RecyClass Recycling Process Certification

Post-consumer material originates from products used by the final user or products that can no longer be used for their intended purpose. Pre-consumer material is diverted from the waste stream during manufacturing before the product is used. Rework, regrind or scrap returned directly to the same process is not automatically treated as pre-consumer recycled material.

The levels describe the granularity of the traceability system, not the quality of the recycled material. Level 1 enables individual identification of Plastic Waste batches and links Recycled Output to input material. Level 2 is based on controlled Storage Bays and known delivery composition. Level 3 permits less detail for individual deliveries but still requires documented flows and links Recycled Outputs to supplier groups.

Under Segregation, certified material remains physically separated from materials with different characteristics. Controlled Blending permits controlled mixing of recycled material with other materials, such as virgin plastic, masterbatch, additives or fillers, provided the proportions are known and controlled. Recycled content is calculated as the mass share of recycled material in the total product mass; PCR and PreCR are reported separately.

Volume Reconciliation compares input materials with Recycled Outputs, waste, by-products, inventory changes and other streams affecting the balance. For a standard process, a 12-month period is generally analysed; under Provisional Certification, the assessment may be based on a minimum of 3 months of data.

The audit covers registration documents and permits, organisation and staff competence, storage, material identification, the actual process, production capacity, control of Recycled Outputs, process waste, subcontractors and the quality system. The Technical Data Sheet for Recycled Output should include at least polymer type, colour and the permitted contamination level. Depending on the polymer, standards including EN 15342–EN 15348 may apply.

Module A concerns Food Contact: A1 covers the final pre-processing operations before decontamination, while A2 covers the decontamination process itself; the module does not by itself confirm food safety or full compliance with Regulation (EU) 2022/1616. Module B concerns specified cosmetic and household-care applications. Module C relates to CSR and is mandatory for processes outside EU27+3 and optional within EU27+3. Module D contains additional requirements for specified PVC recycling processes.

Initial Certification applies to a process with a full data history. Provisional Certification may apply with at least 3 months of data and a process operating for less than one year. Monitoring Audit is used for annual renewal, while Multisite Certification may cover at least two sites under common ownership. A certificate is generally valid for 12 months, and annual Monitoring Audit is required to maintain continuity.

Certified Recycled Output can serve as input material for RecyClass Recycled Plastics Traceability Certification. RecyClass also indicates that certification may be used as independent evidence in specified market systems, including in the context of the Spanish Plastic Tax. Communication of the Recycling Process mark is intended primarily for B2B use and should comply with the current Use of Claims Guidance and Certification Mark Design Guidance.

Annex Eco-modulation can supplement both RecyClass Recycling Process and Recycled Plastics Traceability. It supports the transfer of data required by relevant EPR systems, including CITEO in France. It does not replace the core requirements of RP or RC and does not itself guarantee a bonus. Bonus or fee-reduction conditions are set by the relevant EPR organisation.