Check the scheme, certificate code, company, site, material scope, additional modules, certification body and expiry date. Then confirm that the specific delivery falls within the certified scope.
1. Start with the scheme
Establish whether the document concerns Sorting Process, Recycling Process, Recycled Plastics Traceability or RecyClass Recyclability. These schemes confirm different aspects and cannot be used interchangeably.
2. Check the official register
Compare the document with the relevant public RecyClass register. Check the certificate code, organisation name and document status.
3. Verify the site
The certificate should cover the site that actually supplies the purchased material. Certification of one factory does not automatically mean that every site in the same group is certified.
4. Check the material scope
Compare the purchased material with the scope stated on the certificate: polymer, material form, process and, where applicable, input and output material.
5. Check additional modules
If the application requires a specific module, for example one concerning food contact or PVC, make sure that the relevant module is included in the scope.
6. Check the expiry date
An expired certificate does not confirm the current status of the process. Record the verification date and the next review date in the supplier approval system.
7. Link the certificate to the delivery
A successful certificate check does not remove the need to trace the specific delivery. The purchase document, batch number, specification and warehouse identification should lead to the correct supplier and site.
The most common mistake
Saying “our supplier has RecyClass” is too general. The correct question is whether this material, from this site, during this period is covered by a valid certificate.
Key takeaway
Certificate verification is part of material qualification, but the company's own traceability must continue after receipt of the delivery.