🎙️ Interview - ECOCERT x RecyClass

1. Why did you launch RecyClass?

RecyClass was launched to accelerate the transition toward plastics circularity by establishing a harmonised, science-driven approach to plastic recyclability, recycled plastic calculation & traceability in Europe. Recognising the complexity of the plastic value chain, RecyClass was created as a cross-industry initiative to foster collaboration among all key stakeholders, from raw material producers, converters, brand owners, recyclers and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Schemes, among others.

At the heart of RecyClass is the belief that every product placed on the market should be designed with its end-of-life in mind, ensuring it is compatible with the most common recycling technologies. To support this vision, RecyClass developed a science-based, packaging Recyclability Methodology. This document serves as the foundation upon which RecyClass build its ready-made tools for the industry, starting with the Evaluation Protocols – standardised testing methods for evaluating the behaviour of innovative packaging technologies throughout the state-of-the-art sorting and recycling processes. Findings resulting from such testing are used to develop the RecyClass Design for Recycling Guidelines, a free self-assessment Online Tool for plastic packaging recyclability and the Recyclability Certification Schemes.

2. What are the label's key criteria?

RecyClass bases its work on two main principles: transparency and a science-based approach. To improve and verify plastic recyclability and increase the use of recycled content, RecyClass established Recyclability Certifications for plastic packaging, Recycling Process Certification and Recycled Plastics Traceability Certification for plastic products. To ensure the utmost robustness of the certification schemes, they are regularly reviewed in line with the feedback from industry experts and legislative developments. The ultimate objective of these schemes is to boost trust among end-users and provide the basis for companies to make reliable, transparent product claims.

3. How reliable is it?

RecyClass certifications are performed exclusively by independent third-party Certification Bodies, such as ECOCERT. These bodies undergo rigorous selection and examination processes to guarantee the highest level of expertise and impartiality. Additionally, RecyClass auditors receive continuous training to stay updated on the latest scientific and regulatory developments, ensuring assessments reflect current best practices. To further ensure its recognition and credibility across Europe, RecyClass Recyclability Certification is currently under evaluation by the European co-operation for Accreditation (EA). In parallel, positive evaluation by the EA has already been obtained for the Recycling Process and Recycled Plastics Traceability Audit Schemes. These developments are what help RecyClass stay in line with the upcoming legislative requirements pertaining to the plastic value chain.

4. Which sectors/types of companies does it apply for?

RecyClass speaks to the entire value chain. Its certifications and recommendations apply to a broad range of stakeholders. Specifically, the Recyclability Certification is primarily aimed at packaging value chain actors seeking to assess the compatibility of plastic packaging with the whole waste management process. The Recycling Process Certification targets recyclers, enabling them to demonstrate traceability in plastics recycling and clearly communicate the origin of waste. Meanwhile, the Recycled Plastics Traceability Certification supports all stakeholders across the value chain in certifying the use of recycled plastics, not only in packaging but also in other plastic products.

5. What are the biggest challenges in the packaging sector?

One of the main challenges is the functional diversity of packaging. Each product must meet unique performance and safety requirements, which often leads to complex, multi-material designs that hinder recyclability. Overcoming this requires systemic collaboration across the entire value chain to design products that consider recyclability at their end-of-life. It is important to emphasise that efforts must also be put on boosting collection and sorting rates and fostering innovation if the industry is to succeed in closing the loop for plastics.

6. In 3 words, what do you consider to be the main challenges addressed by RecyClass?

Design, traceability, transparency.

7. What are your ambitions for 2025-2026?

Looking ahead, RecyClass aims to broaden its scope. We are actively expanding our activities to the Automotive and Electrical & Electronic sectors, as well as launching specific Working Groups for pharmaceutical and industrial packaging. Additionally, we are developing a certification scheme for Sorting Processes, which will evaluate the effectiveness of sorting systems in preparing and directing waste toward appropriate recycling streams, especially for materials intended to be used in food contact applications.