Recyclability and separability
Optimize your packaging sustainability with Lifeanalytics
Recyclability and material separability have become essential requirements for companies — not only to fully embrace sustainable waste management and comply with current regulations, but also as strategic assets in both domestic and international markets.
That’s why Lifeanalytics, through its Product Safety Business Unit, offers expert support with laboratory testing, regulatory consulting, and up-to-date guidance on the environmental compatibility, recyclability, and separability of materials and packaging.
Packaging recyclability: strategic methods and certifications for uour business
Recyclability — especially for cellulose-based packaging — is a key sustainability indicator increasingly valued by consumers and retailers. A recyclable package contributes to waste reduction and responsible use of natural resources, offering companies a competitive edge.
Lifeanalytics’ Product Safety Business Unit provides a full range of services for evaluating packaging recyclability according to leading European and international standards. Our analytical testing follows UNI 11743 and applies the Aticelca 501 Evaluation Method, enabling us to issue the Aticelca® Paper Recyclable Certification and use the CEPI Testing Method (Confederation of European Paper Industries).
Regulatory framework: UNI 11743 and the new PPWR proposal
UNI 11743 is an Italian standard that defines testing methods for assessing the recyclability of cellulose-based packaging, such as paper and cardboard. It outlines the procedures and criteria to determine how effectively a material can be recycled within paper recycling processes.
By following UNI 11743, Lifeanalytics can combine strategic evaluations — such as the presence of non-paper materials, ease of separation, and impact on recycled material quality — with regulatory compliance assurance for your company.
The Aticelca method: what it is and why it matters
The Aticelca Method is a recognized system for evaluating the recyclability of cellulose-based packaging. Widely used across industries, it is a reference standard in the field and helps determine how recyclable a packaging truly is.
It has gained such importance that it has been harmonized across Europe via the European Protocol for Packaging Recyclability Assessment, which sets out shared guidelines for all EU countries.
Obtaining this certification represents a strong sustainability credential, appreciated by both consumers and retailers. It enhances brand reputation and demonstrates a concrete commitment to responsible environmental practices.
Moreover, these certifications offer economic advantages. Specifically, the Aticelca Method can help companies calculate the CONAI Environmental Contribution based on their packaging recyclability.
Aticelca method and the CONAI environmental contribution
The CONAI Environmental Contribution is a mandatory fee that Italian companies must pay for each packaging item placed on the market. It finances the national packaging waste management system, covering the costs of collection, recycling, and disposal.
The fee amount depends on the material type and its recyclability level: more easily recyclable materials like paper and cardboard incur lower costs, while less recyclable materials like plastic or glass may result in higher fees.
By improving packaging design for recyclability, companies can reduce this cost. The Aticelca Method allows businesses to assess and prove their packaging’s recyclability level, potentially lowering the contribution if sustainability criteria are met.
Separability: a key factor for effective recycling
In addition to recyclability, another critical factor is the separability of packaging components. For cellulose-based packaging, non-paper elements that are difficult for end-users to separate may reduce the overall recyclable quality.
Lifeanalytics offers material separability assessments using the Aticelca 502 Method, developed to evaluate how easily consumers can manually separate paper and non-paper components in packaging.
The Aticelca 502 Method includes standardized tests simulating manual separation by an average user, without the use of tools. The easier the separation, the higher the recyclable material quality.
These tests also help identify design issues and offer improvement suggestions to increase the product’s overall recyclability.
Sustainable design with ecodesign principles
A package that avoids becoming waste is a true market asset. That’s why material and substance selection during the design phase is crucial to product success.
Together with our experts, you can design your packaging to meet environmental requirements — including waste prevention and reduction, reuse, recycling, biodegradability, and compostability — while contributing to your company’s Circular Economy goals.
Our Product Safety Business Unit supports businesses in their sustainable development journey.
The packaging industry continues to innovate with recyclable materials, often facing significant manufacturing challenges.
Designing with Ecodesign principles means applying a systemic design approach, considering the entire product life cycle — from raw material extraction to end-of-life recovery — with the goal of minimizing environmental impacts while maintaining the same service or functionality.
Product Safety business unit: our services and facilities
The Product Safety Business Unit focuses on evaluating product quality, safety, and sustainability, helping companies improve the recyclability and separability of packaging materials.
We specialize in testing for paper, cardboard, and all food-contact materials, supporting our clients in verifying the compliance and environmental compatibility of MOCA (Materials and Objects in Contact with Food), including finished products and machinery.
Our goal is to assist clients in ensuring food-contact suitability and achieving full compliance with sustainability and regulatory standards.
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You might be interested in: Microplastics | Recycled plastic | Reach & RoHS
The Product Safety Business Unit is made up of several specialized facilities — Ecol Studio, Sepack Lab, Pack Co., and 3A Laboratori — working in synergy to support you as a strategic partner. Together, they proactively contribute to the sustainable growth of your business through innovative, customized products and high-value, tailored solutions.
