RecyClass recognition confirms that the scheme owner has accepted an organisation to operate within a defined scope. Accreditation is a separate assessment of competence by an accreditation body such as PCA. Both statuses may apply, but one does not automatically replace or establish the other.
Is a body recognised by RecyClass automatically accredited for every RecyClass programme?
No. Recognition comes from the certification scheme owner and confirms that an organisation has been accepted to operate within RecyClass for a defined scope. Accreditation is a separate assessment of competence by an accreditation body such as PCA. Both statuses may apply at the same time, but they are not the same.
1. The system involves at least three different roles
RecyClass owns and develops the certification schemes. A certification body performs assessments and issues certificates within its scope of activities. A national accreditation body, such as PCA, assesses the certification body's competence through accreditation.
Confusing these roles leads to inaccurate statements such as “RecyClass accredited the body” or “PCA recognised the RecyClass programme worldwide”.
2. Recognition means acceptance by the scheme owner
RecyClass publishes lists of recognised certification bodies and auditors. Organisations and auditors must meet RecyClass requirements and complete the relevant procedure to operate within the system.
Recognition permits operation within the specified RecyClass system, subject to the scheme owner's conditions.
3. Accreditation assesses the certification body's competence
In Poland, accreditation is granted by the Polish Centre for Accreditation. For bodies certifying products, processes and services, PN-EN ISO/IEC 17065 can provide the basis.
Accreditation always has a scope. Check the particular activities and normative documents in the scope of accreditation, as well as the AC number.
4. One organisation can have different statuses for different programmes
This distinction matters in practice. A body may be accredited for one or more programmes and operate as a recognised certification body for another, in accordance with the scheme owner's rules.
Communication should therefore refer to the particular programme rather than the RecyClass name as a whole.
5. Recycling Process and RPT are closely linked to accreditation
The RecyClass Recycling Process page states that certificates are issued by accredited certification bodies operating in line with ISO 17065. For Recycled Plastics Traceability, RecyClass also emphasises accredited bodies; recognised bodies may issue certificates only under the applicable transitional measures.
Verify the individual body's status on the current RecyClass website and in its current national accreditation scope.
6. Sorting Process and Recyclability have their own recognition rules
RecyClass publishes separate lists of bodies for Sorting Process and Recyclability. Do not assume that national accreditation covers these services simply because the body appears on a RecyClass list.
First check the programme's status, current RecyClass requirements and the body's scope of accreditation.
7. Logos and symbols do not replace scope verification
RecyClass and PCA symbols may appear on websites or certificates, but their meaning must be read in the context of the specific document.
Check three things: the programme name, the issuing body and the current scope of its accreditation or recognition.
8. Recognition is not a lower grade of accreditation
These are different mechanisms operated by different organisations for different purposes. Recognition confirms acceptance within the scheme owner's system. Accreditation confirms competence for a defined scope under a formal accreditation framework.
They should not be placed on a simple “better or worse” scale. Determine which status the particular service requires.
9. Clients should verify status before signing a contract
Before commissioning certification, consult the RecyClass list and the PCA scope. This helps prevent assumptions about accredited status based only on a general marketing statement.
This is especially relevant where a certificate will be used for a tender, a customer requirement, a tax-related purpose or another process requiring a specified form of evidence.
10. Document changes can affect how status is described
RecyClass updates its requirements for certification bodies and individual programmes. PCA also updates accreditation scopes.
Online materials should therefore avoid presenting a status as permanent. Refer readers to the current scope and state the verification date.
11. How to describe Almaland's status precisely
Almaland's knowledge base distinguishes AC 246 accreditation from RecyClass recognition for individual programmes. This reflects the need to relate status to a specific scope.
For clients, the practical question is: “What is the status of this particular certification, and where can I verify it?”
FAQ
Who grants RecyClass recognition?
The RecyClass scheme owner, under its requirements for certification bodies and auditors.
Who grants accreditation in Poland?
The Polish Centre for Accreditation.
Is a recognised auditor the same as an accredited auditor?
The terms should not be used interchangeably. RecyClass recognises auditors within its system, while accreditation principally concerns the certification body's competence for a defined scope.
Does a RecyClass logo mean that a certificate is accredited?
Not automatically. Check the status of the programme and the issuing body.
Where can a body's status be checked?
In the current RecyClass certification body list and the current scope published by the relevant accreditation body.