Recycled Plastic Content

♻ Recycled Plastic Content Certification Scheme

Delivering Trust in Recycled Plastic Claims

ATC International has developed a robust Recycled Plastic Content Scheme to certify and verify the traceability and percentage of recycled materials used in plastic products. This program supports manufacturers, converters, and supply chain stakeholders in aligning with environmental goals, meeting compliance obligations, and gaining market recognition through reliable certification.

Built on EN 15343:2007 and implemented under the EN ISO/IEC 17065 product certification framework, the scheme is structured to meet PolyCert Europe acceptance criteria and represents a trusted benchmark in the global circular economy landscape.

🎯 Scheme Objectives

  • ✅ Enable credible, third-party verification of recycled plastic content in products.
  • ✅ Support supply-chain transparency and traceability from source to final product.
  • ✅ Provide harmonized rules for mass balance calculation and conformity assessment.
  • ✅ Align with European regulatory instruments such as plastics taxes and ecolabeling.
  • ✅ Allow certified use of the Recycled Plastic Content Mark for qualifying products.
ATC Plastic recycle

📘 Scheme Structure

Part 1 — Overview & Governance

The Scheme outlines the process for audit, surveillance, certification, and labelling of products that contain verified recycled plastic content. Key features include:

  • Chain of custody model (controlled blending or mass balance).
  • Third-party verification of recyclate suppliers via accredited schemes.
  • Quality management principles based on the PDCA cycle.
  • Annual impartiality reviews by a multi-stakeholder committee.
  • Exclusive ownership and version control by ATC International UK, the scheme owner.

Certified products can display the PolyCert Europe mark (upon formal acceptance), enhancing trust and recognition across regulatory and commercial channels.

Part 2 — Requirements for Certified Organizations

To be certified under this scheme, organizations must implement a management system that demonstrates compliance with EN 15343 and the ATC scheme requirements. This includes:

✔ Chain-of-Custody System

  • Complete traceability of input recyclate from receipt to final product.
  • Transparent and accurate mass balance calculations of recycled content.
  • Documented processes for tracking, labeling, and verifying material flows.

✔ Sampling & Testing Protocols

  • Routine sampling and inspection of incoming recyclate and final product.
  • Classification of input materials (e.g., post-consumer vs. post-industrial) with verifiable documentary evidence.
  • Testing of physical or chemical properties per EN 15347 requirements.

✔ Documentation & Audit Readiness

  • Supplier declarations, test reports, internal logs, and all relevant records must be complete and auditable.
  • External labs must use validated methods and demonstrate result traceability.

✔ Product Labelling & Claims

  • Certified products may display the Recycled Plastic Content Mark only if they contain ≥10% verified recycled plastic.
  • The certified percentage must appear directly beneath the logo, as per Work Instruction WI-06.
  • Products under 10% may still be certified but cannot use the Scheme logo.

📑 Certification Process

  1. Application Submission
    Organizations submit key documentation and an application form via the ATC website.
  2. Initial Audit
    On-site and/or remote assessment of traceability systems, test methods, records, and compliance with scheme rules.
  3. Verification & Decision
    Review of audit findings by the ATC certification committee and issuance of certificate for conforming entities.
  4. Surveillance & Renewal
    Ongoing monitoring and periodic reassessment to maintain certification validity and integrity.

🏷 Who Can Benefit?

  • Plastic converters and product manufacturers.
  • Suppliers using post-consumer or post-industrial recycled materials.
  • Businesses affected by plastic tax regimes or sustainability commitments.
  • Brands seeking independently verified environmental labelling.

📌 Why Choose ATC International?

  • Scheme owner with full control of design and revision processes.
  • Designed to meet European market requirements and emerging global standards.
  • Independent, impartial certification under ISO/IEC 17065.
  • Trusted partner for sustainability-driven product verification.

🔗 Ready to apply or learn more?
Visit the ATC Document Center or contact our certification experts.

All intellectual property, scheme revisions, and certification decisions remain under the authority of ATC International UK, ensuring a reliable and harmonized certification experience.