Plastic recycling

RecyClass certification for plastic recycling

The demand for recycled plastic is growing rapidly. Manufacturers, brand owners and legislators are setting increasingly higher requirements for the quality, origin and traceability of recycled materials. With RecyClass certification, you can independently demonstrate that your recycling processes or use of recycled plastic meet internationally recognized requirements. Kiwa is an accredited RecyClass certifier and supports organizations worldwide in obtaining a RecyClass certificate. Thanks to our international expertise and experienced auditors, we help plastic recyclers, compounders, converters and other organizations in the plastics value chain build trust among customers, suppliers and regulators.

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What is RecyClass?

RecyClass is an internationally recognized certification system that supports the circular plastics value chain. It helps organizations demonstrate the quality, traceability and transparency of recycled plastic. The certification scheme is based on internationally accepted standards, including EN 15343 for the traceability of recycled plastic, and meets the growing demand for reliable information about recycled materials.

With RecyClass certification, you show that your organization processes or uses recycled plastic in a controlled and transparent manner. This increases the confidence of customers, buyers and other stakeholders in your products and processes.

Also active in the North American market?

In addition to RecyClass, Kiwa also offers certification according to the APR PCR Certification Standard of the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR). APR is the leading certification scheme for the North American market and focuses on the quality and traceability of post consumer recycled (PCR) plastic. As the only independent certifier in the world, Kiwa offers both RecyClass and APR certification. Organizations active in multiple international markets can therefore combine both certification processes. This reduces the audit burden, prevents duplicate work and makes certification more efficient and often more cost effective. Learn more about APR.

Who is RecyClass certification for?

RecyClass is suitable for organizations active within the plastics value chain, including:

  • Plastic recyclers
  • Manufacturers of recycled plastic
  • Compounders
  • Converters
  • Manufacturers that use recycled plastic in their products
  • Other organizations that want to demonstrate the origin and use of recycled plastic

RecyClass certification modules

RecyClass consists of different certification modules, depending on your role within the plastics value chain:

  • Recycling Process Certification
    This certification is intended for plastic recyclers. During the audit, it is assessed whether the recycling process meets the requirements for, among other things:
    • Origin of plastic waste
    • Permits and compliance with laws and regulations
    • Organization and employee training
    • Acceptance and control of incoming materials
    • Inventory management
    • Mass balance
    • Control of the recycling process
    • Quality control of recycled output
    • Environmental protection
    • Traceability of materials
      The certification is carried out per recycling process at a specific location.

  • Recycled Plastics Traceability Certification
    This certification is intended for organizations that process or trade recycled plastic and want to demonstrate the quantity, origin and traceability of the recycled material. The certification provides insight into:
    • What type of recycled plastic is used
    • How much recycled material is used
    • Where the material comes from
    • How material flows within the organization are controlled

      This enables organizations to make reliable claims about the use of recycled plastic and meet the growing demand for transparency within the plastics value chain.

What are the benefits of RecyClass certification?

With RecyClass certification, you:

  • Independently demonstrate the quality and traceability of recycled plastic
  • Increase the confidence of customers, suppliers and regulators
  • Support your sustainability and circularity goals
  • Strengthen your position in national and international markets
  • Have an internationally recognized certificate
  • Show that your organization works according to controlled and transparent processes.

What does the certification process involve?

The certification process generally consists of the following steps:

    Assessment of your organization and activities

    Determining which RecyClass certification best suits your situation

    Preparing for the audit and reviewing the required documentation

    On site audit by an experienced Kiwa auditor

    Assessment of the audit results and, if the assessment is positive, issuance of the certificate

    Periodic follow up audits to maintain the validity of the certificate.

Why RecyClass certification by Kiwa?

Kiwa is an internationally recognized certification body with extensive experience in plastic recycling, quality assurance and traceability. Our auditors have in depth knowledge of recycling processes and the entire plastics value chain. Thanks to our international network, we can support organizations worldwide with their certification. An important advantage is that Kiwa is the only independent certifier to offer both RecyClass and U.S. APR certification. Organizations active in multiple markets can therefore combine both certifications in one efficient certification process. This reduces the audit burden and ensures a more efficient certification process.

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