Audit schemes EuCertPlast and RecyClass have announced that they have agreed to pool their collective expertise and know-how in the future development of certification processes for plastics recyclers. Going forward, the two audit schemes will be combined under the RecyClass recycling process certification; a certification aimed at recognising plastic recycling processes for pre-consumer and post-consumer waste operating at a site compliant with the recycling process conformity assessment scheme.
Both the onsite audit procedure EuCertPlast and the RecyClass audit scheme are based on the principles of the EN 15343 standard with a focus on the traceability of the origin of waste in plastics recycling processes.
Given the increasingly stringent legislative requirements on the use of recycled materials and their traceability, the two audit schemes are both suitable for recyclers looking for reliable certification of their compliance with all requirements.
Combining the two schemes will increase transparency within the plastics recycling industry, helping to build trust in the recycling claims.
Clear transition measures and a transition period will apply to ensure a smooth changeover for all the EuCertPlast-certified companies. Amongst other things, the validity period of existing EuCertPlast certificates will be addressed. Also, the process for future audits will beset out.
The EuCertPlast visual identity and name will be maintained in communication and branding activities, given its well-established reputation within the plastics industry.
This latest step follows last month's partnership between US-based Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) and RecyClass, who announced they are working together to harmonise their guidance for design for recyclability.
“Because the recycling process is very similar in both geographies [in the US and Europe], packaging will likely be processed similarly,”explained Curt Cozart, APR COO. “Although some differences exist, APR Design Guidance is nearly the same as RecyClass.”
APR and RecyClass have technical committees where scientific data, gathered based on standardised testing protocols, is shared and serves as the basis for discussions on uncovering the complexities of plastic packaging.