OLF simplifies plastic identification to improve recovery rates
With the goal of ending ocean plastic waste, the laboratory has expanded its plastics content testing for proper reuse
The Ocean Legacy Foundation (OLF), a non-profit organization focusing on ending ocean plastic waste, has expanded its affordable plastic testing and production support services for recyclers, manufacturers, compounders, product designers, and DIYers across the Pacific Northwest and beyond. In addition to melt flow and moisture content analysis, the services now also include tensile, flexural and impact strength, solid density, and ash testing for recycled, virgin, and compounded plastics.
The laboratory was made possible due to the generous support of the provincial Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy through the CleanBC Plastic Action Fund. It represents a significant enhancement to Ocean Legacy's capabilities, aligning with the organization's EPIC pillars to bolster the plastic circular economy.
These services are designed to support essential plastic property testing at accessible prices for those looking to use recycled content in their products.
The OLF's Plastic Testing Laboratory will work with customers to build their plastic technical data sheets, perform quality control testing, and aid in process trouble shooting. Testing services can either be purchased individually or as bundled packages (listed below) with daily and monthly rates.
Flagship service bundles:
- Complete Polymer Passport — Your full go-to material profile: Melt Flow Index + Moisture Analysis + Solid-Density + Tensile + Flexural + Impact + Ash Testing.
- Process Stability Bundle — The fastest way to identify batch variability: Melt Flow Index + Moisture Analysis + Solid-Density for reliable quality control.
- Mechanical Benchmark Suite — Prove performance with confidence: Tensile + Flexural + Impact testing to benchmark strength, stiffness, and toughness for material specifications.
"Recycled plastic, sourced either as post-consumer or from marine environments, possess many challenges with resin identification, composition, and property variability that can influence processing parameters and the final product," said Jon Hatt, laboratory manager at OLF's Plastic Testing Laboratory. "With the growing circular economy and the push for molders to increase their recycled plastic content, a reliable and accessible plastic testing laboratory is critical for success."
