The main change is the consolidation of recycling process certification development within the RecyClass system. Traceability of waste origin and the principles of EN 15343 remain the common foundation.
Why did EuCertPlast and RecyClass join forces?
Both systems developed approaches to plastics recycling process certification based, among other things, on traceability of waste origin and the principles of EN 15343. Their agreement aimed to consolidate the development of recycler certification under RecyClass Recycling Process Certification.
What remains the common foundation?
- input material traceability;
- distinguishing pre-consumer and post-consumer origin;
- control of the recycling process;
- assessment of quantity data;
- process quality management;
- reliable information about recycled output.
What changed for recyclers?
The current RecyClass system has its own scheme documentation, requirements for certification bodies and auditors, accreditation rules and additional modules. A company with previous EuCertPlast experience should therefore work with current RecyClass documents rather than assume that its old procedures fully meet the present scheme.
The role of additional modules
Recycling Process Certification includes modules addressing food-contact applications, cosmetics and household care applications, corporate social responsibility and PVC. A module's scope should correspond to the actual process and intended use of the material.
Is a previous certificate sufficient today?
When qualifying a supplier or material, always check the certificate's current status and the document recognition rules of the applicable scheme. A historical scheme name should not replace verification of the current scope.
Which EuCertPlast experience remains valuable?
The greatest value lies in an established system for traceability, quantity reconciliation, quality control, supplier qualification and data management. These elements remain central to RecyClass certification today.
Key point
The change goes beyond a new certificate name. RecyClass develops its own certification system, which must be applied using current documentation and the current certification status.