Belgium-based associations for European manufacturers and plastics recycling along with a local polymer research lab have announced the formation of a consortium that plans to create an EU-wide quality compliance programme for plastics processors and harmonise the methodology for calculating recycled content used by existing certification schemes. “Such harmonisation is much needed to ensure compliance with the relevant standards and regulations and to stimulate the circular economy,” the group said in a statement.

Called “PolyCert Europe”, the programme seeks to help companies verify their compliance with quality standards and ensure products meet customer specifications regardless of whether they use virgin polymers or recycled polymers, the consortium explained. “At the same time, the objective is to provide converters with a quality certification and verification of recycled content in converted products.”

Members of the consortium include the Brussels-based organisations European plastics converters association EuPC (www.plasticsconverters.eu), the European Carpet and Rug Association (ECRA; www.ecra.eu), and the European Single ply Waterproofing Association (www.eswa.be). Further founders are the Belgian independent laboratory Centexbel – VKC (Kortrijk; www.centexbel.be) and the Belgian Quality Association (BQA, Ghent; www.bqa.be).

The group said PolyCert Europe has been established to form an umbrella compliance scheme setting an international standard. “It is complementary to and aims at harmonising the existing certification schemes (e.g. Plastica Seconda Vita, RAL, AENOR, etc.).”

The compliance programme is based on the principles of third-party auditing, the group noted. “Such auditing work must by definition be done by an auditing system based on a network of accreditation certification bodies and independent auditors to ensure impartiality and credibility.” The European network of accredited certification bodies will ensure a harmonised implementation of the PolyCert Europe scheme across Europe, it added.

The consortium said it is open to any interested stakeholders whether they be national or sector-based plastic converters associations. Those seeking more information about joining the group can contact PolyCert Europe at info@polycerteurope.eu.