The Online Tool is a free self-assessment platform. Its result depends on the data entered by the user. It can support design work and technical documentation, but it is not a certificate or sufficient evidence of full PPWR conformity on its own.
Does a positive RecyClass Online Tool result mean that the packaging is certified?
No. The Online Tool supports self-assessment and design optimisation. It can indicate a potential result and identify areas for improvement, but a report generated by the user does not replace an independent audit and is not a RecyClass certificate.
1. What is the Online Tool used for?
The tool allows users to analyse a packaging design against the applicable RecyClass methodology and Design for Recycling Guidelines.
After answering the questions, the user receives a report containing the result and recommendations that can help improve the design before formal certification.
2. A free platform for repeated design work
RecyClass provides multiple analyses, saved analysis records and downloadable reports through the platform's available functions.
This makes the Online Tool useful for comparing packaging variants.
For example, a user can investigate how replacing a label, sleeve, closure or another component affects the potential outcome.
3. Start by identifying the packaging correctly
For plastics, the user moves through five main stages: description, suitability, type of packaging, Design for Recycling and the final result.
Selecting the wrong packaging type or recycling stream can lead to the wrong questions and a result that does not represent the actual design.
4. The tool follows the methodology and guidelines
The Online Tool is not a separate assessment system. Its logic is based on the RecyClass Recyclability Methodology and the relevant Design for Recycling Guidelines.
Consequently, the result for the same packaging design may change when the guidelines are updated.
RecyClass maintains a public changelog describing updates. The version used should be recorded when comparing analyses.
5. An A–C result is not a certificate or a legal declaration
The tool can return class A, B or C, or “not recyclable”. This is a self-assessment result based on information supplied by the user.
RecyClass states that the self-assessment report cannot be used by itself to claim packaging recyclability. Communication of certified recyclability requires the relevant independent certification process.
6. The quality of the result depends on the input data
The tool does not inspect the physical pack. If the user enters an incorrect label material, sleeve coverage, adhesive type or other parameter, the report will rest on incorrect assumptions.
Before starting, collect component specifications, drawings, weights and information from suppliers.
7. The Online Tool helps prepare for an audit
RecyClass identifies self-assessment as a step before certification. The report can help organise the design information and flag matters to clarify before contacting a Certification Body.
The audit result may nevertheless differ: the auditor checks the data, documentation and samples, and may require additional testing.
8. The analysis may identify a need for testing
If the design contains a feature not sufficiently covered by the guidelines, or one that could affect sortability, answering the tool's questions may not provide enough evidence.
Relevant evidence may then include testing under a Recyclability Evaluation Protocol or Sorting Evaluation Protocol, or a Technology Approval for an innovative technology.
9. The Online Tool and the PPWR
In its June 2026 update, RecyClass clarified that the tool's approach is aligned with EN 13430 for the European market and can support technical evidence concerning recyclability.
The Online Tool report is not, by itself, sufficient evidence of full conformity with the PPWR. The manufacturer remains responsible for the accuracy and completeness of the technical documentation and for issuing the declaration of conformity.
10. The platform covers more than plastics
As checked in October 2026, the platform offers modules for plastics, aluminium and steel. The metal modules follow the relevant Design for Recycling guidelines maintained by CIRCPACK. The changelog records their introduction in July 2024.
For companies working with plastic packaging, the RecyClass methodology and its guidelines for the relevant plastics stream remain the key references.
11. Its strongest use: comparing design options
The Online Tool is especially useful when a company is considering several designs and wants to identify features that could reduce recyclability.
It should not be treated as automatic certification or a substitute for examining the actual product.
12. What to prepare before starting
- A complete component list.
- Materials and weights of individual components.
- Label and sleeve information.
- Adhesive and printing details.
- Information on barriers and additives.
- Colour and decoration method.
- Closure specifications.
- Photographs or technical drawings of the pack.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Online Tool free?
Yes. RecyClass provides a free self-assessment platform. An analysis route without registration is also available; use the account functions where saved analyses and reports are needed.
Can I share the report with a customer?
It can serve as working or technical information, clearly identified as a self-assessment. It must not be presented as a RecyClass certificate or used alone as the basis for a recyclability claim.
Are the tool result and the audit result always identical?
No. The auditor verifies the actual configuration, documents, samples and any additional test evidence.
Does the tool replace PPWR documentation?
No. It can support the technical file, but the manufacturer remains responsible for the full conformity assessment and declaration of conformity.