Coveris' Winsford plant has secured both the RecyClass Recycling Process Certificate and the RecyClass Recycled Plastics Traceability Certificate at Level 2, meeting the highest audit criteria, mandatory and optional. Issued by RecyClass, a cross-industry initiative in Europe that recognises leading practices in advancing plastic circularity, the dual approvals establish verified control of recycled inputs and transparent chain of custody through to finished goods. The Recycling Process Certification, a widely recognised standard, confirms that post-industrial and post-consumer plastic waste is reliably processed into recycled material, creating the starting point for custody control. Complementing this, the Recycled Plastics Traceability Certification verifies that recycled content is accurately tracked and documented throughout production to final products. Both certificates align with EN 15343 and ISO 22095 and apply to stakeholders handling recycled materials, including compounding, converting, manufacturing and trading. In addition, the Traceability Certification can only be granted where the recycled input is certified via the RecyClass Recycling Process or an equivalent scheme.
Management comments
Sujoy Bose, Managing Director at Coveris Winsford, commented: "By achieving two Level 2 certifications from RecyClass, Coveris Winsford is strengthening its position as an industry leader producing high-performance, flexible plastic packaging with recycled content for the European market and beyond. These certifications confirm the integrity of our recycling and traceability processes and demonstrate our commitment to helping our customers meet their sustainability targets. They also underscore our dedication to delivering on Coveris' No Waste strategy and closing the loop within plastic packaging."
Sarah Willis, Coveris Quality Improvement Manager, adds: "With the RecyClass certifications, we now have independent third-party verification that our use of recycled materials meets a high industry standard. The rigorous annual audit process also drives constant improvement as our procedures and quality management are continuously reviewed and improved. Achieving this level of certification requires a tremendous team effort, so credit goes to everyone involved in making it happen."
Compliance and market drivers
The RecyClass Traceability Certification positions Coveris to comply with the UK Plastic Packaging Tax, the upcoming Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, and evolving legislation across multiple European markets. It also responds to increasing customer demand for transparent documentation of the recycling process, from post-industrial or post-consumer film to recycled pellet. Additional Coveris sites across Europe will pursue similar certification next year.
