It is not enough to confirm that a supplier “has RecyClass”. Verify that the specific material from the specific site is covered by a valid certificate, then maintain your own traceability.
A logo or PDF alone is not enough
A certificate must be read as a document with a specific scope. Its meaning depends on the scheme, site, process, material, product, validity period and, where relevant, additional modules.
What should be checked step by step?
- scheme — whether it is Recycling Process, Recycled Plastics Traceability, Sorting Process or RecyClass Recyclability;
- certification body — whether it is appropriately recognised for the scheme;
- site — whether the purchased material comes from the site named on the certificate;
- material scope — whether the specific material or product is covered;
- validity — whether the certificate is current;
- modules — whether an additional module relevant to the application is included in the scope.
The certificate does not replace your traceability
After receiving material, the organisation must still be able to connect the delivery with its supplier, purchase document, batch number, storage, recipe and the relevant finished product.
If the material is mixed with other raw materials, the actual proportions must be known and documented.
Common errors
- purchasing from a site other than the one stated on the certificate;
- purchasing material outside the certificate scope;
- using an expired certificate;
- assuming a group certificate automatically covers every subsidiary;
- failing to connect a delivery with a specific batch;
- assigning characteristics to material that the certificate does not confirm.
What should be retained?
The supplier approval system should retain the current certificate, its verification date, a link to the official entry or source, information on the site, scope and materials, and a record of the supplier approval decision.
Key takeaway
A supplier's certificate begins the chain of evidence. The organisation's own system must ensure that material traceability continues throughout its subsequent operations.