RecyClass is an international certification system that assesses the recyclability of plastic packaging, tracks the origin of secondary raw materials in the final product, and verifies the use of recycled material in the production process. In practice, this system reinforces an approach in which waste is no longer treated solely as a management problem, but becomes a full-value raw material for industry. As reported by "Recycling Today", according to the latest available data from 2024, most installed recycling capacity was certified under the RecyClass system. This included, among others, the processing of high-density polyethylene and polypropylene, 58 percent; end-of-life vehicles in relation to waste electrical and electronic equipment waste, 62 percent; HDPE, 70 percent; and HDLE, 75 percent. From a market perspective, this means a growing role for uniform, recognisable tools confirming the origin of recyclate and the quality of recycling processes.
As representatives of Kiwa Polska indicate, such a certificate is a tool for documenting both the origin and the recyclate content in the products offered. This is important for customers and business partners of global brands who expect confirmed material traceability. The system confirms supply chain transparency, from the waste source, through recycling, to the final product, thereby reducing the risk of greenwashing allegations. At the same time, it can facilitate compliance with European standards, including EN 15343 and ISO 22095, and support alignment with regulations relating to plastics.
Paweł Smoleń, General Manager at Kiwa Polska, emphasises: "This certificate is a credible way to demonstrate both the origin and the recyclate content in the products offered, which increases the trust of customers and contractors of global brands. The certificate confirms the transparency of the entire supply chain, from the waste source, through recycling, to the final product, and in this way protects companies against greenwashing allegations. The certificate also makes it easier for Polish manufacturers to meet the requirements of European standards, including EN 15343 and ISO 22095, and to comply with regulations concerning, among other things, the plastics tax. In addition, RecyClass certification strengthens the competitiveness of Polish companies in export markets, which require verified traceability of recyclate origin".
At the end of last year, RecyClass was working with more than a dozen recognised and accredited third-party certification bodies. More than 120 auditors were prepared to issue certificates for recycling processes. In Poland, this group includes, among others, Kiwa Polska.
The importance of traceability and credibility
Growing customer requirements mean that environmental declarations are no longer sufficient without hard data and independent verification. In this context, Traceability certification within RecyClass is intended to confirm that the recycled material content in a product is real and verifiable. By tracking the origin of the raw material, from waste to the final product, the system ensures supply chain transparency and supports the credibility of products based on recyclates.
The development of this type of solution is also influenced by EU regulations. The references cited here include Directive 2019/904 on the reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment, the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation 2025/40, and RecyClass standards. According to the information presented, these frameworks are accelerating the development of packaging certification in Poland and prompting manufacturers to implement more sustainable solutions and improve plastics processing operations. This is also important for the access of Polish companies to the EU market.
Mateusz Płomiński, Certification Engineer at Kiwa Polska, also points to technical issues: "However, we should not forget the technological challenges associated with ensuring the physical traceability of materials, which requires advanced tracking systems and control of production processes. Additional difficulties include problems with preparing calculations within the Mass Balance framework, as well as adapting technology for the recycling of difficult types of plastics, which generates high costs and the need for precise audits. But our observations show that companies are coping with this increasingly well".
Impact on packaging design and the market
The market is showing the growing importance of certification for packaging manufactured from recycled materials and certification of the origin of secondary raw materials. This results not only from the need to meet regulatory requirements, but also from the drive to credibly confirm environmental actions. Increasing emphasis is also being placed on designing packaging for recyclability and on assessing the entire chain, from collection and sorting to material reuse. This direction supports the circular economy. A trend related to the introduction of regulations in successive countries was also noted, with these rules expected to become mandatory in the future.
Paweł Smoleń assesses: "As a consequence, certificates are becoming not only a marketing element, but also a condition for entering numerous market segments, particularly in industrial, construction and food sectors. Currently, in the Spanish and Portuguese markets, due to holding RecyClass certification, companies can apply for tax relief. We expect similar solutions in Italy and France, and further countries are already preparing their legislation in this spirit".
According to the information presented, RecyClass is becoming increasingly visible in industry and in activities related to the circular economy. At the same time, it was indicated that the share of circular plastics in final products amounts to around 17 percent in 2025, although certification is expected to accelerate this process.
Over the next 3 to 5 years, RecyClass certification, according to the cited assessments, may become a de facto condition for participation in public tenders and contracts with large retail chains. Despite its formally voluntary nature, the growing number of EU regulations is expected to lead to a situation in which certification will become quasi-mandatory in the 2030-2035 horizon. This may increase initial costs, but at the same time support exports, innovation and market development. It was also noted that in some Western European countries, the lack of RecyClass certification may weaken a company's position in business relationships, while in public procurement a sustainable approach is becoming one of the conditions of cooperation.
