Electronic Parts/Guidelines - infoHouse

of imprinting is preferred as this process allows flexibility in resin recycled content identification. It
also adds little expense to tool development or the piece price of molded cushion parts. Each time a
cushion is molded, the resin identifier (eg, six for EPS) and recycled content will be permanently dis-
played on the molded part.
Fabrlcsted Parts: It is recommended that fabricated parts including those made of polyurethane or
polyethylene similarly apply the resin identifier using either hot wire imprintlng or a stamp which prints
the appropriate mark using permanent ink. Caution must be used when selecting the ink and location
to ensure it does not smear or transfer to the machine covers. Each individual component must be
marked.
4.9.4 Guidelines for Recycled Resin Content
Plastic packagings must be manufactured using postconsumer recycled resin in quantities specified in
Table 10. This requirement is contingent upon the existence of processes that produce equivalent per-
forming materials. For example, polyurethane foams are produced using a process that does not
permit recycled resin to supplement virgin material. Polystyrene and polyethylene packaging foams
are currently produced using a process which allows recycled and virgin resins to be mixed during
manufacturing. With proper cushion design, virgin resin can currently be supplemented by as much as
25% recycled resin with no degradation in performance.
The total amount of recycled resin required increases according to the date of manufacture. The
implementation schedule is provided below:
Implementetlon Date
Total Minlmum Recycled Resin
(% weight):
12/31/92 5%
12/31/93 10%
12/31/94 15%
12/31 /95 20%
Table 10. Required Posrconsumer Contribution of Material
4.9.5 Engineering Specifications for Plastics
Recommendations:
1. Include the recycling symbol on molded and fabricated parts.
2. Modify Engineering or purchase specifications so as to encourage the use of recycled materials in
packaging.
3. Virgin resin should be supplemented with recycled material to produce a greater yield of molded
part.
Note: A cushion's physical properties may be adversely affected by inclusion of too much
regrind material especially when molding smaller or complicated forms. When molding
these shapes, the virgin resin and recycled component do not always properly fuse to
one another.
iBM Engineering Specification 5897661 should be used to promote the recycling of plastic packaging
materials. The specification is available by contacting:
Worldwide Distribution Engineering Services
Department W29
P.O. Box 12195
Research Triangle Park, NC. USA 27709
Recycling 31