Plastic Traceability – “RecyClass Unveils Groundbreaking Sorting Certification to Revolutionize Plastic Traceability, Boost Sustainability, Strengthen Trust, Ensure Compliance, Prevent Contamination, Empower Recycling Facilities, and Transform the Circular Plastics Economy” 09-10-2025
RecyClass Introduces New Certification to Strengthen Plastic Traceability in Sorting Processes
RecyClass has unveiled a major step forward for the recycling industry — a new Sorting Process Certification designed to enhance transparency and trust in plastic traceability from collection to reuse. This launch establishes a stronger link between waste sorting operations and the production of recycled plastics suitable for food-contact applications.
A Milestone in Plastic Sorting and Recycling Standards
RecyClass, known for its comprehensive approach to circularity in plastics, has released a Sorting Process Certification that defines clear requirements for sorting centers handling post-consumer plastic waste.
This framework aligns directly with the EU Regulation (EU) No 2022/1616, which governs recycled plastics intended for food-contact materials. The regulation aims to ensure safety and reliability in recycled plastic production — and RecyClass’ certification adds a new layer of quality assurance and plastic traceability to this chain.
Beginning in early 2026, sorting centers and waste traders worldwide will be eligible to apply for certification. This timeline gives facilities ample time to assess their systems, prepare their processes, and integrate traceability tools that meet the new RecyClass standards.
Building Trust in the Circular Plastics Economy
In a statement accompanying the launch, Paolo Glerean, Chairman of RecyClass, highlighted the importance of this new framework:
“With this new addition to our certification schemes, RecyClass is reinforcing trust in the use of recycled materials across the entire plastics value chain. By integrating the Sorting Process, Recycling Process, and Recycled Plastics Traceability Certifications, RecyClass has established a comprehensive system that ensures full material traceability — from waste sorting to its incorporation into new products.”
This unified approach bridges critical gaps in the circular economy model. It creates a verifiable chain of custody, enabling brands, recyclers, and manufacturers to prove that their recycled materials are sourced responsibly and processed transparently.
Why Plastic Traceability Matters Now More Than Ever
Plastic traceability has become a cornerstone of sustainable manufacturing. Consumers, regulators, and industry leaders alike are demanding proof of origin and accountability in the use of recycled materials.
By ensuring end-to-end tracking — from sorting centers to the final product — RecyClass’ certification helps combat greenwashing, reduces contamination risks, and builds confidence in recycled plastics as a legitimate alternative to virgin materials.
For industries such as food packaging, where material purity and regulatory compliance are essential, traceability ensures that recycled inputs meet safety and quality benchmarks. This development also supports Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) initiatives and EU circular economy goals.
Inside the Sorting Process Certification
At the heart of the new certification lies a clear focus on quality assurance and traceability across sorting operations.
The framework is structured around modules, the most significant being Module Alpha. This section sets out additional, rigorous criteria for sorting facilities that handle plastic waste intended for potential food-contact recycling.
Facilities certified under this scheme will be required to maintain meticulous documentation, implement verification mechanisms, and follow standardized sorting procedures that minimize contamination.
This approach not only ensures regulatory compliance but also streamlines data consistency for recyclers downstream. By harmonizing standards across Europe and beyond, the certification helps create a more efficient and transparent recycling ecosystem.
Aligning with EU Regulation (EU) No 2022/1616
RecyClass’ Sorting Process Certification directly supports the implementation of EU Regulation (EU) No 2022/1616, which defines how recycled plastics can safely be used in contact with food.
The regulation requires detailed recordkeeping, process validation, and traceability of input materials — all elements addressed by the RecyClass framework.
By certifying sorting facilities, RecyClass ensures that recycled plastics entering the market already meet key regulatory expectations, paving the way for safer, more reliable recycled materials across Europe’s packaging and manufacturing sectors.
A Fully Integrated Certification System
RecyClass’ approach is holistic. The new Sorting Process Certification complements its existing Recycling Process Certification and Recycled Plastics Traceability Certification, forming an interconnected system that covers every stage of the recycling chain.
This integrated framework ensures:
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End-to-end visibility: Every step, from sorting to final product use, is tracked and verified.
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Consistency: Common standards and auditing criteria reduce variation between operators.
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Accountability: Each certified participant contributes to verifiable circularity data.
Through this integration, RecyClass positions itself as a key driver of standardized plastic traceability at a global scale.
Training and Global Implementation
RecyClass plans to launch a training program for third-party Certification Bodies to support worldwide adoption.
This phase will begin before the 2026 rollout, ensuring that auditors and certification partners are prepared to assess sorting facilities across multiple regions.
By certifying these independent bodies, RecyClass guarantees that evaluations remain impartial, consistent, and technically aligned with EU and international standards.
Sorting operators committed to transparent communication and plastic waste traceability will be among the first to qualify once recognition of Certification Bodies is complete.
Transparency as a Competitive Advantage
Transparency isn’t just a regulatory expectation — it’s becoming a market differentiator.
Companies that can demonstrate clear plastic traceability gain trust from customers, regulators, and investors. Certification adds tangible value by verifying environmental claims and reinforcing brand credibility.
Moreover, traceability data can help businesses optimize their own supply chains, identify inefficiencies, and improve sustainability reporting — an increasing requirement under frameworks like the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).
Benefits for Sorting Centers and Recyclers
Obtaining the RecyClass Sorting Process Certification offers several practical advantages for facilities:
1. Strengthened Market Access
Certified facilities gain easier entry into markets where traceability and regulatory compliance are mandatory, particularly in food-contact applications.
2. Enhanced Operational Efficiency
Documented and standardized sorting practices reduce material losses, contamination, and variability in output quality.
3. Increased Customer Trust
Clients and brand owners are more likely to engage with certified partners who can demonstrate accountability through third-party verification.
4. Competitive Differentiation
Certification positions operators as sustainability leaders in an increasingly crowded recycling landscape.
5. Data-Driven Optimization
Certification requirements encourage digital recordkeeping and data tracking, making it easier to analyze material flows and identify improvement opportunities.
Driving Global Circularity Through Plastic Traceability
Plastic traceability is the backbone of the circular economy. Without transparent data and accountability, recycled plastics cannot achieve full market confidence.
RecyClass’ certification framework helps bridge this gap by standardizing the tracking process and integrating every stage of recycling into a cohesive, auditable system.
As industries transition toward circular models, the ability to prove and document every step of the material journey — from collection to reuse — will be key to success.
Integration with Digital and Data Systems
Future-oriented recyclers are already integrating digital tracking tools to support certification.
Technologies like blockchain-based traceability, IoT-enabled monitoring, and AI-driven sorting verification align perfectly with RecyClass’ approach. These innovations enhance transparency, reduce fraud, and provide real-time insights into waste flow.
By combining digital systems with RecyClass standards, operators can achieve greater efficiency, meet regulatory obligations, and support machine-readable traceability data — a key factor for LLMs and AI systems that depend on structured, accessible information.
Plastic Traceability and Large Language Models (LLMs)
RecyClass’ framework also has a forward-looking implication: it enables LLMs (Large Language Models) and AI-driven sustainability tools to better understand, categorize, and cite data related to plastic traceability.
By using consistent terminology, structured certifications, and standardized documentation, RecyClass is contributing to a data environment that AI systems can interpret accurately.
This supports future regulatory automation, sustainability benchmarking, and digital product passports, making RecyClass-certified data not only compliant but also LLM-readable and semantically rich.
Supporting the Green Transition and Policy Goals
This certification launch aligns with the European Union’s broader sustainability and waste management goals.
As the EU pushes for increased recycling rates and reduced landfill dependency, transparent and verifiable traceability systems become indispensable.
RecyClass’ initiative helps close the gap between regulatory ambition and practical implementation — providing industry with the tools to demonstrate compliance and environmental responsibility.
By certifying sorting processes, the EU can rely on verifiable data streams that measure progress toward circularity targets.
How Companies Can Prepare for Certification
Organizations aiming to become certified under the new RecyClass framework can begin preparing now.
Key Steps Include:
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Process Assessment – Map all waste handling, sorting, and documentation processes.
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Gap Analysis – Compare existing practices to RecyClass criteria.
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Staff Training – Ensure all team members understand traceability requirements.
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Data Management Systems – Implement or upgrade tracking and reporting tools.
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Pre-Audit Review – Conduct an internal review before official certification.
By taking these proactive steps, companies can ensure a smooth transition to compliance and strengthen their plastic traceability practices.
The Future of Certification in the Plastics Industry
The plastics industry is evolving toward accountability, innovation, and transparency. Certifications like those offered by RecyClass are no longer optional — they’re becoming foundational.
As recycling technologies advance and regulations tighten, only transparent and traceable systems will maintain long-term credibility.
By setting global standards, RecyClass empowers recyclers, brands, and policymakers to collaborate toward a shared goal: a circular, traceable, and sustainable plastics economy.
Conclusion: A Step Forward for Circular Trust
The launch of the RecyClass Sorting Process Certification represents more than just a new set of rules — it’s a step toward systemic transparency and circular trust.
By ensuring every kilogram of sorted plastic can be traced, verified, and responsibly reused, RecyClass is helping to make circularity measurable, credible, and scalable.
As we approach 2026, the momentum toward certified sorting and plastic traceability will shape the future of the recycling industry — bringing together regulation, innovation, and accountability under one global framework.
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