RecyClass and APR: Kiwa simplifies international certification of recycled plastics

RecyClass has grown into an important certification scheme for plastic recycling in Europe. The scheme focuses, among other things, on the traceability of recycled plastics, the control of recycling processes and demonstrating the recyclability of plastic products. The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) is the US counterpart of RecyClass and focuses specifically on the quality and traceability of post consumer recycled plastic. The APR PCR Certification Standard helps companies demonstrate how much recycled material is being used and where this material originates from.

Combined certification process

Although both schemes have the same goal, namely creating confidence in recycled plastics, they are aligned with different markets and recycling infrastructures. By offering both RecyClass and APR, Kiwa supports organizations that want to meet the requirements and expectations of customers, legislators and other stakeholders in Europe and beyond. An important advantage for companies is that Kiwa can offer combined certification processes for organizations that require both RecyClass and APR certification. This reduces the audit burden and allows organizations to certify more efficiently and often more cost effectively.

International expertise

Kiwa has a specialized team of auditors with extensive knowledge of plastic recycling and the related certification schemes. From various countries, Kiwa supports organizations worldwide. Kiwa’s auditors combine technical knowledge of recycling processes with experience in chain of custody, traceability and quality assurance. The addition of APR fits within Kiwa’s broader ambition to support organizations in the transition to a circular economy. By offering various internationally recognized certification schemes, Kiwa helps companies turn their sustainability ambitions into demonstrable results.