RecyClass Recyclability

The scheme is based on complying with UNE-EN 13430:2005 on requirements for packaging recoverable by material recycling, and ISO 18604 on requirements for packaging to be classified as recoverable in the form of recycled material.

For a plastic product such as packaging to be considered recyclable, it must comply with the following criteria:

• It must be made of a plastic that is collected for recycling, has market value and/or is supported by a legislatively mandated programme.
• It must be sorted and added to defined streams for recycling processes.
• It must be possible to process and reclaim/recycle the product with commercial recycling processes.
• The recycled plastic becomes a raw material that is used in the production of new products.

Within the recyclability category, there are two certification options:

Evaluation of design for recycling

Packaging is designed to be recyclable following RecyClass recycling design guidelines. This evaluation assesses and classifies the recyclability of plastic packaging and determines the extent to which it is suitable for a specific recycling stream based on the most widely used sorting and recycling technologies available in Europe. This evaluation does not consider the specifics of collection, sorting or recycling in a given country. The evaluation is based on the RecyClass Recycling Design Guidelines and the associated online self-assessment tool for classifying the technical recyclability of plastic packaging in the EU market.

Recyclability rate assessment

The packaging is designed to be recycled, following RecyClass recycling design guidelines, and is effectively recycled in the specific geographic area for which the assessment is carried out. This assessment highlights the existence of selective collection systems and sorting and recycling infrastructure, and that recycling is being reviewed.

Both assessments provide the basis of the RecyClass Certification scheme, which evaluates packaging by means of a technical assessment (Design for Recycling Certification); and a quantitative assessment (Recyclability Rate Certification).

Benefits

• Competitive advantage
• Differentiation from other products and organizations
• Regulatory compliance assurance
• Access to the European market

How to get certified

• Application on the website:
  • Results of online tool
  • Packaging included in design guides
• Application approval:
  • Product code
• Testing and documentation:
  • Product data sheets, technical data sheets (TDS), composition
  • Samples
  • Sorting, Quick Test (QT)
• Audit:
  • Design guides
  • Audit report
  • Certificate and logos
  • Use of logos and documentation

The certificate is valid for three years and guarantees that the packaging is designed to be recycled in Europe. Any changes to the packaging design must be communicated to RecyClass for review of packaging recyclability.