AUDIT

AUDITSCHEME
SCHEME
RECYCLING PROCESS
CERTIFICATION
RECYCLED PLASTICS

VERSION 1.2 PUBLISHED ON 12 JUNE 2022

REVISED 17 DECEMBER 2024
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CONTENT
1. Focus of certification .................................................................................................................................................... 3

2. Scope of certification .................................................................................................................................................... 3

3. Terms and definitions................................................................................................................................................... 3

4. Normative References .................................................................................................................................................. 3

5. Types of Certification .................................................................................................................................................... 4

6. Eligibility for Certification ............................................................................................................................................ 5

7. Object of Conformity .................................................................................................................................................... 5

8. Operating Performance Requirements .................................................................................................................... 5

9. Traceability ..................................................................................................................................................................... 5

10. Calculation of Recycled Content................................................................................................................................ 7

11. chain of custody Models .............................................................................................................................................. 7

12. Non-conformities .......................................................................................................................................................... 8

13. Core Requirements Certification Details .................................................................................................................. 8

Section 1: Administration ......................................................................................................................................................... 8

Section 2: Management Team .............................................................................................................................................. 10
Section 3: Incoming Material Procedures and Controls ................................................................................................. 11
Section 4: Stock Management .............................................................................................................................................. 13
Section 5: Recycling Process ................................................................................................................................................. 14
Section 6: Controls on Recycled Outputs ........................................................................................................................... 18
Section 7: Environmental Protection .................................................................................................................................. 19
Section 8: Subcontracting ...................................................................................................................................................... 21
Section 9: Quality Management............................................................................................................................................ 22
Section 10: Annexes to the Audit Report ............................................................................................................................ 24
Section 11: Outcomes of the Audit ...................................................................................................................................... 25
14. Annex I: Definitions ...................................................................................................................................................... 26

15. Annex II: Certification Modules ................................................................................................................................. 30

16. Annex III: Table of Changes ....................................................................................................................................... 33

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1. FOCUS OF CERTIFICATION
The aim of this Certification is to recognise plastic Recycling Process/es for pre-consumer and post-consumer waste operating
at a Site according to the requirements set forth in the Recycling Process Conformity Assessment Scheme.

Certification against this Audit Scheme allows Recyclers to demonstrate their contribution to the waste management of
plastics and transparently communicate the origin of the waste. The certification of the Recycling Process is the point of origin
audit for the chain of custody of recycled plastics. Certified Organisations provide trust to all plastics value chain actors for a
continuous increase of the use of recycled plastics.

The Audit Scheme requirements are aligned with those of EN 15343:2007 and ISO 22095:2020.

2. SCOPE OF CERTIFICATION
Certification focuses on the verification of the origin of waste, the traceability throughout Recycling Process and the
calculation of recycled content in the output. The Audit Scheme covers the requirements to be met by Organisations
concerning traceability according to EN 15343:2007, quality management systems and environmental and administrative
operating performance for the recycling of waste, as well as chain of custody.

Chain of custody defines requirements to ensure the origin of the waste, traceability and percentage of recycled plastics in the
output. The Audit Scheme operates according to controlled blending chain of custody model as described in ISO 22095:2020
which allow the transfer of information from one actor of the value chain to another under the Certification.

Additionally, the Audit Scheme can be complemented with add-on Modules depending on the Recycling Process. Available
Modules are listed in Annex II.

The use of the Certification mark is limited to those Recyclers who obtained a certificate via third-party Certification Body
based on this Audit Scheme.

3. TERMS AND DEFINITIONS

Defined terms are marked in italics and start with a capital letter. Terms and definitions relating to this document can be found
in Annex 1.

4. NORMATIVE REFERENCES
EN 15342 Plastics—Recycled Plastics—Characterization of polystyrene (PS) recyclates

EN 15343 Plastics—Recycled Plastics—Recycling traceability and assessment of conformity

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EN 15344 Plastics—Recycled Plastics—Characterisation of Polyethylene (PE) recyclates

EN 15345 Plastics—Recycled Plastics—Characterisation of Polypropylene (PP) recyclates

EN 15346 Plastics—Recycled plastics—Characterisation of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) recyclates

EN 15347 Plastics—Recycled Plastics—Characterisation of waste plastics

EN 15348 Plastics—Recycled Plastics—Characterization of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) recyclates

EN 17615 Plastics – Environmental Aspects - Vocabulary

ISO 14021 Environmental labels and declarations - self-declared environmental claims (Type II environmental labelling)

ISO 22095 – Chain of Custody – Terminology and definitions

5. TYPES OF CERTIFICATION

5.1 INITIAL CERTIFICATION

Initial Certification should take place for a Recycling Process/es within one Site which can present production records from
the previous 12 months of operation. The certificate is valid for 1 year.

5.2 MONITORING CERTIFICATION

Monitoring Certification should take place for a Recycling Process/es within one Site or several sites renewing their
Certification. Production records must be available for the evaluation period, from the previous 12 months of operation. The
certificate is valid for 1 year.

5.3 PROVISIONAL CERTIFICATION

Provisional Certification should take place for a Recycling Process/es within one Site or several sites which have been in
operation for less than 12 months or there are less than 12 months of production records. A minimum of 3 months of data
are required in the evaluation period to issue a Provisional Certification. If a license application is unsuccessful the auditor
must be informed. The certificate is valid for 1 year.

5.4 MULTISITE CERTIFICATION

Multisite Certification should take place for a Recycling Process/es within two or more separate connected Sites under the
same ownership. Recycler must designate one location as main address for administrative purposes of Certification. All
locations must be visited during the on-site audit and listed in the Audit Report and Summary Sheet. The certificate is valid
for 1 year.

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6. ELIGIBILITY FOR CERTIFICATION

Certification may only be granted to Recyclers with plastics Recycling Processes in place capable of recycling pre-consumer
and/or post-consumer plastic waste into new plastics products.

Recyclers must have a Recycling Process/es in place in possession of a waste management permit, a permit derogation
according to Article 20 of the Waste Framework Directive, or an operating license or environmental license with specific
provisions on treatment of waste. In case of Module A Food Contact, section A2, Organisations may only operate a
Decontamination Process and are exempt of having a waste permit in place.

7. OBJECT OF CONFORMITY
Certification enables Recyclers with plastic Recycling Process/es to demonstrate compliance with Certification under the
RecyClass Recycling Process Audit Scheme in line with requirements of EN 15343:2007.

The conformity assessment focuses on the required procedures to ensure traceability of plastic waste within a Recycling
Process and provides a declaration of the percentage of recycled content (pre-consumer and post-consumer) in Recycled
Outputs.

8. OPERATING PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

The audit criteria are standardised in two categories which define two levels where Recycler can achieve Certification.

Category Type Meaning

Requirement level 1. Object of conformity must achieve the required standard for type 1
1
categories in order to achieve Certification.

Requirement level 2. Optional to include requirements level 2 as part of the object of

2
conformity. Compliance with these requirements is not mandatory to obtain Certification.

9. TRACEABILITY
Traceability of recycled plastics is an essential part of the Certification and central focus of the audit evaluation. ISO 22095:2020
defines traceability as the ability to trace the history, application, or location of a product. Traceability allows the monitoring
of the movement of a product and its components through specified stages of a process or operation.

Certification offers three different levels of traceability depending on the granularity of the traceability in the storage and
Recycling Process as described in Figure 1.

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For Input Plastic Waste intended to be recycled into food contact applications, Traceability Level 1 applies. Traceability Level
3 applies only to bulky waste.

Figure 1. Description of Traceability Levels

Audit Requirements Traceability Level 1 Traceability Level 2 Traceability Level 3

Input Plastic Waste is

stored by Recycler in two or
more Storage Bays.
Batches of Input Plastic Input Plastic Waste is stored
Waste which make up the by Recycler in one or more
Each Batch of Input
contents of a Storage Bay Storage Bays. Each
Control of Input Plastic Waste is
are known and fully individual Batch of Incoming
Plastic Waste individually identifiable
documented. Waste Plastic may not be
in the storage area.
Each individual Batch of separately identifiable
Incoming Waste Plastic may within a Storage Bay.
not be separately
identifiable within a
Storage Bay.

Recycling Process is fed Recycling Process is fed

with individual Batches of with the contents of a
Input Plastic Waste or Storage Bay (one Storage
mixtures of Batches of Bay at a time ensuring that Recycling Process is fed with
Control of Recycling Input Plastic Wastes of it is completely emptied Input Plastic Waste into
Process known composition. before introducing Input Recycling Process. This is
Process variables are Plastic Waste into Recycling documented.
documents. Process from a different
Storage Bay).
This is documented.

Recycled Outputs can be

traced and documented on a
monthly average to Input
Recycled Outputs can be
Plastic Waste – groups of
traced to Input Plastic
suppliers. Recycled Outputs
Recycled Outputs Waste from a specific
are prepared in Batches and
Recycled Outputs are Storage Bay and therefore
details of the date and time
prepared in Batches and to known Batches of Input
Recycled Output of production recorded. In
details of the date and Plastic Waste. Recycled
case of mix pre-consumer
time of production Outputs are prepared in
and post-consumer the split
recorded. Batches and details of the
must be documented. If this
date and time of
is not the case, all material
production recorded.
will be considered pre-
consumer waste under a
controlled blending model.

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10. CALCULATION OF RECYCLED CONTENT

The calculation of recycled content supports the transparent communication of recycled plastics along the value chain.
Certification includes a calculation of recycled content per Recycled Output. This information may be communicated to
customers part of the chain of custody of the material.

The share of recycled plastics is determined following the assessment and documentation review during the audit. The
calculation for pre-consumer and post-consumer recycled content share of a Recycled Output will be calculated considering
added substances according to the formula below in line with EN 15343:2007:

𝐴
𝑥 = × 100
𝑃
X is the Recycled Content, expressed as a percentage;
A is the mass of Recycled Content;
P is the total mass of Recycled Output.

In the formula, X represents the share of pre-consumer or post-consumer material which should be reported separately.

Any other ingredients in Recycled Output such as polymers (virgin plastics, modifiers, masterbatch, carrier resins,
compatibilizers, etc.) and non-polymeric additives (antioxidants, fillers, etc.) count towards the denominator.

Certification will include information about the overall recycled content present across all Recycled Outputs and in some cases,
a calculation of recycled content per Recycled Output as described below:

• Recycling Process recycled content: An average calculation of recycled content for Recycling Process is
reported in the Summary Sheet and Audit Report. This is an average for all Recycled Outputs. This value cannot
be used as a claim of recycled content in final products.

• Recycled content per Recycled Output: A calculation of recycled content per Recycled Output is done stating
the share of pre-consumer and post-consumer. This information is reported in the Certificate and Audit Report.
This requirement is not mandatory for Traceability level 3.

The calculation of the recycled content per Recycled Output is requested to verify the origin of the waste in subsequent
certifications of uptake of recycled plastics such as Blue Angel label or RecyClass Recycled Plastics Traceability.

11. CHAIN OF CUSTODY MODELS

Certification may be obtained applying two chain of custody models: i) segregation; ii) controlled blending. Recyclers may
apply for Certification based on either of these two scopes.

In a segregation model, certified recycled plastics are kept always separate from other materials within Site. In this model, it
is allowed to have recycled plastics from different sources mixed, given that these have the same characteristics. Recycler must
ensure that recycled plastics are stored separate from other materials in the storage area and clearly identified. Physical
separation of recycled plastics from other materials must also be ensured during Recycling Process. Recyclers with a
segregation model do not mix recycled plastics with any other materials during Recycling Process, including virgin plastics,
additives, etc.

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In a controlled blending model, recycled plastic is mixed with other materials or substances (e.g. virgin plastics, masterbatch,
additives, fillers, etc.) in a known proportion of recycled plastics in the final output over a specified timeframe. In this model,
the calculation of recycled content in Recycled Output is calculated as minimum percentage of recycled plastics. The
calculation of recycled content allows claims determining a specific percentage that can be found in the product.

An organisation active in a controlled blending chain of custody model, must have a procedure in place to control the
traceability of recycled plastics per Recycled Output within a specified share of recycled plastics. Recycler must ensure that
the ratio between inputs and outputs is always known for a determined volume throughout the Recycling Process. Therefore,
the percentage of recycled plastics present in the Recycled Output is known within the evaluated timeframe allowing claims
determining a specific percentage of recycled plastics that can be found in the product.

12. NON-CONFORMITIES
Non-conformities are issued when there is a failure to comply with an Audit Scheme requirement. There is a significant doubt
that an effective process control is in place or recycled content traceability for products cannot be established.

For all non-conformities identified, corrective actions must be presented to CBs to continue the audit procedure. CBs must
evaluate the submitted corrective actions and decide if these were closed to continue with the audit procedure and issue a
certificate.

The audit procedure can be resumed on-site or where possible via documentation exchange or other means such as video
connection. If corrective actions are not closed satisfactorily, the CBs may conclude the audit procedure.

Non-conformities must not be mistaken for observations which must be noted down as comments in the Audit Report.

13. CORE REQUIREMENTS CERTIFICATION DETAILS

SECTION 1: ADMINISTRATION

1.1 BUSINESS AND OPERATING LICENSES

Recycler has the following valid documents in place for Recycling Process/es at a Site:

i) Company registration document; and

ii) Waste management permit; or
iii) Permit derogation according to Article 20 of the Waste Framework Directive; or
iv) Operating license or environmental license with specific provisions on treatment of waste; and
v) Any operating licenses required for the country where Recycler is located.

Assessment level Category 1

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1.2 ENVIRONMENTAL LICENSES AND PERMITS

Recycler has any environmental licenses required for the Recycling Process in the country of operation. These are valid.
Licenses may include:

i) Solid waste generation and / or disposal;

ii) Wastewater treatment and/or disposal; and
iii) Emissions to the air.

Assessment level Category 1

1.3 WASTE TRANSPORT LICENSES

If Recycler uses their own vehicles to transport waste materials, these have the licenses required to do so in any countries
where they operate said vehicles.

Assessment level Category 1

1.4 LICENSE AND PERMIT CONDITIONS – WASTE PLASTICS PROCESSED

For the storage of Input Plastic Waste and other waste plastics, Recycler does not exceed the restrictions set out in their
operating license for the processed throughput (if relevant according to the license). This computation must consider the total
waste plastics processed over the last 12 months. A lag of maximum two months prior to the on-site audit can be considered
for the calculation.

Assessment level Category 1

1.5 LICENSE AND PERMIT CONDITIONS – STORAGE

Recycler does not exceed the restrictions set out in its operating license regarding the amount of Input Plastic Waste stored in
Site. The average of the stock level at the time of the audit, one month prior to the audit, and two months prior to the audit
must be used to make this computation.

Assessment level Category 1

1.6 ISO 14001

There is an ISO 14001 or equivalent certificate issued by a Certification Body accredited by an accreditation body signatory of
EA or ILAC.

Assessment level Category 2

1.7 QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Recycler has a quality management system in place. If available, Recycler can demonstrate compliance with a valid certificate
for ISO 9001or EMAS issued by a Certification Body accredited by an accreditation body signatory of EA or ILAC.

Assessment level Category 2

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1.8 INSURANCE (1)

Recycler has valid, i.e. in date, insurance in place for:

i) Public liability

Assessment level Category 1

1.9 INSURANCE (2)

Recycler has valid, i.e. in date, insurance in place for:
i) Buildings, equipment, and stock
ii) Employers’ liability

Assessment level Category 2

1.10 REGISTER OF COMPLAINTS

Recycler has a register of complaints in place. There is a procedure that guarantees that any complaints received related to the
effective implementation of this Certification are considered for improvement.

Assessment level Category 2

SECTION 2: MANAGEMENT TEAM

2.1 COMPANY DIRECTORS

Top management of Recycler is identified for Site.

Assessment level Category 1

2.2 STAFF STRUCTURE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Recycler has available, at least:

i) An organogram showing the reporting structure for staff;

ii) Titles and job descriptions for key staff (supervisor level and above).

Assessment level Category 1

2.3 STAFF QUALIFICATIONS (TECHNICAL)

Floor supervisors and managers hold recognised technical qualifications related to the Recycling Process. Examples of relevant
qualifications would include those related to:

i) The management of production processes (general);

ii) The management of waste facilities;

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iii) Polymer science & plastics processing.

Assessment level Category 2

2.4 STAFF TRAINING (TECHNICAL)

There is documented evidence that staff operating equipment have been suitably trained in its operation. This can include
internal training programmes where suitably structured and documented.

Assessment level Category 2

2.5 STAFF QUALIFICATIONS (QUALITY MANAGEMENT)

Floor supervisors and managers hold recognised qualifications related to quality management in production processes.

Assessment level Category 2

2.6 STAFF TRAINING (QUALITY MANAGEMENT)

Staff supervising Recycling Process have been trained to understand and verify Recycled Output quality. This can include
internal training programmes where suitably structured and documented.

Assessment level Category 2

SECTION 3: INCOMING MATERIAL PROCEDURES AND CONTROLS

3.1 PURCHASE SPECIFICATIONS

Recycler purchases and books in Batches of Input Plastic Waste against a specification. Where Recycler uses their own grading
system a clear specification should be available for each grade of Input Plastic Waste accepted including as a minimum the
polymer, colour, type of material and level of out throws.

Assessment level Category 1

3.2 WASTE CATEGORY

All Input Plastic Waste can be identified by a waste category linked to a six-digit code as listed in the annex “List of waste
referred to in Article 7 of Directive 2008/98/EC1”.

The origin of waste (Pre-consumer or Post-consumer), source of waste (household, commercial, industrial or other) must be
identifiable and documented for Input Plastic Waste. Additionally, optionally the sector of the waste, Packaging, B&C, WEEE,
Automotive, Agriculture and the type of application of Plastic Input Waste (e.g., PET trays, bottles, windows, etc.) is also

1
OJ L 226, 6.9.2000, p. 3

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identifiable and documented. The sector must be reported if Annex for the Circular Plastics Alliance of this Audit Scheme is
filled in. This information is detailed in the Audit Report.

Additionally, Input Plastic Waste may be identified as waste generated and recycled in the European Union (EU 27+3).
Categories of plastic waste include:

Sector of the waste

Packaging
Origin of waste
Agriculture
Pre-consumer
Building & Construction
Post-consumer
Automotive
WEEE, other

Source of waste Type of waste

Household PET trays
Commercial PET bottles
Industrial Windows
Other Fridges, etc.

Inspection of the Input Plastic Waste takes place during the on-site audit to ensure that the material matches the
documentation’s information. Input Plastic Waste or other recycled inputs must be evaluated based on form and condition.
Input Plastic Waste must be identifiable and not shredded. Material that has been previously resized and reshaped and it does
not count with a RecyClass Recycling Process certificate can be considered in the audit evaluation and Recycled Content
calculation in the following cases:

• Originates from WEEE or;

• Originates from Automotive or;
• was resized and reshaped by a:
Reverse vending machine part of an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), Deposit Return System (DRS) or any
collection scheme. Input Plastic Waste can be identified as post-consumer material intended for recycling in food
contact applications according to RecyClass Recycling Process: Module A Food Contact or;
• Each input batch has a Proof of Transaction document. In addition, when Input Plastic Waste has a post-consumer
origin on-site audit requirements for suppliers of Post-consumer waste apply. The on-site audit focuses on
confirming the origin of the Input Plastic Waste and its traceability according to the following sections of the Core
Requirements Certification Details:
• Section 3. Incoming Material Procedures and Control.
• Section 4. Stock management.
• Section 5.9. Tracing Input Plastic Waste ^ Input Batches to Suppliers.
• Section 6. Controls On Recycled Outputs.
• Section 8. Subcontracting.

The use of the Proof of Transaction document can be demonstrated via additional Input Plastic Waste documentation during
the first audit under version 1.2.

Assessment level Category 1

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3.3 WEIGHTS AND DATES OF DELIVERY RECORDED

All incoming Batches of Input Plastic Waste are weighed on a weighbridge (public or at Recycler) and a minimum of the net
weight of Input Plastic Waste and date of delivery are recorded. Weighbridge tickets should be printed and not manually
adjusted, either on the computer prior to printing or by hand.

Assessment level Category 1

3.4 SUPPLIER DETAILS RECORDED

Each Batch of Input Plastic Waste delivered can be linked to a supplier. Details of the suppliers are kept on file showing as a
minimum the company name and address.

Assessment level Category 1

3.5 HAULIER DETAILS RECORDED

Each Batch of Input Plastic Waste delivered can be linked to a haulier. Details of the haulier are kept on file showing, as a
minimum the company name and address.

Assessment level Category 2

3.6 WEIGHBRIDGE CALIBRATED

Where there is a weighbridge on site which is being used for the purchase of Input Plastic Waste or sale of Recycled Output then
there is a valid certificate showing that it has been inspected and calibrated to a standard where it can be used for the sale or
purchase of goods. The certificate should be issued by a suitably qualified and authorised company or organisation.

Assessment level Category 1

SECTION 4: STOCK MANAGEMENT

4.1 STOCKYARD DETAILS

Stockyard details shall be specified including at least:

i) Approximate size of covered storage area (m2)

ii) Approximate size of uncovered storage area (m2)

4.2 STORAGE CONDITIONS

Incoming (Input Plastic Waste) and outgoing (Recycled Output) stock are stored so that their quality does not deteriorate.
Material should be stored on impermeable surfaces such as asphalt or concrete or on pallets (or similar) where the surface is
untreated or permeable (e.g. loose aggregate).

Assessment level Category 1

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4.3 INCOMING STOCK IDENTIFIABLE BY SUPPLIER

All incoming Input Plastic Waste is stored such that the supplier of each Batch can be identified. Recycler might do this, for
example, by the tagging of bales or having allocated storage areas for suppliers.

Exemption for bulky waste according to Level 3 traceability must be defined.

Assessment level Category 1

4.4 STOCK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

There is a system in place that records all movements of materials into and out of stock and the tonnage of stock present on
site at any time. This information is available for both incoming (Input Plastic Waste) and outgoing (Recycled Output) stock.

Assessment level Category 1

4.5 STOCK CHECKS

Recycler organises a physical inspection of stock on a regular basis to verify that the level of stock shown in the stock
management system is correct. These inspections should be documented.

The frequency of these inspections is subject to the system used by Recycler. If an electronic system is in place, physical
inspections may vary from every month to once a year.

Assessment level Category 1

SECTION 5: RECYCLING PROCESS

5.1 RECYCLING STATISTICS

During the audit, Recycler must provide the following information calculated for the 12 months (3 months at least for
Provisional Certification) prior to the audit.

5.1.1 Site Capacity

5.1.2 Equipment Capacity

5.1.3 Nominal Capacity

5.1.4 Incoming Input Plastic Waste (pre-consumer and post-consumer)

5.1.5 Subcontracted Recycling

5.1.6 Energy consumption in KWh per t of Recycled Output produced

Energy Consumption - Guidance table for auditors (these numbers are indicative)

LDPE HDPE PET PVC

KWh/t To be accessed 500-570 220-360 To be accessed

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5.1.7 Fresh water consumption in litres per t of Recycled Output produced.

Fresh water Consumption - Guidance table for auditors (these numbers are indicative)

LDPE HDPE PET PVC

m3/t To be accessed 1.5-2.5 2-3 Not applicable

5.2 INPUT
VOLUME RECONCILIATION
During the audit, a calculation of the volume reconciliation will take place to identify if there is Input Plastic Waste being
delivered to Site which is unaccounted for. No significant excess of Input Volume over Equipment Capacity combined with
Subcontracted Recycling should be identified.

∑ 𝐸𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑝𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝐶𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦 + ∑ 𝑆𝑢𝑏𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑅𝑒𝑐𝑦𝑐𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑔 ≥ ∑ 𝐼𝑛𝑝𝑢𝑡 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒

Where records show that Input Plastic Waste is being sold (traded) to other recyclers then this should be detailed in the Audit
Report (including the tonnage of Input Plastic Waste sold to other recyclers / traders in the last 12 months – 3 months at least
for provisional certification). The Audit Report should also show if any material is being toll recycled by non-certified recyclers.

Assessment level Category 1

5.3 PROCESS INPUTS AND OUTPUTS

Records are kept for materials that are placed into and produced by the Recycling Process. These include:

i) Input Plastic Waste

ii) Recycled Outputs
iii) Additives & master batches
iv) Solid wastes
v) By-Products of Recycling Process

Assessment level Category 1

5.4 RECYCLING PROCESS VOLUME RECONCILIATION CALCULATION

The volume reconciliation calculation is an overview of all the material flows of Recycling Process for a period of 1 year (the
period of evaluation) and 3 months at least for Provisional audits. This central part of the report should be reasonably accurate,
and all discrepancies of the Recycling Process must be explained.

When a volume reconciliation is produced only using Input Plastic Waste and Recycled Output, a period of 3 months is granted
to Recycler to alter their systems and add other categories to the calculation that might be missing.

If a Recycler has been producing Recycled Output for less than one year or records have been kept for less than one year, a
Provisional Certification should be issued.

Assessment level Category 1

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5.5 BENEFICIAL OUTPUT & YIELD

Recycler has documentation in place to allow the calculation of Beneficial Output and Yield which provide an indication of the
amount of Recycled Output (by percent) that is produced from a given tonnage of Input Plastic Waste.

Assessment level Category 1

5.6 CALCULATION OF RECYCLING RATE

Recycler has a procedure in place to calculate the recycling rate as defined in the Implementation Act. The procedure considers
the quality control of the input material from different qualities and suppliers. This procedure may be aligned with the PRE
Load Processing Rate Guidance2.

Assessment level Category 2

5.7 DOCUMENTED CONTROL OF RECYCLING PROCESS

Recycler keeps production records showing the times that the Recycling Process was operational on a given day and the volume
of Input Plastic Waste used and Recycling Output produced. Records should be available for a minimum period of 12 months
(i.e. during the evaluation period). Where this is not the case, a Provisional Certificate must be issued, with a minimum of 3
months data.

Assessment level Category 1

5.8 USE OF PRODUCTION STATISTICS

Recycler records information about the Recycling Process, which is used to generate reports, at least monthly, that can be used
by the management team to optimise the performance of the Recycling Process. Reports show collated information over a
period of time to show changes in, for example, production levels, downtime, Beneficial Output, Yield, contamination levels,
etc.

Assessment level Category 1

5.9 TRACING INPUT PLASTIC WASTE & INPUT BATCHES TO SUPPLIERS

Batches of Input Plastic Waste into the Recycling Process can be traced back to individual or known groups of suppliers, which
will be the case in Traceability Level 2 and 3.

Assessment level Category 1

5.10 TRACING RECYCLED OUTPUT TO SUPPLIERS

Recycled Output Lots can be traced back to input Batches and therefore suppliers.

Assessment level Category 1

2
PRE Load Processing Rate Guidance available upon request at info@plasticsrecyclers.eu

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5.11 RECYCLING PROCESS AS PER EN15343

Recycler operates in line with standard EN 15343, in particular with respect to the Methodology and Procedures outlined in
Section 4; Quality Assurance described in Section 5; and Recycled Content in Section 6.

Assessment level Category 1

5.12 RECYCLED CONTENT CALCULATION

The share of Recycled Content is reported in the Audit Report, Summary Sheet and certificate. Known recycled content must
be calculated according to the following formula in line with Section 6 of EN 15343:2007:

𝑀𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑅𝑒𝑐𝑦𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑑 𝑃𝑙𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑐

𝑅𝑒𝑐𝑦𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑑 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑖𝑛 𝑅𝑒𝑐𝑦𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑑 𝑂𝑢𝑡𝑝𝑢𝑡 (%) =
𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑅𝑒𝑐𝑦𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑑 𝑂𝑢𝑡𝑝𝑢𝑡

Recycled Outputs can only be originated from Input Plastic Waste. By-products from converting operations cannot count
towards the calculation of Recycled Content.

Information gathered includes:

• Known recycled content per Recycling Process:

Calculation of the share of pre-consumer and post-consumer known recycled content as an average for the 12
months under review. This information is reported on the Certificate and Audit Report. This share is an indication
and cannot be used at product level claims to report recycled content claims in Recycled Output(s).

• Known recycled content per Recycled Output(s):

Calculation of the share of pre-consumer and post-consumer known recycled content per Recycled Output(s). The
calculation reflects the origin of material (pre-consumer or post-consumer) and source of material (commercial,
household, industrial). Type of waste (PET trays bottles or other) can also be documented when required by the
applicant. Sector of the waste (Packaging, B&C, WEEE, ELV, Agriculture) is documented when Annex 2 is filled in.
Calculation must reflect exact percentages (minimum percentage of recycled content) per Recycled Output that
must be identified with a product name or code. In Traceability Level 3, this is not required.

Assessment level Category 1

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SECTION 6: CONTROLS ON RECYCLED OUTPUTS

6.1 SALES RECORDS

Recycler maintains records of sales. These must include the following documentation: Costumer of Recycled Output - name
and address; Weights of Recycled Output sold.

i) Type of Recycled Output sold - Technical Data Sheet

Assessment level Category 1

6.2 OUTPUT END-MARKETS

Recycler keeps records about the end markets of Recycled Output and Pre-processed Waste Outputs.

Assessment level Category 2

6.3 EVIDENCE OF SALES

There is evidence of sales of Recycled Output, specifying their weight and customer information. Other documentation
showing the same information can be accepted if there is clear evidence of the supply of Recycled Output.

Assessment level Category 1

6.4 COMMUNICATION ABOUT CONFORMING PRODUCTS

In case of a monitoring audit, Recycler can provide verification that any marking, identification and marketing of conforming
products are correctly monitored and documented.

Assessment level Category 1

6.5 EVIDENCE OF BY-PRODUCT TREATMENT OR USE

Any by-products produced by the Recycling Process have been sent to a suitably licensed site, Broker or Dealer for treatment
or use should be available. Acceptable evidence would include:

i) invoices to or from a licensed site, Broker or Dealer showing the type and weight of the by-product of
Recycling Process received.
ii) delivery notes from a licensed site, Broker or Dealer showing the type and weight of the by-product of
Recycling Process received.
iii) A document signed by a licensed site, Broker or Dealer showing the type and weight of the by-products
Recycling Process received.

Assessment level Category 1

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SECTION 7: ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

7.1 DISPOSAL OF SOLID WASTES

Disposal of waste within the Recycler’s Site follows the EU waste hierarchy (reuse, recycling, incineration, landfill. Waste
undergoes safe disposal operations which meet the provisions of Article 13 of Directive 2008/98/EC3.

Recycler sends to a suitably licensed disposal site, Broker or Dealer any solid wastes produced by the Recycling Process.
Acceptable evidence would include:

i) Invoices from a licensed disposal site, Broker or Dealer showing the details and weight of the solid wastes
received
ii) Delivery notes from a licensed disposal site, Broker or Dealer showing the details and weight of the solid wastes
received

iii) A document signed by a licensed disposal site, Broker or Dealer showing the details and weight of the solid
wastes received

Assessment level Category 1

7.2 CONDITIONS OF DISPOSAL OF SOLID WASTES

Solid wastes are stored on paved floors equipped with rainwater collection systems in closed or fenced areas to avoid wind
dispersion.

Solid wastes are stored and transported in a way that reduces space and volume of transportation.

Assessment level Category 1

7.3 LICENSED TREATMENT OF WASTEWATER (OFF SITE)

Section applicable when Recycler sends wastewater from Recycling Process off site for treatment. In any case, no direct
disposal of water should be considered.

When the wastewater is being sent off site for treatment, Recycler must capture and store it in a way so as not to cause potential
damage to the environment, for example through leakage. Wastewater must also be sent to a suitably licensed treatment site,
Broker or Dealer.

Acceptable evidence would include:

i) invoices from a licensed treatment site, Broker or Dealer showing the details and volume of the wastewater
received or;

3
OJ L 312 22.11.2008, p. 3 (Art 13) “Member States shall take the necessary measures to ensure that waste management is carried out without endangering
human health, without harming the environment and, in particular: (a) without risk to water, air, soil, plants or animals; (b) without causing a nuisance
through noise or odours; and (c) without adversely affecting the countryside or places of special interest.”

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ii) delivery notes from a licensed treatment site, Broker or Dealer showing the details and volume of the
wastewater received or;

iii) A document signed by a licensed treatment site, Broker or Dealer showing the details and volume of the
wastewater received.

See also Section 1 for permits for onsite water treatment.

Assessment level Category 1

7.4 CAPTURE AND TREATMENT OF RUNOFF

Recycler has a system in place in Site to capture, treat (where applicable) and divert rainwater runoff from the site (including
the yard) into an appropriate drainage system.

The installed runoff collection system should be paved, and any storage of runoff waters should prevent leakages.

Assessment level Category 2

7.5 PELLET LOSS & MICROPLASTICS PROCEDURES (1)

Recycler has a procedure in place to prevent the leakage of Input Plastic Waste and Recycled Output into the environment within
its premises and surroundings.

Appropriate training, guidelines and resources for the implementation and compliance of the procedure should be provided
by the Recycler.

Assessment level Category 1

7.6 PELLET LOSS & MICROPLASTICS PROCEDURES (2)

Recycler’s procedure concerning pellet loss & microplastics that identifies areas or processes where there is a high risk of pellet
loss. Procedures should include:

i) Precautionary measures concerning deballing in the incoming material area;

ii) Precautionary measures concerning pellets/flakes production;
iii) Precautionary measures in the storage area; particularly the handling of big bags;
iv) Measures to recover waste, pellets or flakes which have been accidentally spilled;
v) Measures to regularly review and clean drainage systems and recycler surroundings.

Additionally, Recycler displays posters with information regarding how to maintain a clean environment. Recycler should offer
ready-to-use equipment to handle any losses of waste or pellets/flakes. Recycler organises regular internal control to ensure
the procedures are thoroughly applied.

Assessment level Category 2

7.7 NO CONTAMINATION OF LOCAL ENVIRONMENT

There is no activity on Site causing obvious contamination to the local environment.

A non-exhaustive list of such activities include:

i) The water treatment process being non-operational

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ii) Direct discharge, without treatment, of wastewater from Recycling Process

iii) Uncontrolled and unregulated burning of solid wastes for disposal
iv) Waste stored in a way that would cause pollution of the local environment – waste loss

Assessment level Category 1

SECTION 8: SUBCONTRACTING

8.1 CONTROL OF SUBCONTRACTED RECYCLING

Input Plastic Waste sent for Subcontracted Recycling is recorded. Records show at least:

i) The date Input Plastic Waste was sent for Subcontracted Recycling;
ii) The company name and address of the party carrying out Subcontracted Recycling;
iii) The grade of Input Plastic Waste and tonnage sent for Subcontracted Recycling.

Assessment level Category 1

8.2 SUBCONTRACTOR’S CERTIFICATE

All Subcontracted Recycling is done by companies holding a Certification issued by RecyClass or a recognised equivalent
certificate (e.g. EuCertPlast). Copies of the subcontractor’s certificates should be viewed as evidence if available. Alternatively,
a list of subcontractors is kept against the register.

Assessment level Category 1

8.3 SUPPLIERS INFORMED OF SUBCONTRACTED RECYCLING

Recycler records which Batches (or parts of Batches) of Input Plastic Waste supplied to Subcontracted Recycling. The supplier
is informed in writing when this is occurring either on a case-by-case basis or for an agreed tonnage of Input Plastic Waste over
a period of time. This applies to Input Plastic Waste sent to a specific contractor for Subcontracted Recycling and not to other
waste or by-products of Recycling Process sent to third parties.

Assessment level Category 2

8.4 CONTROL OF SUBCONTRACTED PROCESSING

Recycler records Input Plastic Waste sent for Subcontracted Processing. As a minimum, Recycler must record:

i) The date the Input Plastic Waste was sent for Subcontracted Processing
ii) The company name and address of the party carrying out the Subcontracted Processing
iii) The grade of Input Plastic Waste and tonnage sent for Subcontracted Processing
Assessment level Category 1

8.5 SUBCONTRACTOR’S WASTE TRANSPORT LICENSES

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Details of third-party companies carrying out the collection or onwards supply of waste materials (including but not limited to
Input Plastic Waste) are recorded. Information includes at least: i) organization name and legal address; ii) registration for
waste transport under applicable national law.

Assessment level Category 2

SECTION 9: QUALITY MANAGEMENT

9.1 QUALITY ASSURANCE INPUT PLASTIC WAS TE

Recycler verifies the quality of Input Plastic Waste. The frequency of the sampling is justified via internal procedure.

Assessment level Category 2

9.2 INPUT PLASTIC WASTE CONTROLS AS PER EN15347 AND EN15343

Recycler receives supplier information regarding Input Plastic Waste as per EN15347, Table 1 (Required Characteristics of
Plastic Wastes). Guidance for characterisation may be found on the PRE Bales Characterisation Guiding Requirements.
Information on the ‘batch size’, ‘colour’, ‘form of waste’ and ‘main polymer present’ must be recorded for each delivery.
Recyclers should also be accepting Input Plastic Waste in line with Section 4.1 (Control of Input Materials) in EN15343.

Assessment level Category 1

9.3 RECYCLING PROCESS QUALITY CONTROL

Samples of Batches are taken during the Recycling Process for quality control. Frequency of the sampling is determined by
internal procedures and records are kept.

Assessment level Category 1

9.4 RECYCLED OUTPUT QUALITY ASSURANCE

Recycler verifies the quality of Recycled Output. The frequency of the sampling is justified via internal procedure depending on
the quality of Input Plastic Waste and Recycling Process parameters.

Assessment level Category 2

9.5 RECYCLED OUTPUT SPECIFICATION

The Recycled Output is supplied against a Technical Data Sheet that as a minimum refers to polymer, colour and the permitted
level of contamination and/or follows “PRE Flakes and Pellets Characterisation Guidelines4”.

The permitted range in the characteristics are shown in the Technical Data Sheet for product.

4
PRE Flakes and Pellets Characterisation Guidelines available at Downloads | Plastics Recyclers Europe

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Assessment level Category 1

9.6 RECYCLED OUTPUT SPECIFICATION AS PER EN 1534X STANDARDS FOR

CHARACTERISATION
Recycled Output is supplied against a Technical Data Sheet with characteristics in line with Table 1: Required Characteristics
from the EN 1534X standard series:

• EN15342 for polystyrene recyclates

• EN15344 for polyethylene recyclates
• EN15345 for polypropylene recyclates
• EN15346 for poly(vinyl chloride) recyclates
• EN15348 for poly(ethylene terephalate) recyclates

Where no standard exists for Recycled Output polymer produced, the Technical Data Sheet must be in line with the broad
principles of the EN Standards set out for other recyclates.

Any tests of these characteristics must be carried out using the guidance provided in the Standards; costumer’s requests; or
by industry standards. When deviation on the testing procedure described in the EN 1534X series exists, this must be justified.

Assessment level Category 1

9.7 OUT OF SPECIFICATION LOAD PROCEDURE

Recycler has an internal procedure in place to address deliveries of Input Plastic Waste which are not within the agreed
specification. This must describe how the supplier is informed of the discrepancy (including timeframes) against the
specification and what controls were done and recorded to support these claims.

Assessment level Category 2

9.8 REJECTED LOAD PROCEDURE

Recycler has an internal procedure in place to address deliveries of Input Plastic Waste which are rejected against the
specification. This describes how the supplier is informed of the rejection (including timeframes) and what controls were done
and recorded to support these claims. The internal procedure must include a quarantine period.

Assessment level Category 1

9.9 PRODUCT LEGISLATION

When Input Plastic Waste reaches its end-of-waste status5, it meets the requirements as laid down in the chemical product
legislations, such as REACH and POPs regulation (when applicable). Within these regulations, concentration limits and
additional measures are set for certain hazardous chemicals, hereafter referred to as substances of concern6. Recycler has

5
See Article 6 of the Waste framework Directive.
6
REACH SVHCs, Substances restricted under REACH, and POPs substances.

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procedures in place to ensure the compliance with the aforementioned chemical product legislations and to monitor the
presence of substances of concern via 7 method such as the PRE-1000 guideline. Records of the data must be available upon
request. A procedure should be in place in case of non-conformities found in the Recycled Output.

It must be noted that, while a full assessment as to whether Recycler is compliant with REACH Regulation is out of the scope of
this audit, Recycler is expected to carry out a chemical analysis for not the whole REACH regulation but REACH SVHCs,8 REACH
restricted9 and POPs10 (when applicable) substances on the Recycled Ouptut every other year.

Exceptions to this requirement may apply when processing pre-consumer or post-consumer commercial waste when it can
be justified.Assessment level Category 1

SECTION 10: ANNEXES TO THE AUDIT REPORT

10.1 CIRCULAR PLASTICS ALLIANCE: DATA GENERATOR TONNAGE VERIFICATION

Annex detailing the verified tonnages to be reported to a CPA compliant Data Collector to count towards the monitoring of
recycling and uptake of recycled plastics in the EU.

The period of evaluation within a natural year must be specified for verification against the reported data in the Data Collector
system.

This Annex is not mandatory.

10.2 RECOVINYL: TONNAGE VERIFICATION

Annex dedicated to PVC recyclers which are part of Recovinyl. The annex includes data detailing the verified tonnages to be
reported to RecoTraceTM, data collection system of Recovinyl.

10.3 DETAILED VOLUME RECONCILIATION CALCULATION

The main report will contain a short description and overview of the volume reconciliation. The detailed information will be
found in an Annex detailing the calculation. The Recycler can choose whether to disclose the annexes together with the Report
to stakeholders or customers.

10.4 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR GERMAN WASTE

Recycler(s) receiving waste from Germany must fill in this Annex.

7
Please get in touch with RecyClass at info@recyclass.eu
8
See Candidate List of substances of very high concern for Authorisation by ECHA.
9
See list of Substances restricted under REACH by ECHA.
10
See List of substances subject to POPs Regulation by ECHA.

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SECTION 11: OUTCOMES OF THE AUDIT

11.1 AUDIT REPORT

Certification Body must issue an Audit Report with the final statement of conformity and the details of the audit findings. The
audit report is valid for 1 year and is identified with a unique certification code.

11.2 CERTIFICATE
Certification Body must issue a certificate reporting the final statement of conformity and the details of the audit findings. The
certificate is also valid for 1 years and is identified with the same certification code than the audit report.

11.3 USE OF CERTIFICATION MARK

The use of the Certification mark must follow the requirements described in the Quality Management & Procedures document.

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14. ANNEX I: DEFINITIONS

Organisation
[ISO 22095:2020, 3.4.1]
Entity or group of people and facilities with an arrangement of responsibilities, authorities and relationships and identifiable
objectives.

Site
[ISO 22095:2020]
Location with geographical boundaries at which defined activities under the control of an organization are carried out.

Recycler
Organisation applying for Certification for a Recycling Process/es at a site.

Certification
Certification under this Audit Scheme.

Plastic
Material consisting of a polymer as defined in point 5 of Article 3 of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006, to which additives or other
substances may have been added, and which can function as a main structural component of final products, with the
exception of natural polymers that have not been chemically modified.11

Recycled Plastic
[EN/ISO 472:2013, 2.612]
Plastic prepared by processing in a production process from plastics waste materials for the original purpose or for other
purposes but excluding energy recovery. In a broad sense, the recycling of plastics covers any re-use of scrap material or
discarded articles, including pyrolysis to recover useful organic chemicals. Recycled plastics may or may not be reformulated
by the addition of fillers, plasticizers, stabilizers, pigments, etc.

Traceability
[ISO 22095:2020, 3.6.1]
Ability to trace the history, application, location or source(s) of a material or product throughout the supply chain.

Segregation
[ISO 22095:2020, 3.3.2]
Chain of custody model in which specified characteristics of a material or product are maintained from the initial input to the
final output. Note 1 to entry: Addition of material with different characteristics and/or grade to the input is not allowed. Note
2 to entry: Commonly, material from more than one source contributes to a chain of custody under the segregated model.

Controlled blending
[ISO 22095:2020, 3.3.3]
Chain of custody model in which materials or products with a set of specified characteristics are mixed according to a certain
criterion with materials or products without that set of characteristics resulting in a known proportion of the specified
characteristics in the final output.

11
OJ L 155, 12.6.2019, p. 1–19

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Broker
Any undertaking arranging the use, recovery or disposal of Recycled Outputs, Input Plastic Waste or waste on behalf of others,
including such brokers who do not take physical possession of the aforementioned material streams.

Dealer
Any undertaking that acts in the role of principal to purchase (or charge for the removal of/accept free of charge) and
subsequently sell (or pay for the treatment or disposal of/dispose of free of charge) Input Plastic Waste, Recycling Outputs or
waste, including such dealers who do not take physical possession of the aforementioned material streams.

Storage Bay
A defined storage area where a known number of Batches of Incoming Waste Plastic can be kept separate and isolated from
other Batches of Incoming Waste Plastic and contamination.

Current Operating Hours

The operating hours for the Recycling Process at the time of auditing.

Permitted Operating Hours

The maximum number of hours Recycler is able to run the Recycling Process under the terms of their operating licenses and
permits.

Equipment Capacity
The theoretical maximum capacity of the Recycler’s equipment with respect to the weight of Input Plastic Waste they can
accept into the Recycling Process to produce a Recycled Output.

Site Capacity
The lower of either the sum of the Equipment Capacity (s) or the Licensed Input Volume.

Nominal Capacity
The running capacity of the Recycler’s equipment with respect to the weight of Input Plastic Waste they accepted into Recycling
Process to produce a Recycled Output. It is the calculated capacity value based on consumption figures during a determined
period of time. It considers the planned production hours, the throughput and the identified availability of the line.

Batch
[EN 17615:2020, 3.17]
Quantity of material regarded as a single unit and having a unique reference.

Lot
Definite quantity of some commodity manufactured or produced under conditions that are presumed uniform.

Input Plastic Waste

The grade of plastic waste required for the Recycling Process for which the Recycler is applying for Certification.

Proof of Transaction
Documentation per batch that ensures the origin and traceability of waste which include, but is not limited to, buyer and
supplier information, EU waste code, targeted polymer, origin of waste, sector of waste, source of waste, treatment(s)
undergone, type of collection, shipping weight, contaminants present and a declaration from the supplier confirming the
compliance of input plastic waste with EN 15343:2008 traceability requirements.

Input Volume

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The total weight of Input Plastic Waste delivered to Recycler during a given time period.

Licensed Input Volume

The total weight of all waste plastics that the Recycler is able to accept under the terms of its operating license in a given period
of time.

Recycling Process
[art 3(17) OJ L 312 22.11.2008, p. 3]
Any recovery operation by which waste materials are reprocessed into products, materials or substances whether for the
original or other purposes. It includes the reprocessing of organic material but does not include energy recovery and the
reprocessing into materials that are to be used as fuels or for backfilling operations. A Recycling Process produces a Recycled
Output for which Certification is being requested.

Recycled Output
Recycled plastic (recyclates) produced by the Recycling Process that can be used as a substitute for virgin polymer or other raw
materials to manufacture products (excluding products for energy generation).

Pre-processed Waste Output

Waste outputs sent for subsequent recycling.

Yield
Amount of Recycled Output (by percent) that is produced from a given tonnage of Input Waste Plastic.

Beneficial Output
Beneficial Output refers to all the Recycled Output including by-products

produced from Recycling Process that can be used as a direct replacement for virgin polymer or other raw material to
manufacture goods (excluding those intended for energy generation).

Recycled Content
[CEN/TR 15353:2004, adapted]
Percentage by weight of recycled plastics in a product. Percentage by weight of Certified Recycled Input in Output. It must be
defined between Pre-consumer Material and Post-consumer Material.

Pre-consumer
[EN 14021:2016, 7.8.1.1]
Descriptive term covering material diverted from the waste stream during a manufacturing process.

Note 1: This term excludes re-utilized material, such as rework, regrind or scrap that has been generated in a given process
and is capable of being reclaimed within that same process.

Note 2: The term “post-industrial material” is sometimes used synonymously.

Post-consumer
[EN 14021:2016, 7.8.1.1]

Descriptive term covering material, generated by the end users of products, that has fulfilled its intended purpose or can no
longer be used (including material returned within the distribution chain. For specific materials such as PVC, sector definitions
apply. Note 1: The term “post-use” is sometimes used synonymously

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Post-consumer household
Descriptive term covering12 waste generated by households. Usually a synonym for 'garbage/rubbish' and 'domestic waste'.
Household waste is the fraction of municipal waste collected from households, final holders of the waste. Nevertheless, this
typology of waste is not limited to households, as all wastes resembling same characteristics are defined as such are also
included.

Post-consumer commercial
Descriptive term covering waste produced by the operation of a trade or business professional, commercial, institutional, or
governmental facility13. Commercial waste is a synonym for trade waste.14 Commercial waste is generated from the handling,
transport, retailing, and stocking of products and services usually referred as tertiary packaging. Within this category of waste,
we find also waste generated from public institutions (schools, museums, libraries, government buildings, hospitals and the
similar) or from trade, small businesses, and office buildings. Commercial waste includes electronic and electrical appliances
wastes when these are returned to the shops that manage the disposal. Also, beverage plastic bottles part of Deposit-Return
schemes is typically considered as commercial waste, as the final holder of the product to be disposed of is the retail centre
where these bottles are collected.

By-product from converting operations

[EN 17615:2022, 3.43]
Co-product from a process that is incidental or not intentionally produced and which cannot be avoided, but which will
certainly be further used without any further processing other than normal industrial practice. For legal definition refer to the
European Waste Framework Directive 2008/98/EC article 5.

Recycling Rate15
The amount of recycled municipal waste shall be the amount of municipal waste at the calculation point. The amount of
municipal waste entering the recycling operation shall include targeted materials. It may include non-targeted materials only
to the extent that their presence is permissible for the specific recycling operation.

Subcontracted Processing
When Input Plastic Waste has an operation carried out on it by a third party, for example, sorting, removal of contamination,
etc, prior to it undergoing the Recycling Process. Subcontracted Processing is not a Recycling Process in itself.

Subcontracted Recycling
Input Plastic Waste delivered to the Recycler which is toll recycled by a third-party recycler also certified under this Audit
Scheme where the Recycler retains ownership of the recycled output from the third-party recycler (toll recycling).

12
OJ L 310, 25.11.2011, p. 11–16.
13
ISO 6707-1:2017 Buildings and civil engineering works.
14
Ibid.
15
OJ L 112/26

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15. ANNEX II: CERTIFICATION MODULES

The Audit Scheme has developed the following Certification Modules which can be found detailed in separate documents:

• Module A: Food Contact (A1 and A2).

• Module B: Cosmetics and Household Applications.
• Module C: Corporate Social Responsibility.
• Module D: PVC Requirements.

16. ANNEX III: CERTIFICATION MODULES

This annex is only applicable when Input Plastic Waste has been previously grinded or shredded, and it does not count with a
RecyClass Recycling Process certificate. In this case, each input batch, either from a pre-or post-consumer origin, must count with
the document below.

As a transition measure period for the suppliers adapting to the use of the document Proof of Transaction, the first audit under
version 1.2 suppliers must provide proof of this documentation of compliance according to the delivery notes, purchase orders,
respective annex according to the Waste Shipment Regulation and any documentation related to waste characterization.

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RECYCLASS RECYCLING PROCESS

Proof of Transaction 1.0
Proof of Transaction #PF-PRODUCTCODE-DATE

Buyer information

Legal name of the organization Consignee of the plastic waste

Street, nº:

Post code, city:

Country:

VAT Number Main contact information

Name:

Function:

Email:

Supplier of the plastic waste

Legal name of the organisation Location of dispatch

Street, nº:

Post code, city:

Country:

VAT Number Main contact information

Waste management permit1 Name:

Function:

Email:

Input plastic waste information

Batch Number Name of the product (same as invoice)

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EU waste code Targeted Polymer(s)

Number of invoice (purchase orders) Origin of waste

 Pre-Consumer
 Post-Consumer
Sector of waste Source of waste

 Packaging  Households
 Building and Construction  Commercial
 Agriculture  Industrial
 Other:_____________________  Other:_____________________
Treatment(s) undergone Type of collection

 Sorting  Separate collection

 Agglomeration  Mixed waste collection
 Shredding  Private closed loop
 Washing  Ocean plastic
 Drying  Hand picking
 Other:_________________  Other:_________________

Shipping weight (Ton) Targeted plastic polymer content (%)2

Other polymers present (%)2 Non plastic materials present (%)3

Conformity declaration
The undersigned declaration by the supplier states that the input plastic waste, as verified by the buyer, complies with
EN 15343:2008 traceability requirements. The customer stated in this document is responsible for the conformity and
the guidance in the systematic audits of this information.
SIGNATURE

Buyer Supplier

Signature and company stamp Signature and company stamp

Name of person signing Name of person signing

Role/Position Role/Position

Date and place Date and place

1
The supplier must count either with a waste management permit; or permit derogation according to Article 20 of the Waste Framework Directive; or operating
license or environmental license with specific provisions on treatment of waste; or any operating licenses required for the country where Recycler is located.
2
The plastic content must be determined according to EN15343:2008.
2
This must be determined according to EN15343:2008 which can be metals, paper, carboard, hazardous waste, food contamination, wood, or any type of non-
plastic impurities.
* Transaction Certificate does not apply to input material from Automotive & EEE. The output material can’t be intended for food contact.
** This documentation was adapted to shredded material according to the requirements set EN15347 for sorted waste characterization

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17. ANNEX IV: TABLE OF CHANGES

Version Date Section Update description
1.2 December 2024 Annex III Proof of Transaction Annex.

1.2 December 2024 5.2, 5.3, 5.4 Wording clarification.

1.2 December 2024 9 Clarification on Traceability level 1 and 3 requirements.

13, Section 3, 3.2, Considerations for Input Plastic Waste previously grinded
1.2 December 2024
annex III or shredded where shape and form have changed.

13, Section 5, 5.12,

1.2 December 2024 Section 6, 6.5, Clarifications on the definitions for by-products.
annex I

Clarifications on the requirements on monitoring of

1.2 December 2024 13, Section 9, 9.9
substances in line with product legislation.

Version Date Section Update description

1.1 June 2023 All Update of nonconformities definition

1.1 June 2023 13, Section 1, 1.6 Clarification on accreditation of CBs

1.1 June 2023 13, Section 1, 1.7 Clarification on accreditation of CBs

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c/o Plastic Recyclers Europe

Avenue de Broqueville 12
1150 Brussels – Belgium

Phone : +32 2 315 24 60

info@recyclass.eu

www.recyclass.eu

RECYCLING PROCESS CERTIFICATION: AUDIT SCHEME V1.2 PAGE 34