RecyClass Sorting Process

The RecyClass Sorting Process Certificate confirms that the quality assurance systems implemented at sorting centres and subsequent waste trading facilities meet the requirements for traceability and origin verification of plastic waste

The certification offers a specific add-on module – Module Alpha – which is mandatory for value chain actors that handle input materials destined for recycling into food-contact applications, as stipulated in EU Regulation 2022/1616.

Key Benefits of Certification

Information

Requirements of RecyClass Sorting Process

The RecyClass Sorting Process certification covers the general requirements specified in the audit scheme and optional add-on modules.

Sorting Process Audit Scheme

This is the core document that defines the general requirements for traceability, quality assurance systems, and origin verification of plastic waste at sorting centers. It provides the basis for a uniform approach to assessing sorting processes to ensure consistency and reliability throughout the value chain.

Add-on Modules

The Alpha and Beta modules complement the general requirements of the Audit Scheme. An entity cannot apply for the optional modules alone; it must always meet the general requirements of the RecyClass Sorting Process Audit Scheme.

Module Alpha: Food contact

This module is mandatory for value chain actors handling plastic waste destined for recycling into food-contact applications, in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2022/1616. The Regulation requires that recycled food contact plastics from municipal waste be separately collected and sourced from a country with an equivalent regulatory system.

Module Beta: Corporate Social eponsibility (CSR)

Applicant organizations located outside the EU27 Member States, the UK, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein are required to meet the requirements of the Beta Module (mandatory). This module covers requirements regarding corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the operations of sorting plants.

Who Can Apply for RecyClass Sorting Process Certification?

RecyClass Sorting Process Certification is available to plastic waste sorting centres and waste trading facilities whose operations fall within the scope of the RecyClass Design for Recycling Guidelines. The certification is primarily intended for:

• sorting centres processing plastic waste,
• waste traders handling sorted fractions destined for recycling processes,
• pre-processing facilities preparing material prior to its transfer to a recycler.

Certificate Validity

The certificate is valid for 12 months from the date of issuance by the Certification Body. Upon expiry, the certificate must be renewed through a subsequent audit.  Information on the appropriate use of RecyClass certification marks and claims can be found in the RecyClass Use of Claims Guidance.

Certification

Silk Road Certification is a recognised Certification Body that conducts RecyClass Sorting Process audits in cooperation with auditors who hold the relevant qualifications confirmed by the RecyClass examination.

RecyClass Sorting Process Certification

The certification process is carried out in the following stages

STAGE I: Eligibility Check

To be eligible for RecyClass Sorting Process Certification, sorting centres must be covered by the RecyClass Design for Recycling Guidelines. Companies interested in certification should contact us for an initial eligibility assessment.

STAGE II: Application & Review

The company submits an application specifying, among other things, the types of materials processed, the facility location, and the modules declared. The application review covers the certification level, location, types of input materials, and their sources of origin.

STAGE III: Selection of Certification Body & Quotation

Based on the application review, a quotation is issued. The company may select one of the recognised Certification Bodies to carry out the certification process.

STAGE IV: Certification Agreement

Upon acceptance of the quotation, both parties sign a Certification Agreement and a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA), thereby formalising the application. The Certification Body provides a list of documents required prior to the on-site audit.

STAGE V: On-Site Audit

Certification is granted following the successful completion of an on-site audit conducted by a qualified auditor. During the audit, quality assurance systems, material traceability, and process compliance with the Audit Scheme requirements are verified. It is essential that the sorting line is operational during the audit.

STAGE VI: Report Verification

To ensure impartiality and objectivity, the audit report is reviewed by an independent RecyClass verifier who did not participate in the on-site audit. The verifier takes the decision on the issuance of the certificate.

STAGE VII: Certificate Issuance & Communication

If the verification outcome is positive, a RecyClass Sorting Process certificate is issued, valid for 12 months. Guidance on the permissible use of certification marks and associated claims can be found in the RecyClass Use of Claims Guidance.

Official Ducuments

The Audit Scheme documentation is periodically revised to safeguard the robustness of the certification and ensure its relevance for the value chain.

Q&A

The Beta module concerns Corporate Social Responsibility. This is an optional module for EU27+3 organizations.

Applicant organizations located outside the EU27 Member States, the UK, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein are required to meet the requirements of the Beta Module. This module covers requirements regarding corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the operations of sorting plants.