The Recyclability Label by RecyClass: A Commitment to Recyclable Plastic Packaging

Plastic pollution represents a major environmental challenge, with less than 10% of plastic waste being recycled worldwide. * ¹

In response to this urgency, the RecyClass label, issued by independent certification bodies such as Ecocert, offers a concrete opportunity for commitment to evaluate and improve the recyclability of plastic packaging.

What is the Recyclability Label by RecyClass?

The RecyClass Recyclability Label is dedicated to assessing the recyclability of plastic packaging, with over 500 certificates issued in Europe. Its goal is to support companies in designing packaging that is better suited to recycling processes, thus contributing to more sustainable plastic management.

It is based on several types of certification adapted to the different stages of the packaging life cycle:

• Design for Recycling Certification (Evaluation of recyclability of finished products): Packaging design is graded on a scale from A (excellent recyclability) to C (limited recyclability).

• Recyclability Certification (Evaluation of recyclability in an EU country): Analysis of the actual ability of packaging to be recycled in a given EU member state.

• Compatibility Letter (Evaluation of recyclability of semi-finished products): Validation of the compatibility of semi-finished products with recycling processes.

These RecyClass certifications, carried out by a trusted independent third party such as Ecocert, allow brands to optimize their packaging to meet consumer and regulatory expectations, particularly under the PPWR * ² and the French AGEC law.

What criteria does Ecocert verify for the RecyClass label?

A certification body like Ecocert conducts audits to evaluate the recyclability of packaging, including the following aspects:

1. Packaging Composition

• Verification of materials used (type of plastic, additives, inks, adhesives).
• Absence of substances that disrupt recycling (e.g. complex multilayer plastics).

2. Compatibility with recycling infrastructure

• Ability of the packaging to be efficiently sorted in sorting centers.
• Potential for conversion into recycled raw material usable in new packaging.

3. Performance of recycling processes

• Evaluation under real industrial conditions to measure the effectiveness of material recovery and the quality of the resulting recyclate.
• Strict control of contamination levels in the plastic waste stream, according to technical specifications.

4. Communication and recyclability claims

Verification that the brand communicates transparently about the recyclability level of its packaging.

Why should brands adopt the RecyClass certification with Ecocert?

The sustainable materials sector is undergoing a major transformation. Driven by new environmental regulations (AGEC law, PPWR) and increasing consumer demand, companies must now ensure traceability, quality, and reduced impact of their materials and packaging.

• Meeting consumer expectations

90% of French people want alternatives to reduce or offset the use of plastic in packaging. *³

A RecyClass certification issued by Ecocert clearly displays the level of recyclability of packaging and builds buyer trust.

• A concrete commitment to the circular economy

With this certification, companies are engaging in an eco-design approach for their packaging, promoting the responsible use of resources.

• Anticipating regulatory requirements

Environmental standards are becoming increasingly strict, especially with the PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation) concerning packaging. The RecyClass Recyclability certification by Ecocert helps companies anticipate future legal requirements in terms of recyclability.

Recyclability certification can also be combined with "Recyclability Process" and "Recycled Plastics Traceability certifications", which ensure traceability of recycled plastics at every stage of the production process. This enables producers to meet PPWR requirements on the integration of recycled content, and also benefit from eco-modulation bonuses from French eco-organizations or exemption from the plastic tax in Spain.

• A positive impact on brand image

Undertaking a certified and credible initiative with a recognized certification body like Ecocert strengthens the company's reputation.

Conclusion

Adopting the RecyClass label is a proactive approach for brands genuinely committed to fighting plastic pollution.

Contact Ecocert to start your RecyClass certification! 👉 I request a free quote

¹ Source : Study conducted by researchers from Tsinghua University in Beijing and published in the journal Communications Earth & Environment.

² Focus on the PPWR

Annual plastic production exceeded 400 million tonnes in 2022, a significant portion of which ends up as waste in natural ecosystems, threatening biodiversity and contributing to global pollution. The European Union, through its Proposal for a Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), sets ambitious targets to accelerate the transition to more sustainable packaging:

• By 2025: mandatory integration of a minimum percentage of recycled content in packaging.

• By 2030: all packaging must be recyclable based on strict design and end-of-life criteria.

• Progressive bans on single-use plastic packaging when sustainable alternatives are available.

At the same time, the French AGEC law (Anti-Waste for a Circular Economy) imposes similar measures to reduce the environmental impact of packaging and hold manufacturers accountable.

³ Source : Emballage digest, article : https://www.emballagedigest.fr/consommation-les-attentes-des-consommateurs-evoluent/