RecyClass: where should you start?
Four certification areas, different stages of the value chain and one common goal: reliable information about plastics
RecyClass includes schemes for independently assessing waste sorting, recycling processes, the subsequent use of recycled plastics and packaging recyclability.
Start with your company's position in the value chain
RecyClass basics, step by step
Each scheme addresses a different stage of the material flow
Frequently asked questions
Is RecyClass a single certificate?
No. RecyClass includes several separate schemes and assessment pathways covering different stages of the value chain.
Can one company need more than one scheme?
Yes. If an organisation operates at several stages, separate certification scopes may apply.
Do all schemes have the same accreditation status?
No. The status must be checked for the specific scheme and certification body.
HOW TO READ A CERTIFICATE
Do more than ask whether a company has RecyClass
Reliable verification requires several checks together. A logo or scheme name alone does not confirm that a particular material, product or site is covered by a certificate.
SCHEME
First establish which scheme the certificate covers: Sorting Process, Recycling Process, Recycled Plastics Traceability or RecyClass Recyclability.
SITE
Check that the certificate covers the relevant facility or site. A certificate for one site should not automatically be extended to an organisation's other facilities.
SCOPE
Verify the process, material, product or output assessed. The certificate's scope should match the subject of the supplier's claim.
ADDITIONAL MODULES
If food contact, PVC or another additional scope matters, check that the relevant module is actually included on the certificate.
VALIDITY
Check the issue and expiry dates. An expired certificate does not confirm the process's current status.
CERTIFICATION BODY
Verify the body in the official RecyClass directory and, if the service is described as accredited, check its current accreditation scope.
RELATED AREAS
Turn knowledge into the right certification process
Once you understand the basics, the next step is to match the requirements to your specific activities and scheme.
Describe your input material, process and output
These three pieces of information usually help identify the relevant RecyClass area quickly.