RecyClass Recycled Plastics Traceability Certification
Independent certification of recycled plastics traceability
The scheme is intended for companies using recycled plastics in processes, products or trading activities. It verifies the physical traceability of recycled material and the actual percentage of recycled content in certified products.
The scheme uses the Controlled Blending chain-of-custody model and refers to the principles of EN 15343:2007 and ISO 22095:2020.
Certification for downstream use of recycled material
For organisations using recycled material in downstream processes
The scheme may apply to companies that purchase certified Recycled Input, store it, process it, blend it with virgin material and place products containing recycled material on the market.
Physical traceability of recycled material in the actual process
The model assumes controlled blending of streams rather than assigning claims only through accounting. Material, data and recipes must form a consistent chain of evidence.
From the supplier certificate to the finished product
FLEXIBLE PU — PRODUCT TRACEABILITY
RC may apply to downstream processing or trading of flexible PU received as a product from an upstream recycling operation. That operation must be certified under RP or another route accepted by RecyClass. Product status alone does not establish recycled origin. Physical traceability, recipes, additions and measurable output remain essential; off-cuts retain only their documented recycled fraction. The applicable scope depends on the actual activity and claims.
Flexible PU article →A supplier certificate does not replace evidence from your own process
The audit does not end with checking the raw-material certificate. It also verifies how the material is used in production, the recipes, actual consumption, material balance and the final product.
Traceability, recycled content and data control
The scheme covers the physical flow of Recycled Input through the company – from the certified source and storage, through the recipe and production, to the product, claim and sale.
The scope may concern a specific product, a component of a larger product or a Family of Products. A family may include products manufactured using the same technology, on the same line, with a similar recipe and application, and using material with the same waste origin. The scheme is not limited to packaging.
The origin of Recycled Input should be confirmed by the appropriate supplier certificate. The chain begins with a recycler holding RecyClass Recycling Process Certification or an appropriate equivalent certification recognised by RecyClass. Recycled Input should carry a marking or code that allows it to be linked to the supplier and documentation.
Recycled content is calculated as the mass of Recycled Input relative to the mass of the product, component or Family of Products. Post-consumer and pre-consumer shares are reported separately. Where content varies between products or batches, the declared value must be based on actual production data covered by the audit and cannot exceed the verified value.
The scheme uses the physical Controlled Blending model rather than unrestricted accounting allocation of claims. Recycled Input may be mixed with virgin material, additives, masterbatches, fillers, pigments or other plastics in a known and controlled proportion. Internal regrind, scrap or off-cuts do not automatically increase recycled content – this depends on material origin and maintained traceability.
The balance covers purchases of Recycled Input, opening and closing stock, actual consumption, recipes, production, product quantities and sales. The auditor checks whether quantities and declared values are logically consistent with production data and whether the actual material flow supports the declared recycled content.
The audit covers suppliers and certificates, storage and labelling, recipes, dosing, ERP/MES systems, actual consumption, production batches, products and sales documentation. For trading without own storage, emphasis is placed on purchasing and sales records and continuity of information. External operations and subcontractors must be appropriately documented and controlled.
Initial Certification applies to the first certification process with available operational data. Monitoring Audit is used for renewal and analysis of the next period. Provisional Certification may apply with a shorter operational history and the appropriate minimum data set, while Multisite Certification covers organisations with more than one location under a common system. Certificate validity is normally 12 months.
Additional scope may include, among other things, decontamination processes for materials intended for Food Contact applications; this does not replace obligations under Regulation (EU) 2022/1616 or the safety assessment of the final product. Other modules may address specified Closed Loop and Controlled Loop applications, Recycled Input origin, end use, substances, traceability and documentation provided to customers.
Certification enables reliable communication of recycled content, but the use of the certificate, claims and Certification Mark must comply with the current RecyClass rules. Because the scheme refers to EN 15343:2007 and ISO 22095:2020, certification may serve as appropriate independent evidence of recycled content under certain requirements, including in the context of the Spanish Plastic Tax; applicability should always be assessed against current legislation.
The system should allow the material flow to be reconstructed
From Recycled Input to a certified product
Frequently asked questions
Is Controlled Blending the same as Mass Balance?
No. RecyClass Recycled Plastics Traceability is based on controlled blending and physical traceability of the material, not on unrestricted accounting allocation of claims.
Is the supplier certificate alone sufficient?
No. You must also demonstrate how recycled material is received, stored and actually used in your own process.
Can multiple products be certified?
Yes. The scope can include appropriate products or product families if they meet the scheme requirements and are properly covered by the data system.
How long is the certificate valid?
Normally 12 months, in line with current scheme requirements.
Would you like to verify the origin and actual recycled content?
Send information about your suppliers, material, process and products. We will help determine the appropriate scope and preparation for certification.