Test before scaling up. At RISE's laboratories and pilot facilities, you can experiment with new material blends using compounding, injection moulding and extrusion techniques, without disrupting or risking your own production processes.
RISE's networks bring together industry, academia and trade organisations. Here, knowledge is shared, joint solutions are developed, and contacts are established throughout the entire plastics value chain.
Circular plastics create new demands for knowledge of materials and understanding of processes. RISE's training courses provide hands-on experience with recycled materials and bio-based alternatives, as well as teaching you how to design for recycling.
New regulations, new materials, new opportunities. Read on to find out how the plastics industry is changing, and to learn about the research conducted by RISE that reveals how to achieve circular plastic flows that work in practice.
Reliable material data is key to replacing virgin polymers with recycled alternatives. RISE offers an industry-driven testing program delivering independent, comparable, and reproducible results, enabling confident decisions, faster product development, and more sustainable solutions.
Purpose/Benefit:Reliable material data is essential for successfully replacing virgin polymers with recycled alternatives. RISE offers an industry-driven testing program that delivers independent, comparable, and reproducible data for polymer materials. Through standardized methods, controlled testing conditions, and extensive experience in polymer characterization, we provide results you can trust, regardless of the material’s origin or intended application.
Our modular testing program covers polymers such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), PET, ABS, and polyamide (PA), providing valuable insights for material selection, quality verification, product development, and research. By complementing existing material data with additional property measurements, the accuracy of process and structural simulations can be significantly improved, leading to better decision-making and reduced development risks. For example, our test methods can generate the material data required for advanced injection molding simulations, including flow, cooling, and warpage analyses.
Based on your specific needs and technical challenges, we offer both standardized and customized test matrices. Whether you require rapid verification of material quality or more in-depth analyses for product development, troubleshooting, or material benchmarking, we can tailor the testing scope to provide relevant, reliable, and actionable data for informed decision-making.
For fast, cost-effective, and reproducible verification of material properties. Testing is performed according to a standardized test matrix, providing comparable results.
Typical Scope:
When standard testing is not sufficient, RISE offers in-depth analyses and specialist expertise for product development, material evaluation, and technical troubleshooting. We help you understand material behavior, identify root causes of quality issues, and generate decision-support data for the development of future materials and products.
Typical Scope:
Examples of test methods and corresponding standards used to evaluate the properties and performance of polymer materials:
The deliverable consists of a structured and quality-assured material test protocol that compiles documented results from the analyses performed. The report describes the polymer’s key quality characteristics, including chemical, physical, and mechanical properties, based on established and relevant test methods. It provides a reliable basis for informed decision-making and the continued use, qualification, or development of the material.
Hampus Johansson
hampus.johansson@ri.se
+ 46 10 228 45 05
Zinnia Kovanen,
zinnia.kovanen@ri.se
+46 10 228 45 43
Results are typically delivered within 4 weeks after the material samples have been received by RISE.
Area: Plastics Contact person (Enter one name per field. Activated personal contact pages will appear automatically):
Material samples must be submitted to RISE at the following address:
Fibre- and Polymer Technology (103105)
RISE Research Institutes of Sweden
Argongatan 30
SE-431 53 Mölndal
Sweden
Samples must be clearly labeled and accompanied by information ensuring full traceability, including company name, company address, contact person and contact details, material identification, batch number, requested analyses. This information enables efficient sample handling and ensures that all test results can be accurately linked to the correct sample and customer.
Mechanical properties:
Tensile, flexural, impact (Charpy), and compressive properties
ISO 527, ISO 178, ISO 179-1, ISO 604, ASTM D638, ASTM D790
Physical and rheological properties
Density, melt flow rate (MFR/MVR), viscosity, and rheology
ISO 1183, ISO 1133, ISO 1628, ISO 11443, ASTM D792, ASTM D1238
Thermal properties
DSC (Tm, Tg), HDT/Vicat, DMA, OIT
ISO 75, ISO 306, ISO 11357, ISO 6721, ASTM D3418, ASTM D648
Chemical composition and durability
Thermogravimetric analysis (e.g., fillers and carbon black), moisture content, UV ageing
ISO 11358, ISO 15512, ISO 4892, ASTM G154, ASTM G155
Fire and functional testing
Flammability, glow-wire testing, drop testing, odor assessment
UL 94, DIN 75200, EN 60695, RISE IVF methods
Sample preparation
Injection-molded and machined test specimens
ISO 527, ISO 178, ISO 179-1
If you design, manufacture or sell plastic products, there are several EU regulations that you must comply with in order to promote the use of circular plastics. SUPD, PPWR, WEEE – to name a few.
"There's no need to be afraid of the legislation and rush into solutions," says Mattias Andersson, a senior polymer materials researcher at RISE.
Mattias Andersson describes the EU's regulatory framework for plastics as "rather complex". In 2018, the EU Plastics Strategy – a roadmap for how plastic is to be used within the EU – was launched as part of the Circular Economy Action Plan. It established the target that all plastic packaging should be recyclable by 2030. Private and public actors along the various plastics value chains began working towards the target together, including within the Circular Plastics Alliance.
In 2019 came the ban on certain single-use plastic items, the Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUPD). There have also been a number of circularity-related updates to regulations covering specific industries, such as Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE), the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and End-of-Life Vehicles (ELV). These do not deal exclusively with plastics, but as plastic is a common component in electronic equipment, packaging and vehicles, they affect actors who design, manufacture and sell plastic products.
"Take the PPWR as an example. Under that regulation, all new packaging placed on the European market in 2030 must contain recycled material. Today, the proportion of recycled plastic in new packaging is extremely small, so the industry is facing a major transition. But the rules also create business opportunities for the recycling industry, which has been struggling for quite some time. Legislation that requires companies to recycle more and use more recycled material in new products will hopefully generate more business in everything related to recycling," says Mattias Andersson.
All new packaging placed on the European market in 2030 must contain recycled material.
To make the rules more specific, the European Commission has ordered 56 standards with guidelines for plastic recycling. By the end of 2025, 27 of these had been published. Sweden has played a leading role in their development, as the Swedish Institute for Standards (SIS) is responsible for the committee of European plastics experts that has developed the standards. The standards include guidelines for "Design for Recycling", which is about increasing the recycling rate right from the drawing board.
"The requirements for a tool box with screwdrivers are not as strict as for things we eat. The legislation is strict in that area, and that's how we want it to be. We don't want to risk food contamination. But, the rules make it more difficult to use recycled materials," says Mattias Andersson.
He gives an example: packaging for minced meat. The black trays with plastic film were replaced with transparent trays when it was realised that the machines at the sorting facilities could not identify black plastic. Today, minced meat is often packaged in transparent plastic bags with a so-called barrier layer that creates a protective atmosphere.
Review your products and pick the low-hanging fruit.
"By switching from trays to bags, manufacturers were able to reduce their plastic consumption, but now they face a new challenge in the form of requirements for recycled materials. At present, there is no food approval for recycled plastic of the type used for minced meat bags – but there is for PET trays, which many manufacturers have moved away from," says Mattias Andersson.
"I don't think we should be afraid of legislation and rush into solutions, but it's important to start taking action now so we don't fall behind. My advice is to review your products and pick the low-hanging fruit, because there is often some to be found. Perhaps there is already a corresponding recycled raw material that you can mix into your product," says Mattias Andersson, continuing:
"The legislation does not require you to start using 100 per cent recycled materials, but rather a certain percentage. Making this transition gradually also gives your subcontractors a chance to keep up. After all, you are rarely alone in the value chain."
Mattias Andersson advises everyone affected by the EU's new plastic regulations to observe and learn from how others are managing the transition. RISE coordinates a network, the National Centre for Sustainable Plastics, for actors throughout the value chain.
"Here, we bring together companies in the plastics and recycling industry to discuss precisely what we are addressing in this text. Together, we address the issues and try to find the answers."
Through collaboration with RISE, you gain access to knowledge, test environments and strategic partnerships that drive sustainable innovation throughout the plastics value chain – from raw materials to recycling.
Discover our full range of services for those working in the plastics value chain.
Expanded polymaterial is used in a wide range of applications – from building insulation and packaging to vehicle components and technical solutions. To ensure that the products meet requirements for quality, safety and durability, thorough testing is essential. Examples of test methods are EN ISO 29469, EN 826, EN 1607, EN 1798
Purpose/Benefit:Why do we test foam materials?
Foams, such as EPS, XPS, Polyurethane (PUR/PIR) and foamed polyethylene (PE-foam), are an important part of energy-efficient and sustainable building solutions, as well as other products such as protective equipment, furniture, vehicle etc. To ensure that these products function as they should throughout their entire life cycle, testing is carried out according to international standards. The purpose of the testing is to guarantee quality, safety and performance.
Method (what/which methods are used to perform the service):
Compression testing (EN ISO 29469) shows how the material withstands loads, for example when installed under floors or roofs. Tensile testing (EN 1607) ensures that insulation boards remain securely attached to the substrate, which is essential for a safe installation. Water vapor permeability testing (EN 12086) helps assess moisture safety and reduce the risk of condensation within the structure. For soft cellular materials, ISO 1798 measures tensile strength and elongation to verify flexibility and durability, while ISO 1856 determines compression set, indicating how well the material retains its shape over time.
Through these tests, we guarantee that your products meet high standards of durability and energy efficiency.
We can also help tailor made testing methods to suit your products, materials, needs, and requirements.
Delivery (what does the client get after performed service – e.g. a report, certificate etc.):We agree on how the results will be presented. This can be in the form of a report, a personal presentation, or delivery according to your specific requirements.
Our laboratory is accredited according to ISO 17025. Several of the methods can therefore be performed under accreditation. Please contact us for more information.
Delivery time:Acc. to agreement
Area:
EN ISO 29469, Thermal insulating products for building applications - Determination of compression behaviour
EN 826, Värmeisoleringsprodukter för byggnader - Bestämning av egenskaper vid kortvarig tryckbelastning (ersatt av EN ISO 29469)
EN 1607; Thermal insulating products for building applications - Determination of tensile strength perpendicular to faces
EN 12086, Thermal insulating products for building applications - Determination of water vapour transmission properties
ISO 1798, MFlexible cellular polymeric materials - Determination of tensile strength and elongation at break
ISO 1856, Flexible cellular polymeric materials - Determination of compression set
Certification and marking: Product certification Type of service: Testing / Analysis / Evaluation Instrument: Not applicable General area: Not applicable Delivery level: Accredited
Nanocomposites are advanced polymers reinforced with nanomaterials that provide increased performance and sustainability.With our expertise, we ensure reliable results through testing according to international standards, including mechanical tests, thermal and thermomechanical properties, accelerated aging in controlled environment and evaluation.
Our Specialized Service: Evaluation of Polymer Nanocomposites
Polymer nanocomposites are advanced materials in which nanoparticles (such as carbon nanotubes, graphene, nanoclays, or metal oxides) are dispersed within a polymer matrix to enhance specific properties, such as mechanical strength, thermal stability, barrier performance, electrical conductivity, and flame resistance. We offer accredited testing services tailored to the unique requirements of polymer nanocomposites. Our goal is to ensure the performance and reliability of your innovative materials in demanding applications such as automotive, aerospace, electronics, packaging, and construction.
Key Characterization Capabilities
Aging Tests
Creating sustainable plastic solutions isn’t just about smart material choices or efficient production. EU regulations such as ESPR, EPR and upcoming packaging directives demand circular design, recyclable materials and producer responsibility. For businesses, this means complex challenges across the entire value chain – from design and material selection to production, take-back systems and business models. Understanding and acting proactively is crucial for both profitability and competitiveness.
RISE helps companies turn complex regulations and sustainability goals into concrete, profitable solutions. As an independent research institute, we offer cross-disciplinary expertise, unique test and demonstration environments, and research-based knowledge across the entire plastics value chain.
Our services include:
We work closely with businesses to ensure every decision – from material selection and design to production and take-back – drives circularity, innovation and business value. With RISE as your partner, the transition to sustainable plastic production becomes both secure and efficient.
Get in touch for a free consultation or continue to exlore our offer in full.
Smart product design is the foundation of circular solutions. RISE supports companies to:
Every design decision affects resource use, recyclability and climate impact.
Early decisions on polymers, additives and material quantities have a major impact on climate footprint, recyclability and the long-term value of a product. Smart material choices can:
We help companies select plastics based on bio-based and recycled raw materials, such as reclaimed fishing nets, biopolymers or other circular streams. Common questions we support include: How can the product’s properties be improved? Can the material be reinforced with fibres or fillers?
Our support covers advice on material selection, additive strategies and practical testing at lab and pilot scale. Through analysis and verification according to standards, ideas are transformed into sustainable material solutions ready for production.
RISE offers compounding, injection moulding, extrusion and additive manufacturing at lab and pilot scale. Our services enable you to:
The benefits include shorter development times, reduced material consumption and assured quality before scaling up.
We work with all types of plastics – including bio-based and recycled materials – and combine process expertise with sustainability for efficient, resource-smart production.
For plastics to live through multiple product cycles, smart recycling and circular solutions are essential. RISE helps companies to:
We provide practical support through our unique infrastructure and expertise to develop, test, validate, and verify recycled materials and products.
Mechanical, chemical, and thermal recycling methods are used to identify the best approach for each material and end product. Design and material choices are adapted for maximum recyclability and circular flows. Our experience in compounding, injection moulding, and plastic processing enables us to scale small trials up to industrial production, while connecting companies to research projects and networks.
To ensure performance, functionality and durability in plastic products, we offer comprehensive testing and verification. We support companies across the entire value chain – from raw material to finished product – with mechanical, chemical, thermal and biological testing. Our expertise and advanced equipment enable testing according to established standards, accredited testing (ISO 17025/17020), as well as customised methods when needed. These services support development, quality assurance and certification, providing confidence for market introduction and verification of circular and sustainable plastic solutions.
Through our national network for sustainable plastics, companies gain access to knowledge, test environments and strategic collaborations that drive sustainable innovation across the entire plastics value chain – from raw materials to recycling. Gain insights into trends, technology and legislation, participate in networking events and seminars, and develop new materials and circular solutions together with leading industry players and researchers.
Curious about what’s happening in the plastics industry? By subscribing to the newsletter Circular and Sustainable Plastics from the National Centre for Sustainable Plastics, you can follow the network’s activities and access the latest research on circular plastics. The newsletter is published approximately four times a year.
Take the next step towards a sustainable plastics future – book a short meeting with Carl Jensen at carl.jensen@ri.se or leave your contact details in the form and we’ll get back to you.
Do you want to develop sustainable plastics with us? Fill in the form for a free consultation.
Hantering av personuppgifter: /en/about-rise/operations/mission-governance/policy-documents/privacy-policyThere are several new standards that define how traceability and recycled content in plastic products should be documented and verified. Examples of test standards are SS-EN 15345 (PP), EN 15342 (PS) and EN 15344 (PE).
Purpose/Benefit:These standards make it easier for companies in the whole value chain to compare different types of recycled plastic raw materials and consist of a number of different testing methods, depending on the material.
Method (what/which methods are used to perform the service):These standards refers to properties such as melt index, density, mechanical, thermal, visual, etc. depending on the material being tested.
Delivery (what does the client get after performed service – e.g. a report, certificate etc.):We deliver test results and analysis according to standard or agreed upon, as well as a report according to your wishes. Several of these methods can be performed accredited, which is often a requirement.
Contact us for guidance and price request.
Delivery time:According to agreement
Area:
ISO 1133, Melt index
ISO 1183, Density determination
ISO 11664, Visual assessment or spectrophotometry
ISO 11358, Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA)
ISO 3451, Visual inspection, filtration
ISO 527, Tensile testing
ISO 179 , ISO 180, Impact strength
ISO 11357, OIT or DSC analysis
ISO 1628-5, Intrinsic viscosity
ISO 15512, Karl Fischer or drying method
EN 15342, Characterization of polystyrene (PS)
EN 15343, Characterization of polypropylene (PP)
EN 15344, Characterization of polyethylene (PE)
EN 15346, Characterization of polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
EN 15348, Characterization of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET)
EN 18064, Plastics — Quality recommendations and basis for specifications for application of plastic recyclates in products
Certification and marking: Not applicable Type of service: Testing / Analysis / Evaluation Instrument: Not applicable General area: Not applicable Delivery level: Not applicable