New Laboratory helps recyclers cope with pressure to identify polymer types and understand additive content

30-Jul-08

Manchester-based recycler Axion has set up a laboratory in response to the Waste Framework Directive and REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemical substances), which put increased pressure on recyclers to identify polymer types, and understand their additive content. Using equipment worth over £300,000, Axion's laboratory service can establish the presence of different elements within the material and measure the physical properties of samples as small as one kilogram. Plastics recyclers in particular have an increased need to be knowledgeable about polymer types and additive content and this can only be determined by thorough and detailed laboratory analysis. It is no longer acceptable to place goods on the market with a rough verbal indication of the polymer type or to claim ignorance about the levels of any undesirable additives. The sale of recycled plastics is changing from an environment of 'buyer beware' to one where the customer has the right to demand detailed specification and material data sheets concerning the product being supplied and the supplier has a legal obligation under REACH to supply this data and also specify the possible safe applications for the material. Company Press Release