Standards
Cirplus Initiated Standards: DIN SPEC 91446, 91481 and EN 18065
The plastics industry faces growing waste, low recycling rates, and stricter regulations like PPWR. Reliable supply chains need clear classification and transparency. That’s why Cirplus initiated DIN SPEC 91446 / 91481 and contributed to EN 18065—setting standards for quality, traceability, and a sustainable plastics industry.
DIN SPEC 91446
DIN SPEC 91446 sets a clear framework for classifying recycled plastics using data quality levels (DQL), addressing growing waste, low recycling rates, and stricter regulations like PPWR. It establishes frameworks for quality, traceability, and a sustainable plastics industry.
- Definitions of PCR & PIR
- Data Quality Levels for Recyclates
- Recycled Content Calculations
- Labelling requirements
- Characterization of Plastic Waste Feedstock
Developed in collaboration with 16 industry partners over 12+ months, involving more than 3,000 working hours across more than 28 meetings.
Members of the consortium
DIN SPEC 91446 was a collaborative effort. We brought together 16 leading actors from the entire plastic value chain to draft this novel standard. In joint effort together with IKK from Hannover, we brought DIN SPEC 91446 alive in just over 12 months of work. More than 3000 working hours across more than 28 meetings went into the drafting process. With resounding success.
Initiator & Co-Coordinator
Coordinator
Other Participants & Contributors
VDA Endorsement
The German Car Manufacturer Association (VDA) adopted DIN SPEC 91446 and created VDA 284 for automotive recyclate applications, further validating the standard’s industry relevance and reach.
DIN SPEC 91481
The standard for polyamide recyclates and digital product passport.
A group of 19 research and industry partners developed DIN SPEC 91481 to improve both the quality and marketability of recycled polyamides. By establishing clear classification criteria based on data quality levels, the standard enhances transparency in the trade of recyclates.
Pioneering the Digital Product Passport for Recyclates
DIN SPEC 91481 introduces a digital product passport, enabling end-to-end traceability for recycled plastics. With standardized data collection and transfer, materials can be classified and compared more easily. This innovation strengthens market trust, simplifies transactions, and drives demand—paving the way for a circular plastics economy.
EN 18065
A New Standard for Europe – and Beyond
Building on the success of DIN SPEC 91446 and DIN SPEC 91481, EN 18065 sets a new benchmark for recycled plastics classification. Scheduled for publication in 2025, this European standard will further enhance transparency, quality assurance, and market trust across the industry.