Appropriate Characterization of Post‐Consumer Recyclates as a Prerequisite for Their Successful Use in Technical Products

ABSTRACT For reasons of sustainability, a circular economy is demanded, and used plastics, in particular post‐consumer recyclates (PCR), should be used in preference to virgin plastics for the production of new plastic molded parts in the future. The question arises as to what needs to be considered in this approach and what material characterization tests should be considered for the successful use of PCR in developing and manufacturing new products. The authors examine two commercially available thermoplastic polymers, namely virgin material of copolymeric polypropylene (PP), compared to rPP grade from post‐consumer waste, considered as a possible alternative. Injection molding processing tests, thermo‐analytical, and mechanical tests are carried out on the alternative materials, whereas the test results obtained are evaluated comparatively. The test results obtained suggest the introduction of an advanced characterization approach for PCR that should be considered when selecting and evaluating materials for product development and manufacturing.