Plastindex

Plastindex is a standardized indexing system for plastic materials and products designed to improve identification, sorting, and recyclability along the plastic value chain. Each item is associated with a Plastindex identifier and a metadata payload that can include polymer class (for example PET, HDPE), resin code, density, melt flow index, color, additives, product category, processing method, batch data, and regulatory compliance. The intended purpose is to enable more accurate automated sorting at recycling facilities, support material tracing for manufacturers, and facilitate lifecycle assessment.

The data model is modular, allowing core fields to be mandatory while compatibility fields may be optional. The identifier is intended to be machine-readable and interoperable with existing standards such as resin-code classifications and bill-of-materials data. Plastindex data can be linked to supply-chain records, including supplier, lot, and end-of-life pathway. Integration with barcodes, QR codes, or RFID can enable in-line scanning at points of collection or production.

Implementation is driven by a governance framework that emphasizes openness, versioning, and data quality. It aims to align with circular-economy objectives and to harmonize regional regulations and recycling infrastructure. Benefits include higher sorting accuracy, reduced contamination, improved material reuse, and better traceability for extended producer responsibility programs. Challenges include achieving broad consensus on data fields, ensuring data accuracy and privacy, and financing system adoption across diverse stakeholders.

See also: SPI resin codes, recycling, circular economy, material data sheets, lifecycle assessment.