TS EN 17615

TS EN 17615 is a vocabulary standard for terms and definitions related to the environmental aspects of plastics. It provides a common language for topics ranging from bio-based plastics and biodegradability to carbon and environmental footprint, reuse and recycling, and plastics in natural environments, helping reduce ambiguity when environmental information about plastics is discussed or documented.

The standard does more than list isolated definitions. Where possible, it adopts definitions already used in existing standards and, when needed, adds explanatory notes so the terms can be understood without consulting other documents. That makes it especially useful in technical communication where precision and shared meaning matter.

Concept areas covered by the vocabulary

• Bio-based plastics and the relation between polymer origin and renewable feedstocks
• Biodegradability and degradation concepts in natural or managed environments
• Carbon footprint, environmental footprint, and related reporting language
• Circular economy, design, reuse, and recycling terminology
• Plastics in natural environments and the distinctions used in waste management

From a general technical perspective, a vocabulary standard like this supports consistency in reporting, research, regulation, and corporate communication rather than prescribing product performance requirements. The environmental profile of plastics is assessed across multiple stages, including raw material source, service life, reprocessability, end-of-life routes, and the potential for release into the environment. TS EN 17615 helps stakeholders use those concepts within one shared framework.