scope:

This European Standard specifies a system for sampling procedures for testing plastics waste and recyclates which take into account the specifics of the plastics waste and recyclates. It is intended to cover all stages of the plastic recycling process. This standard is intended to serve two purposes: - To provide a guide to plastic recyclers and others that enables a calculation to be made of the risk of inaccuracy presented by a chosen sampling regime. This will help to inform decisions about sampling that may also be influenced by factors such as the supply record of a supplier or the reliability of a process. This is covered in Section 5. - To define the sampling procedures to be followed to characterise the material being sampled. These procedures may be followed where a particular level of accuracy is required, or where the sampling is in support of the resolution of a dispute. This is covered in Section 7 and Annex A. The sampling procedures include the statistical specifics of the plastic waste and the behaviour of recyclates. NOTE The sampling method must produce a representative testing sample. Differences may arise due to: - the mixture of plastics; - the origin (e.g. green dot in Germany, or electronic/automotive industry); - the previous use of the plastic material; - the residual contents (e.g. of containers); - inert, residual or moisture content on or in the material; It is not the intention of this standard to develop new sampling methods. This standard does not address any legal or product safety issues.