RecyClass developed a system for reliable traceability of the origin of plastic waste, as well as for the calculation and verification of recycled content in plastic products. 

Plastic is ubiquitous in today's society. A great amount of plastic is specifically flowing into the packaging industry. However, economic and technical limitations cause most plastic packaging to have a linear and unsustainable life, often characterized by a very short use phase.

RecyClass is a non-profit, cross-industry initiative facilitating the transition toward a circular plastic future. Recyclass developed a certification scheme recognising the use of recycled plastics in products throughout the plastics value chain. It follows a controlled blending model which focuses on the physical traceability of recycled plastics. This offers a robust and reliable verification of the use of recycled plastics in products and allows the reporting of a known percentage of recycled plastics in outputs. A controlled blending model allows mixing of recycled plastics with other inputs in a known proportion, ensuring claims of recycled plastics based on physical traceability of the materials. Claims based on a controlled blending approach correspond to minimum percentage of recycled plastics, ensuring reliable, understandable and trustworthy communication towards stakeholders, customers and consumers.

The Recycled Plastics Traceability Audit Scheme assesses the physical traceability of recycled plastic material throughout all the actors of the value chain, while verifying the origin of pre- and post-consumer material in product claims. The Certification is based on EN 15343:2007 and the principles of a controlled blending chain of custody model as defined in ISO 22095:2020.

Benefits of the Certification:

Facilitates traceability of recycled materials along the value chain

Promotes transparent use of recycled plastic in new products

Reinforces reliable and verifiable claims on recycled plastic

Increases trust among consumers