Recycled content certification

Recycled content certification independently verifies the proportion of secondary raw materials in a product, based on chain of custody systemic audit assessments along the supply chain.

The certification assessment focuses on the traceability of the processing of non-hazardous waste materials, from recovery to incorporation into the final product.

Recycled content certification is relevant to a wide range of consumer and industrial products made from recycled plastics such as electrical and electronic devices, automotive components, furniture, home goods, textiles, packaging, and more.

Circularity principles
Businesses can show their commitment to the circular economy by using recycled raw materials, which conserve resources, eliminate waste, and reduce emissions.

Consumer awareness and public concern about greenwashing 
Companies are under pressure to ensure that their products have lower environmental impact and truthfully communicate accurate information to stakeholders.

Ensure that your recycled content claims are authentic
Businesses can substantiate their sustainability claims by ensuring transparency throughout the supply chain regarding their use of recycled raw materials.

Regulations, plastic taxes, national subsidies and green public procurement
National authorities require third-party certification of the recycled content of products and packaging, e.g., Spain's Plastic Tax Law.

As an independent and impartial third-party, TÜV SÜD can accurately and reliably verify and certify the accuracy of your recycled content claims throughout your product’s supply chain. This can help you gain a competitive advantage by demonstrating your commitment to sustainability.

We can help your products meet local sustainability requirements with truthful reporting of recycled raw materials. This way, we can help reduce your time to market.

Our recycled content certification process can help you comply with global standards such as ISO 14021, EN 15343 and related series of standards.

Our recycled content certification services follow these steps:

1. Data collection and documentation audits – TÜV SÜD's team will assist in collecting data from your recycled plastics supply chain partners. This will cover the origin of input waste materials, sorting practices, best recycling practices, blending processes, and quantification of recycled material flows.
2. Onsite audits – These audits ensure that the production practices and staff competence are in place to maintain consistent quality and authenticity.
3. Evaluation of the single supply chain assessments – TÜV SÜD auditors issue assessment reports for each site, sharing audit findings with the manufacturer and its supply chain. In cases of major non-conformities, the manufacturer and its supply chain partner must provide a root cause analysis and take corrective action.
4. Final report and certification decision – If the certification requirements are met, TÜV SÜD will issue the final technical report and certificate to the product or material manufacturer.
5. Certification maintenance / production monitoring – Depending on the strength of the data, supply chain quality and production volume, a certification is either valid for one year (batch certification) or for 3 years. TÜV SÜD conducts periodic surveillance to maintain compliance and consistent quality as per requirements.