The 5 most frequently asked questions about recycled packaging

1. What is “recycled-content” plastic packaging? “Recycled-content” plastic packaging is made wholly or partly from plastic derived from recycling. “Recycled content” refers to the percentage of recycled material actually incorporated into the packaging, calculated within a defined scope (relevant component, time period, units) and supported by traceability.

2. What is the difference between “recyclable” and “recycled content”? “Recyclable” describes an item’s ability to be collected, sorted, and recycled under real-world conditions, based on available recycling streams. “Recycled content” indicates that a share of recycled material is already present in the packaging. Packaging can be recyclable without containing recycled material, and it can contain recycled material without being readily recyclable in existing recycling streams.

3. How can you reliably substantiate the percentage of recycled content in plastic packaging? Substantiation generally relies on traceability of material flows throughout the supply chain (sourcing, processing, manufacturing) and on consistent documentation (specifications, batches, purchased and consumed volumes, production data, mass-balance calculations). An independent assessment by a third-party body strengthens the credibility of claims and reduces the risk of non-compliance.

4. What information should be included to make a claim clear and credible? To avoid any ambiguity, it is recommended to specify: the percentage; the scope (e.g., “30% recycled content in the bottle” or “in the whole packaging”); the component concerned (bottle, cap, pump, label); and, where possible, the origin of the recycled content (PCR, PIR, or a blend). This helps secure communications and improves understanding.

5. What is RecyClass certification used for in plastic packaging? RecyClass provides a structured approach to assess both the recyclability of plastic packaging and the traceability of recycled plastics used in products.

The packaging recyclability standard evaluates design, components, and their compatibility with existing recycling streams. Following the assessment, the packaging receives a score of A, B, C, or “non-recyclable.” The recycled-plastics traceability standard supports substantiation of claims related to recycled content.

The goal is to help brands and value-chain stakeholders improve packaging design and support more robust claims.