A recyclable polymer does not automatically make a recyclable package. The complete design must be compatible with the relevant sorting and recycling stream, preserve useful recyclate quality and be assessed within a defined methodology and geographical scope.
Is using a material that “can be recycled” enough to make packaging recyclable?
No. Recyclability concerns the complete packaging and its entire journey after use. Consider not just the main polymer, but also collection and sorting, the behaviour of labels, sleeves, adhesives, closures, barriers, additives and printing during recycling, and the quality of the resulting secondary material.
1. Recyclability assesses the complete packaging
Industry discussions often describe PET or PP as recyclable. That describes a material rather than a complete packaging design.
A finished pack may comprise a body, closure, label, sleeve, adhesive, printing, barrier layers, seals and product residues. Every element can affect the final result.
2. RecyClass considers design, sorting, recycling and material quality
The RecyClass approach assesses compatibility between a packaging design and a specific recycling stream. The analysis goes beyond identifying the polymer.
It also considers whether the pack will be recognised and directed to the correct stream, whether components will separate or behave appropriately during processing, and whether the recyclate will retain a quality suitable for further use.
3. Assign the correct recycling stream first
There is no universal assessment for all plastics. RecyClass develops separate guidelines for different formats and streams, including PET bottles and thermoforms, rigid HDPE and PP packaging, PE and PP films, and PS packaging.
What is acceptable in one stream may be unsuitable in another. Correct identification of the main material and packaging format is therefore the first step.
4. Design for Recycling is the starting point
Design for Recycling (DfR) asks whether a packaging design is technically compatible with existing sorting and recycling processes.
The assessment considers materials, colour, decoration coverage, closures, adhesives, barriers, additives, printing and other features affecting the packaging after use.
5. Sortability can determine the outcome before recycling starts
Packaging may use a suitable material yet fail to reach the correct stream. Causes include unusual dimensions, behaviour on the sorting line and features that impede optical detection.
Near-infrared (NIR) detection, large labels and sleeves, and materials that divert the pack into a different fraction can be particularly significant.
6. Technical recycling is more than shredding
After sorting, packaging undergoes the stages appropriate to its stream, such as shredding, washing, separation, drying, extrusion or other processes used to prepare secondary material.
A problematic component can cause material losses, contaminate a fraction, impair recyclate properties or restrict the resulting material to less demanding applications.
7. Recyclate quality matters
Recyclability means more than recovering “some material”. RecyClass considers whether the resulting secondary material retains sufficient quality for closed-loop use or appropriate cascade applications.
A small component change can therefore lower the class even if the packaging still physically passes through recycling.
8. Classes A, B and C represent different performance levels
Under the RecyClass methodology, packaging in classes A, B and C is considered recyclable. Class A is the best result, while B and C reflect increasing effects of design issues on recyclate quality or material losses.
Following the 2025 methodology revision, RecyClass removed the former classes D, E and F, retaining classes A–C and a “not recyclable” outcome.
9. Recycled content and recyclability measure different things
Packaging can have a high PCR content and poor recyclability. Conversely, packaging made from virgin plastic can have a very good design for future recycling.
Recycled content describes the material’s past. Recyclability describes what can happen to the packaging after its useful life.
10. The Online Tool is not a certificate
The free RecyClass Online Tool enables self-assessment and provides a report with recommendations. This is valuable during design, but the result is not a certificate.
RecyClass makes clear that a positive self-assessment should not be used on its own to claim certified packaging recyclability.
11. A full assessment can also consider real waste-management systems
Design for Recycling Certification focuses on the technical compatibility of a design with European sorting and recycling solutions.
A full recyclability assessment goes further by considering a defined geographical area, including the availability of collection, sorting and recycling. A technical result and a full certification result should therefore not necessarily be interpreted identically.
12. Ask: recyclable where, in which stream and under which methodology?
The general claim “recyclable” is too broad if the design, market, recycling stream and methodology version assessed are unclear.
Before making a claim, establish at least the product identity, complete configuration, relevant stream, guideline version, assessment result and geographical scope.
Frequently asked questions
Is mono-material packaging always recyclable?
No. A mono-material structure can facilitate recycling, but colour, decoration, labels, adhesives, sortability and the behaviour of the entire design in the relevant stream still require assessment.
Does high PCR content mean high recyclability?
No. Recycled content and recyclability are separate measures.
Can an Online Tool result be displayed on packaging as a certificate?
No. A self-assessment report is not a certificate and does not itself authorise use of a certification mark.
Are RecyClass classes A–C the same as PPWR classes A–C?
They should not automatically be equated. The systems have different methodological and legal foundations.