From waste to finished product: why traceability matters
For recycled plastics, knowing the percentage of recycled content is not enough. Customers also need reliable evidence of where the material came from and how it was processed.
Traceability provides this evidence. It creates a documented chain from plastic waste through processing to the finished product. By providing this information through independent certification, we make it easier for our customers to select the right materials, document recycled content, and meet regulatory requirements.
A verified chain for recycled PS
Our complete mechanically recycled PS portfolio in EMEA is now certified under the RecyClass Recycled Plastics Traceability Certification scheme. Two certificates covering our production sites in Antwerp and Schwarzheide verify traceability from waste origin to finished product.
For r-PS intended for food-contact applications, this certification also includes the A1 module. This covers sorting and washing, two important stages in preparing waste material for recycling. This additional audit is required for all Novel Technologies. Our Declaration of Conformity (DOC) confirms that the material can be used in specified food-contact packaging applications.
RecyClass also offers an A2 food-contact module covering the decontamination process, but this is currently available only for PET.
Traceability with commercial value
Certification can also help customers manage costs. Under Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) systems, fees for products placed on the market can vary according to recycled content. RecyClass certification provides verified evidence of the recycled content used, which customers can include in the documentation needed to qualify for lower eco-modulation fees.
This growing commercial relevance increases the need for certified materials. The work across our teams and sites gives us a solid foundation for extending certification. As customer needs evolve, we can add further grades and production sites, broadening the availability of certified, traceable recycled PS across EMEA.