Plastic recycling certification scheme RecyClass gains strong momentum

The RecyClass plastic recycling certification scheme evaluates the entire plastics value chain, from design to finished product and recycling. ‘It assesses the recyclability of plastic products and packaging,’ says Frank van Hattem, product manager and certification engineer at Kiwa. ‘The assessment considers factors such as the materials used and their impact on existing sorting and recycling processes, as well as the quality and control of the recycling processes themselves, including the traceability of recycled plastics and the verification of input and output material streams. Sorting processes are also evaluated for their ability to produce high purity material fractions.’

A closed loop

RecyClass consists of a comprehensive set of certification schemes. ‘RecyClass is designed for recyclers that process plastic waste into raw materials, compounders that convert recycled materials into pellets or compounds, converters that manufacture new products or packaging from those materials, sorting facilities that separate waste streams into pure material fractions and, more recently, brand owners and manufacturers that want to demonstrate the recyclability of their plastic products or packaging.’ According to Van Hattem, the various RecyClass schemes fit together seamlessly. ‘Together they create a closed loop in which the origin, processing and application of recycled plastics can be fully traced.’

Economic drivers

According to Van Hattem, this value chain approach is exactly what makes RecyClass so valuable. ‘Plastic Recyclers Europe, the organization behind RecyClass, closely monitors European legislation. This includes new requirements for recycled PET in food packaging and regulatory developments from the European Commission. The certification scheme continuously evolves alongside these changes.’ That also explains why demand for RecyClass continues to grow. More European countries are introducing measures to encourage the use of recycled plastics. Spain, for example, offers tax incentives for products containing recycled plastic, while France provides subsidies to companies that use recycled materials. ‘These are important drivers,’ says Van Hattem. ‘Besides sustainability goals, economic considerations also play an important role. Companies recognize that investing in recycling is becoming increasingly attractive.’

From keyboards to flower pots

Van Hattem thinks virtually every organization that works with plastics will eventually encounter RecyClass.

‘Europe is working toward a fully circular economy by 2050. That means plastics must become increasingly recyclable or be manufactured from recycled materials. Whether you produce packaging, keyboards or flower pots, these requirements are becoming more relevant for everyone.’ RecyClass plays an important role by making sustainability claims verifiable. ‘Companies no longer want to simply claim that they operate sustainably. They want to prove it independently. Certification gives customers, government authorities and other stakeholders confidence that processes genuinely comply with objective requirements.’ According to Van Hattem, the value extends well beyond having a certificate on the wall. ‘It provides independent evidence of your sustainability ambitions. That is becoming increasingly important in public tenders, international trade and partnerships with major customers.’

One stop shop for RecyClass and APR

Kiwa also provides certification according to APR, the American counterpart to RecyClass. Both certification schemes evaluate recycling quality and the use of recycled plastics, but each has been developed around the practices and regulatory framework of its own region. ´The European and American recycling infrastructures differ,’ Van Hattem explains. ‘As a result, packaging that performs well under RecyClass in Europe may receive a different assessment under APR in the United States, and vice versa. Another reason is that RecyClass covers both pre consumer and post consumer plastics, while APR primarily focuses on post consumer materials, such as used packaging collected through waste streams. Pre consumer material consists of manufacturing scrap or rejected production batches that have never reached the consumer.’ Following a one stop shop approach, Kiwa offers both certification schemes, allowing international organizations to obtain certification for both Europe and the United States through a single certification body.

Well prepared for the audit

As an independent certification body, Kiwa does not advise organizations on how to comply with the RecyClass requirements. ‘However, we can support companies with services such as a pre audit. This helps identify any gaps with respect to the standard and assesses whether the proposed approach is appropriate. That may involve areas such as material flow registration, verification of incoming raw materials or documentation of quality inspections. This allows organizations to understand where they stand before the actual audit takes place.’ When asked when companies should begin preparing for RecyClass, Van Hattem is clear. ‘Don't wait for legislation. Start building a robust quality management system now. RecyClass provides a solid foundation because, in the end, circularity is about demonstrating measurable performance rather than simply expressing ambitions.’

Other plastic certification services

Our website provides more information about RecyClass certification and APR certification. Kiwa closely monitors developments in plastic recycling and now offers a broad range of complementary certification services in this field. For example, we support companies with certification according to Operation Clean Sweep (OCS), helping them meet European objectives and regulatory requirements aimed at preventing plastic pellet loss and reducing the release of microplastics into the environment. For companies that market products without added plastics, Kiwa also offers Flustix Plastic Free certification, providing independent verification that products are free from added plastics.