Silk Road Certification is an accredited certification body for the RecyClass Plastics Traceability program certification according to ISO 17065.
The RecyClass Recycled Plastics Traceability Certificate provides evidence of the traceability of recycled plastic from the source, as well as the specific recycled content of each product (pre-consumer or post-consumer).
The requirements of the RecyClass standard are in line with the requirements of the standards: EN 15343:2007 and ISO 22095:2020.
The RecyClass Recycled Plastics Traceability Certificate is the basis for applying for a plastics tax exemption.
More about RecyClass Recycled Plastics Traceability.
Recycled Plastics Traceability certification consists of general requirements:
Module G (general): Recycled Plastics Traceability Certification – Audit Scheme
and additional modules:
Module A: Food Contact
RecyClass Recycled Plastics: Loop Requirements
Modules A and “Loop Requirements” are in addition to the general requirements. A company cannot apply for just one of the modules, but must also meet the general requirements.
Exceptions:
Up-to-date information on audit scheme requirements and modules can be found here.
Types of RecyClass Certificates
Depending on the length of production records, different RecyClass Recycled Plastics Traceability certificates are awarded:
Types of Certified Organizations
The basic scopes of certification in RecyClass Recycled Plastics Traceability are:
Certificate Validity:
More information in RecyClass Recycled Plastics
Traceability – Quality Management and Procedures.
An organization that wants to obtain a Certificate must have or demonstrate compliance with, among others:
The main requirements of the RecyClass system are:
Silk Road Certification is an accredited certification body for the RecyClass Recycled Plastics Traceability certification program in accordance with ISO 17065.
Certification is based on cooperation with one of 4 RecyClass auditors.
At Silk Road Certification, we do this in steps:
A company interested in obtaining a RecyClass certificate fills out applications indicating, among other things, materials and declared Modules.
To receive an application, contact info@src.org.pl.
The application review includes the correctness of the declared data and an assessment of:
Based on the review of the application, a price offer is presented and a list of documents is provided for verification during the audit.
If the offer is accepted, a contract will be presented.
Phase I
After completing the formalities indicated in the above point, you will be asked to submit documentation for review prior to the on-site audit (Phase I of the audit). A list of required documents will be provided in email correspondence. The purpose of reviewing the submitted documentation is to confirm the company’s initial compliance with the requirements.
Phase II
Certification audit – audit activities (on-site visit) conducted at locations performing processes covered by certification.
During an on-site audit, it is necessary for the production line to be operational. If this is impossible for some reason, the audit date should be changed.
Based on the information collected during the audit, the auditor prepares a draft report. The draft may be made available to the Applicant to clarify any final questions. The auditor also informs the Applicant of any non-conformities and asks for the implementation of corrective actions, if necessary, or describes recommendations for improvement.
The Silk Road Certification RecyClass verifier who did not participate in the on-site audit will review the audit report.
If the technical verification result is positive and the applicant fulfills all conditions resulting from the agreement, the RecyClass Verifier, who did not participate in the audit assessment, decides to issue the Certificate. If the review is negative, the Certification will not be granted. The decision must be made within 12 weeks of the date of the on-site audit.
Silk Road Certification prepares the certificate and informs the RecyClass standard owner of its decision in order to update the information in the databas RecyClass.
According to EN 17615:2022:
Compounding is the process of mixing raw materials in a molten state or mixing polymers and additives, the primary goal of which is to obtain a homogeneous mixture.
A converter is a specialist operator who can shape plastic raw materials to obtain a useful semi-finished or finished product.
The brand owner certificate applies to situations where certified products or processes are not under the care of the applicant, i.e. the applicant subcontracts the production and distribution of its product.
In such a situation, the following RecyClass certification procedure applies:
Option 1: License agreement (use of the certified supplier’s statement and logo)
The brand owner signs a license agreement. The subcontractor responsible for the production and/or distribution of the final product signs an agreement with the applicant (brand owner), who introduces the products to the market. The subcontractor must have the RecyClass Recycled Plastics Traceability certificate. The licensee (brand owner) will have access to the statements and logo of the certified entity after concluding the license agreement and will be entitled to place them on products introduced to the market.
Option 2: Audit (resulting in the use of your own claim and logo)
A brand owner can also apply for certification to display their already existing RecyClass Recycled Plastics Traceability certification mark
and their claims related to the certification program. The audit will be linked to the supplier of the certified product (the trader) or its manufacturer. The supplier or manufacturer must be RecyClass Recycled Plastics Traceability certified. The recycled plastics traceability audit in this situation is similar to the trader.
Semi-finished products are materials created during production processes that can be used as raw materials in subsequent stages of production. They can be classified as by-products if their further use is certain, possible without additional processing (outside of standard industrial practices) and in accordance with legal and environmental protection requirements.
Yes, in order to ensure supply chain traceability, traders are required to obtain RecyClass Recycled Plastics Traceability certification.
If you purchase materials from a trader who does not have RecyClass Recycled Plastics Traceability certification, the material will not be recognized as recycled material.
A mass balance is a tool that allows for detailed monitoring of the flow of materials in the recycling process. It should include:
A properly developed mass balance not only meets certification requirements, but also enables the identification of potential areas for optimizing production processes.
RecyClass offers two main types of certification, which are tailored to the needs of different users in the value chain:
1. RecyClass Recycling Process Certification: A certification for companies involved in the recycling of plastic waste. It allows them to confirm that the recycling process complies with RecyClass guidelines and produces high-quality secondary raw materials. Recyclers who use this certification can promote their processes as being in line with best practices.
2. RecyClass Recycled Plastics Traceability Certification: A certification for manufacturers and distributors who want to guarantee the transparency and compliance of the recycled materials used in their products. This certification allows them to trace the origin of the materials and confirm that a certain amount of recyclate has been physically introduced into the production process.
Both types of certifications help companies build trust in the market and ensure compliance with regulations on sustainability and the circular economy.