New Classification for Cell Classification for Pre- and Post-Consumer Recycled Flexible Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Materials
1. Scope
This classification covers Flexible Poly(Vinyl Chloride)(PVC), copolymers, blends and alloys, and composite materials derived from recyclate from extruded, molded, or calendered forms or operations and composed of polyvinyl chloride,
polyvinyl chloride copolymers, or blends and alloys containing polyvinyl chloride and the typical
ingredients found in these compound materials. The recycled material classifications inform users
regarding additive ingredient compatibility, formulation knowledge potential process contamination,
form of material, regulated substances and contaminants, collectively to aid in determining the
applicability for an end use. This standard is not intended to apply to collected materials incoming to a
recycling facility but rather to that material leaving the recycling/reprocessing facility. This classification will not apply to rigid PVC and/or rigid CPVC recycled materials or content.
Note – Terminology D883 defines a ‘flexible’ compound as ‘nonrigid’ with maximum tensile properties.
The requirements in this classification are intended as a representation and possible specification of recycled content compounds used to manufacture finished products. These attributes are based on a
combination of declarations and evidence related to material sourcing. These attributes do not
necessarily reflect the final attributes of the finished products. The applicable ASTM standards pertaining to the finished products will apply.
No standard currently exists that assigns a cell classification to recycled flexible PVC materials. Recyclers need to assign a cell classification to their recyclate output to inform users of the material for its suitability for an end use. Users would like to specify certain parameters for their incoming materials to include as recycled content in their finished products.
