Operational Sorting Tests
How can you be sure your packaging is sorted correctly for recycling? And what are the challenges?
We test your packaging in operational sorting facilities in different countries and give you the operational truth.
We are the only accredited certifying body that tests your packaging on real sorting lines
Real life sorting. Operational sorting tests assess the real-life sorting potential of your packaging. We help you understand how it is sorted and what challenges it faces: typically size, rolling behaviour, use of dark colours, high glossiness and highly reflective printing.
RFID supports our findings. We have installed RFID readers in one of our sorting facilities in Germany, so we can give you very precise answers to any sorting question and direct advice on your packaging design to enhance sortability. Designing your packaging for sorting is critical to making it recyclable.
Testing in different countries. Most commonly we test in our German facilities, where selective collection means no glass and hardly any paper in the stream. We can also test in the UK (commingled collection: glass and paper in the stream) and in France (commingled, excluding glass). Together these cover the collection systems your packaging can end up in. Through the Veolia network we can support sorting tests in other countries too.
An operational sorting test is often the first step towards a recyclability certification.
How it works
Reach out to us. Once we understand your packaging and your needs, we share a dedicated proposal.
You send us your samples: typically 125 per tested packaging format for MRF testing, and just 10 for a glass sorting test. Delivery addresses are in the proposal. Shipping on a pallet? Let us know in advance and we’ll give you a different delivery address.
Once we receive your packaging, preparing and testing your samples takes around three to four weeks.
You receive a detailed report: the equipment used, pictures and descriptions of your samples, and the results with our interpretation. Then we schedule a summary call to walk through the results and your questions.
Ready to test your packaging?
Send us a packaging spec and we’ll come back within three business days with a proposal, the right methodology and a timeline.
Frequently asked questions.
Glass sorting tests work differently from MRF tests. Your packaging runs through an optical sorter used in an operational glass sorting facility: the technology that separates packaging glass from contaminants such as ceramics, crystal and borosilicate. The test provides quantified data on the sortability of your product, including whether your packaging is transparent enough to be sorted.