (NYSE: AVY) is a global materials science company specializing in the design and manufacture of a wide variety of labeling and functional materials. The company’s products, which are used in nearly every major industry, include pressure-sensitive materials for labels and graphic applications; tapes and other bonding solutions for industrial, medical, and retail applications; tags, labels and embellishments for apparel; and radio frequency identification (RFID) solutions serving retail apparel and other markets. Headquartered in Glendale, California, the company employs more than 35,000 employees in more than 50 countries. Reported sales in 2021 were $8.4 billion. Learn more at averydennison.com.