Structure & governance

Testing is performed by independent laboratories, that are accredited by RecyClass to perform the Recyclability Evaluation Protocols for specific types of packaging. The laboratories take charge of the samples to be tested and provide a complete, comprehensible report of the results to the applicant and RecyClass.

Accredited Laboratories 

Composed of Platinum Member representatives. It monitors the work of RecyClass and proposes new activities, in line with the developments of the plastics sector.

RecyClass collaborates with external Certification Bodies who are recognised to audit plastic products following the schemes developed by RecyClass and deliver the certifications. Those Certifications Bodies are plastics and recycling experts trained by RecyClass to ensure a reliable third-party verification of either the plastic packaging recyclability or the traceability and the incorporation of recycled content in plastic products. 

Recyclability Certification Bodies

Recycled Plastics Traceability Certification Bodies 

Working under the umbrella of the Technical Committees, two dedicated taskforces are focusing on packaging decoration applied either on rigids or on flexibles.  Those groups aim to map, to define and to evaluate the compatibility with recycling of all the existing decorative technologies available on the EU market.

The taskforces are composed by RecyClass Platinum members with the main goal to submit design recommendations and test campaigns to the Technical Committees, as well as general guidance document for the whole plastic industry. 

RecyClass created five Technical Committees for each type of plastic packaging: HDPE ; PP ; PO films ; PET and PS. These Committees are composed of at least 5 participants including recyclers and AB representatives, who are elected by the RecyClass members for a period of time of 2 years. All the other Platinum members can attend the TC meetings as guests. The main activities of the Technical Committees include the design and review of the Recyclability Evaluation Protocols, Assessment of innovative Technologies and Products, and update of the Design for Recycling guidelines.

RecyClass created five Technical Committees for each type of plastic packaging: HDPE ; PP ; PO films ; PET and PS. These Committees are composed of at least 5 participants including recyclers and AB representatives, who are elected by the RecyClass members for a period of time of 2 years. All the other Platinum members can attend the TC meetings as guests. The main activities of the Technical Committees include the design and review of the Recyclability Evaluation Protocols, Assessment of innovative Technologies and Products, and update of the Design for Recycling guidelines.

RecyClass created five Technical Committees for each type of plastic packaging: HDPE ; PP ; PO films ; PET and PS. These Committees are composed of at least 5 participants including recyclers and AB representatives, who are elected by the RecyClass members for a period of time of 2 years. All the other Platinum members can attend the TC meetings as guests. The main activities of the Technical Committees include the design and review of the Recyclability Evaluation Protocols, Assessment of innovative Technologies and Products, and update of the Design for Recycling guidelines.

RecyClass created five Technical Committees for each type of plastic packaging: HDPE ; PP ; PO films ; PET and PS. These Committees are composed of at least 5 participants including recyclers and AB representatives, who are elected by the RecyClass members for a period of time of 2 years. All the other Platinum members can attend the TC meetings as guests. The main activities of the Technical Committees include the design and review of the Recyclability Evaluation Protocols, Assessment of innovative Technologies and Products, and update of the Design for Recycling guidelines.

RecyClass created five Technical Committees for each type of plastic packaging: HDPE ; PP ; PO films ; PET and PS. These Committees are composed of at least 5 participants including recyclers and AB representatives, who are elected by the RecyClass members for a period of time of 2 years. All the other Platinum members can attend the TC meetings as guests. The main activities of the Technical Committees include the design and review of the Recyclability Evaluation Protocols, Assessment of innovative Technologies and Products, and update of the Design for Recycling guidelines.

Linked to the certification schemes, RecyClass aims to create a level-playing field on recycling claims in Europe by providing guidance on how to communicate transparently on certified recyclability and recycled content of plastics. RecyClass members and recyclers are participating to the Recycling Claims Taskforce to define those guidance and the use of recycling logos. 

RecyClass Recyclability & Recycled Content Use of Claims Guidance

The Sorting Taskforce works independently from the Technical Committees and aims to cover the sorting step of the waste management system. The sortability is indeed key to ensure a possible recyclability of plastic packaging.

Developing and maintaining the Sorting Evaluation Protocol for all plastic packaging is the main task of the group. This protocol provides a standardised approach to assess sortability and serves as a basis for specific test campaigns requested by the other working groups. 

Sorting Evaluation Protocol

Composed of 11 plastic value chain representatives. The Board defines the priorities of RecyClass and steers the work that takes place in the different Technical Committees and Taskforces.

Supporters are organisations interested in actively supporting and implementing the work done by RecyClass and in offering counsel according to their area of expertise. Supporters can be invited by the Chairman to contribute to the working groups meetings.

RecyClass Supporters