RecyClass, recycling, traceability and packaging explained in practice
Knowledge for businesses across the plastics value chain.
We explain RecyClass requirements, recycling and traceability, packaging design, PPWR, food contact and audit practice.
Six main knowledge categories
Schemes, scopes and choosing the right certification path.02 — Recycling and traceability
Recycling Process, traceability, PCR, PreCR and quantity accounting.03 — Packaging and recyclability
Design for Recycling and RecyClass Recyclability.04 — PPWR and legislation
EU regulations, recyclability and recycled content.05 — Food contact
rPET, regulations, decontamination and RecyClass modules.06 — Audits and accreditation
Preparation, accreditation, impartiality and certification.
All articles and guides
Where should you start?
Schemes according to your company's position in the value chain.PCR and PreCR: how should material be classified?
Differences, evidence sources and implications for claims.Design for Recycling: where should you start?
Packaging construction, labels, adhesives and barriers.
Common topics examined at a facility
Quantity accounting, actual consumption, recycling inputs and outputs, internal regrind, suppliers, storage and declared recycled content.
Packaging design matters across the whole system
RecyClass Recyclability assesses the main material, layers, labels, sleeves, adhesives, printing, closures, barriers and how packaging behaves during sorting and recycling.
Explore this categorySorting Evaluation Protocol
Letter of Compatibility
Recyclability Certification
Components and compatibility
Regulations are changing how businesses approach packaging and recycled material
We explain PPWR requirements on recyclability, recycled content and declarations, and the relationship between legal obligations and certification.
PPWR: what should businesses be monitoring now?
Changes to packaging requirements, recycled content and the documentation of compliance.
Explore PPWR resources →
Areas that need particular attention
Certification involves more than a checklist
We explain accreditation, technical review, certification decisions, impartiality and the distinction between the accredited scope and scheme recognition.
Knowledge for each stage of the value chain
Key terms in one place
We explain PCR, PreCR, recycling inputs and outputs, plastic waste, quantity accounting, controlled blending and Design for Recycling in a practical context.
Resources grounded in requirements and audit practice
Our articles organise scheme requirements, standards, regulations and official resources around practical questions.
HOW TO USE THE KNOWLEDGE BASE
The answer first, then details and sources
The knowledge base supports practical decisions: choosing a scheme, understanding a requirement, preparing data and checking a source. We therefore use a consistent article structure.
A DIRECT ANSWER
Each article should answer a specific reader question at the outset, without burying the key information in a long introduction.
PRIMARY SOURCES
For RecyClass requirements, the reference is the scheme owner's current documentation; for legislation, the relevant act in EUR-Lex; and for accreditation status, PCA documentation.
UPDATE DATE
For content that depends on a scheme, regulation or methodology version, we state the last verification date so readers can identify the context of the information.
LEGISLATION AND CERTIFICATION SCHEMES
We clearly distinguish legal obligations from voluntary certification scheme requirements. A certificate can support evidence of specified data, but does not by itself replace a full legal assessment.
A PRACTICAL EXAMPLE
Where possible, we illustrate requirements through material flows, documentation, quantity accounting, packaging or an actual audit situation.
YOUR SPECIFIC CASE
An article does not replace an assessment of an individual organisation. The scope depends on processes, sites, materials, products, scheme versions and applicable requirements.
Cannot find the answer in the knowledge base?
Describe your process, material or product. We will help identify the relevant certification area and useful starting information.