Audit schemes EuCertPlast (www.eucertplast.eu) and RecyClass (Brussels; www.recyclass.eu) are combining into just one certification for plastics recycling processes. The newly formed RecyClass Recycling Process Certification will enable increased transparency within the plastics recycling industry, thereby building trust in recycling claims, the schemes said.

Both the schemes are based on principles under European standard EN 15343, which specifies the procedures required for tracing the origin of the plastics waste and provides a basis for calculating the recycled content of a product. 

To ensure a smooth changeover, RecyClass said it will announce a transition period, as well as establish clear measures that will include the validity period of existing EuCertPlast certificates and the process for future audits. It added that it will maintain EuCertPlast’s name and logo in communication and branding activities, given the scheme’s well-established reputation within the plastics industry.

Related: RecyClass guidance for white, natural PS packaging

EuCertPlast was launched in 2012 as a joint initiative between Plastics Recyclers Europe (PRE, Brussels; www.plasticsrecyclers.eu), the European Association of Plastics Recycling & Recovery Organisations (EPRO, Brussels; www.epro-plasticsrecycling.org), the European Plastics Converters Association (EuPC, Brussels; www.plasticsconverters.eu), and Recovinyl (Brussels; www.recovinyl.com). 

RecyClass was also developed by PRE via a three-year project, co-financed by the European Commission, under the Eco-Innovation programme (https://green-business.ec.europa.eu); the scheme was launched in 2014.