RecyClass: Everything You Need to Know About This Recycling Certification

Today, companies are increasingly committed to sustainability and reducing their environmental impact. With growing environmental awareness, not only consumers but also regulations and legislation are demanding that products be more environmentally responsible. In this context, the RecyClass certification plays a fundamental role by ensuring that products are recyclable and contain recycled materials. This certification provides a standard of quality and reliability in evaluating both recyclability and recycled content, promoting responsible practices that support the circular economy.

In this article, we will explore what the RecyClass certification is and why it is important for companies.

What Is the RecyClass Certification?

The RecyClass certification is a certification system that validates two essential aspects to ensure product sustainability: recyclability and recycled content. Through this certification, companies can demonstrate that their products are not only recyclable, but also contain a specific percentage of recycled materials, effectively contributing to the circular economy.

Product Recyclability

Recyclability refers to a product’s ability to be transformed and reused after the end of its life cycle. A recyclable product is one that, once discarded, can be efficiently processed to recover its materials and create new products without loss of quality.

The RecyClass system evaluates whether a product meets a series of requirements to ensure that it can be effectively recycled. Recyclability criteria include:

• Compatibility with existing recycling processes: The product must be designed to be processed in existing recycling facilities.
• Absence of contaminating materials: Products must be easy to break down and free of elements that hinder recycling, such as dyes or composite materials that are difficult to separate.
• Design for recyclability: Products must be designed in a way that allows their recyclable components to be easily separated.

RecyClass uses a rigorous methodology to assess these aspects, ensuring that products are truly recyclable and not just “theoretically recyclable.” This process not only benefits the environment but also ensures that companies can comply with recycling regulations in various regions, particularly within the European Union.

Recycled Content in the Product

Recycled content refers to the amount of recycled material used to manufacture a product. This is another key criterion of the RecyClass certification. Products that contain recycled content directly contribute to reducing waste and saving natural resources, as they make use of materials that would otherwise have been discarded.

Additionally, the use of recycled content reduces the need for virgin materials, which in turn lowers the carbon footprint of production. In this sense, the RecyClass certification validates not only that a product contains recycled materials, but also that these materials come from verified sources and meet required quality standards. This ensures that products made with recycled content are both environmentally responsible and of high quality.

The Process of Obtaining the RecyClass Certification

The process for obtaining the RecyClass certification is thorough and ensures that companies meet the highest sustainability standards. Below is a step-by-step explanation of how this process works:

1. Initial Product Evaluation

The first step is the evaluation of the product. Companies must submit documentation to RecyClass detailing the materials that make up the product, its design, and specific recyclability characteristics. At this stage, it is assessed whether the product meets the basic recyclability requirements established by the certification system.

2. Recyclability Testing

Once the product has been evaluated, technical tests are carried out to determine its recyclability. These tests may include physical and chemical analyses, identification of recyclable materials in the product’s composition, and verification that the product can be processed in existing recycling facilities. During this process, the impact of the product’s design and materials on recycling efficiency is evaluated.

3. Verification of Recycled Content

The next phase is the verification of recycled content. Certified products must contain recycled materials, contributing to the reduction of natural resource extraction. Companies must demonstrate that recycled materials come from appropriate sources and meet established quality standards. Verification also includes supply chain assessment to ensure traceability.

4. Issuance of the Certificate

If the product meets the standards for recyclability and recycled content, RecyClass issues the certificate, validating that the product has passed all required tests and complies with recycling regulations. This certificate can serve as a marketing tool to demonstrate a company’s commitment to sustainability.

Who Needs the RecyClass Certification?

Any company that manufactures plastic products or recyclable materials can benefit from the RecyClass certification. This includes manufacturers of packaging, consumer goods, automotive components, construction materials, and any company using plastics or recyclable materials in their products.

In particular, companies operating in the European Union—where recycling laws are strict—should consider obtaining this certification to ensure regulatory compliance. RecyClass is increasingly relevant for companies selling products internationally, as recycling and sustainability regulations are being adopted worldwide.

As sustainability awareness continues to grow, more companies will view this certification as a strategic investment in their future.

Importance of the RecyClass Certification for Companies

The RecyClass certification significantly impacts how companies manage their products and their environmental responsibilities. Here’s why it is important and how it benefits organizations:

1. Regulatory Compliance

Environmental regulations are rapidly evolving, especially in the European Union, where circular economy policies are central. The RecyClass certification ensures that products comply with recycling regulations—crucial for companies operating in regions with strict sustainability laws.

For example, the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive requires products to be designed for recyclability, making RecyClass a valuable tool for companies seeking to avoid penalties and adapt to recycling policies.

2. Improved Corporate Image

Possessing the RecyClass certification demonstrates a company’s commitment to sustainability. In a market increasingly aware of environmental issues, companies that show their products are recyclable and contain recycled materials gain consumer trust and strengthen their reputation.

3. Access to New Markets and Opportunities

The RecyClass certification opens doors to new markets that value responsible recycling practices. Industries such as packaging, electronics, and automotive require suppliers aligned with recyclability and recycled content standards.

4. Promotion of the Circular Economy

Recyclability and recycled content are key pillars of the circular economy. By obtaining the RecyClass certification, companies actively contribute to reducing waste and using resources efficiently.

SINTAC: A Leader in Plastic Recycling with RecyClass Certification

At SINTAC, we have obtained two RecyClass certifications that validate the quality, traceability, and sustainability of our recycled plastic materials:

• Recycling Process Certificate: certifies our post-consumer plastic recycling process (HDPE, PP, and PO), guaranteeing traceability and compliance with EN 15343:2007.

• Recycled Plastics Traceability Certificate: certifies the quality and traceability of our 100% recycled plastic materials, awarded in November 2023.

These certifications are complemented by ISO 14001 (Environmental Management), ISO 9001 (Quality), and our participation in the COMPLIANCE program since 2020.

The RecyClass certification validates our good practices in waste management and plastic recycling, ensuring that our recycled products meet European standards. This allows us to offer recycled materials with guaranteed traceability, facilitate regulatory compliance, and actively contribute to the circular economy.

Contact us to learn how we can help you optimize your products to meet recyclability and recycled content standards. To learn more about available certifications and their benefits, check out our article on sustainable certifications and how each contributes to corporate sustainability.