Paolo Glerean - RecyClass

At Plastics Recycling Show Europe 2026 in Amsterdam, we spoke with Paolo Glerean, Chairman of RecyClass, about design for recycling, testing methodologies and certification schemes that support the circularity of plastic packaging. The conversation focused on one of the key challenges facing the industry today: the need for clearer, harmonised rules for assessing recyclability in Europe. Paolo Glerean emphasised that 2030 should be treated as one step in a longer journey towards true circularity and recyclability at scale by 2035. We also discussed how RecyClass helps companies evaluate packaging innovations before they enter the market, using science-based testing protocols that reflect real sorting and recycling conditions. Another important topic was the growing role of traceability, certification and digital tools in demonstrating recycled content and regulatory compliance.