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For whom is the UNE 53930-2: 2023 standard?
The UNE 53930-2: 2023 standard is designed for various stakeholders involved in the production, distribution, and regulation of plastic bags. This includes manufacturers, retailers, consumers, regulatory bodies, and environmental organizations. By providing guidelines for certification and marking, the standard aims to promote transparency, environmental responsibility, and sustainable practices within the plastic bag industry.
What is the UNE 53930 standard?
The UNE 53930 Standard emerged following the enactment of Royal Decree 293/2018, aimed at reducing plastic bag consumption. This regulation mandates that plastic bags must contain at least 50% recycled material and have a minimum thickness of 50 microns, promoting reusability and ensuring durability.
This standard outlines the essential characteristics for polyethylene bags with high recycled content, primarily designed for product transportation. It also delineates the requisite test methods to assess these characteristics. Complementary to the UNE 53930-1 Standard, compliance with the latter is mandatory.
In summary, the UNE 53930 Standard, an offshoot of RD 293/2018, mandates a minimum 50% recycled content and 50-micron thickness for plastic bags, ensuring uniformity, resilience, and facilitating reusability.
Three Types of Certified Reusable Bags
The UNE 53930-2:2019 standard facilitates the certification of three distinct types of reusable bags, each marked with specific criteria regarding recycled content. This marking system ensures transparency and enables consumers to make informed choices based on sustainability preferences.
1. Reusable Bags Type I
These reusable plastic bags boast a thickness of 50 microns and are crafted from polyethylene containing between 55% and 65% recycled material. Utilizing water-based inks, they offer durability and can be reused more than 15 times, making them a sustainable choice for environmentally conscious consumers.
2. Reusable Bags Type II
Characterized by a thickness of 50 microns, these reusable plastic bags are manufactured from polyethylene with an impressive 80% recycled material content. Employing water-based inks in their production, they uphold environmental standards while providing robustness for prolonged use, exceeding 15 reuses.
3. Reusable Bags Type III
Crafted from polyethylene with an exceptional 80% post-consumer recycled material content, these reusable plastic bags set a high standard for sustainability. Using water-based inks and boasting 100% recyclability, they contribute to a circular economy and offer extensive reusability, aligning with eco-conscious principles.
How does a certification trajectory for UNE 53930-2 work?
During the annual audit, verification extends to the content and source of recycled materials, alongside confirming compliance with defined bag thickness and mechanical requirements essential for functionality. These evaluations are conducted through meticulous testing procedures in accredited laboratories. Consequently, this certification framework enhances confidence in manufacturers' declarations regarding the recycled material content used in their product manufacturing.
By delineating these categories and their respective characteristics, the UNE 53930-2:2019 standard empowers consumers to make environmentally responsible choices while promoting the adoption of sustainable practices in bag manufacturing.