RecyClass

RecyClass is a European Union-recognized certification system that verifies the recyclability of plastic packaging, the transparency of the recycling process and the traceability of recycled contents. Secure your sustainable packaging chain with RecyClass.

RecyClass

What is it?

RecyClass is a third-party verified certification program that covers the compliance of plastic packaging with the waste management process; collection, sorting, recycling and reuse of recycled material. It stands out as an EU-recognized recycling certificate.

RecyClass has been developed in parallel with the EU Plastics Strategy and PPWR compliant packaging certification requirements. Audit criteria are prepared in line with RecyClass Recyclability Methodology and Design for Recycling Guidelines and are regularly updated according to the evolving needs of the industry.

RecyClass Scope

RecyClass as a plastic recycling certification is designed for packaging manufacturers, plastic waste recyclers, converters, brand owners and distributors. It offers solutions for every link of the value chain with three different certification schemes: design, recycling process and recycled content verification in the final product.


RecyClass Schematics

Recyclability

Evaluates the suitability of the design of plastic packaging for recycling on an A-F scale. For: Manufacturers and importers – Validity: 3 years.

Recycling Process

Documents the recycler’s production process and plastic waste management performance in accordance with EN 15343:2007 and ISO 22095:2020. For: Plastic waste recyclers – Validity: 1 year.

Recycled Plastics Traceability

It verifies the amount of recycled plastic contained in the final product and ensures traceability in the value chain. For: Manufacturers and distributors – Validity: 1 year.

Design for Recycling

RecyClass Design for Recycling Guidelines define the basic principles of recyclable packaging design and are regularly updated according to the evolving needs of the industry.

Transparency and Trust in Recycled Plastics!

Verify the recycled plastic content in your products with an EU-recognized document.
Complete your RecyClass certification process smoothly with the USB Certification team of experts.

RecyClass Schematics

Recycling Process

Documents the recycler’s production process and plastic waste management performance in line with EN 15343 and ISO 22095. It ensures that recycled materials are produced from high quality plastic waste and transparent traceability.

Recyclability

Classifies the suitability of plastic packaging for recycling. Reports performance in collection, sorting and recycling stages on an A-F scale. Evaluated in line with RecyClass Recyclability Methodology and Design for Recycling Guidelines.

RecyClass Certification Process

The following steps are followed to obtain a RecyClass certificate

How to Audit RecyClass?

The RecyClass audit covers the entire value chain from the design of plastic packaging to the release of the final product on the market. The Recyclability scheme audits the recyclability of the packaging design; the Recycling Process scheme audits the recycler’s production lines; and the Traceability scheme audits the recycled content flow. The EN 15343:2007 plastics recycling standard, the ISO 22095:2020 controlled blending chain of custody model and the current RecyClass Design for Recycling Guidelines are used as basic references for the audits.
As USB Certification, we are with you every step of the way from application to audit and certification; we plan your plastic packaging sustainability certification process in line with PPWR compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

RecyClass certification is an EU-recognized certification scheme that verifies the recyclability of plastic packaging, the transparency of the recycling process and the traceability of recycled contents. Its aim is to strengthen plastic waste management, ensure transparency in the supply chain and promote sustainable packaging design.

To obtain RecyClass certification, it is necessary to apply to an accredited certification body, undergo a field audit for the relevant scheme (Recyclability, Recycling Process or Traceability) and resolve any non-conformities identified. The process consists of application, contract, audit preparation, field audit, reporting, NCR closure and certification.

Recyclability documents the suitability of the design of the plastic packaging for recycling (for manufacturers, 3 years); Recycling Process documents the recycler’s production process and plastic waste management performance (1 year); Recycled Plastics Traceability documents the amount of recycled plastic contained in the product and its traceability (1 year).

RecyClass certification is voluntary, but with increased obligations for recycled content declaration and recyclability classification under the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), this certification provides a critical advantage for both PPWR compliance and market access.

The audits are based on EN 15343:2007 (traceability in plastics recycling) and ISO 22095:2020 (chain of custody – controlled blending model). The Recyclability scheme also applies the RecyClass Recyclability Methodology and Design for Recycling Guidelines.

Recyclability certificate is valid for 3 years, Recycling Process and Recycled Plastics Traceability certificates are valid for 1 year. The continuity of the certificate is ensured by surveillance audits in all schemes.

RecyClass is one of the leading initiatives in the European plastic packaging value chain and its certificates are recognized throughout the European Union. It is widely sought by brand owners, retailers and large converters as a supplier selection criterion.