A study commissioned by the German Environment Agency (UBA) investigates the validity of certification systems for recycled plastics. It reveals significant differences in transparency, traceability and control mechanisms. In the evaluation carried out, RecyClass achieved the highest score.
As regulatory requirements for the use of recyclates increase, reliable proof of their use is also gaining in importance. This applies in particular to packaging: the European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) stipulates minimum percentages of recyclate in the plastic content of certain packaging for 2030 and 2040. At the same time, according to the study, there is currently no recognised chemical or physical method with which the recyclate content and properties of a plastic product can be precisely determined. Proof is therefore provided indirectly by tracing the materials along the supply chain.
Ten systems examined in detail
For the study, the Ecologic Institute and the Institute for Energy and Circular Economy at Bremen University of Applied Sciences initially identified 34 certification systems. Ten were subsequently analysed in detail. These include RecyClass, ISCC Plus, the Global Recycled Standard, ‚Flustix Recycled – DIN-geprüft‘ and SCS Recycled Content, among others.
75 indicators were evaluated. The subjects investigated included the traceability of recyclate origin, environmental requirements, auditing procedures, control mechanisms and the handling of non-conformities.
RecyClass achieves highest score
According to the evaluation and weighting scheme developed by the authors, the RecyClass Recycling Process Certification Level 2 achieves the highest score with 162 points. This is followed by RecyClass Level 1 with 141 points and the Global Recycled Standard with 140 points. ISCC Plus comes in fifth place with 130 points.
However, the authors point out that no universally valid ranking should be derived from this. The systems differ in terms of their areas of application and objectives. While RecyClass, for example, is aimed at companies that produce recyclates through mechanical recycling, other systems certify recyclate contents in end products or also include chemical recycling.
Transparency remains a weak spot
Significant differences are identified by Study also noted regarding the availability of information. For RecyClass, ISCC Plus, OBP Recycling, SCS and LNE, extensive documentation was publicly available or additional information was provided. In contrast, for QA-CER, PSV and ‚Flustix Recycled – DIN-geprüft‘, important information was partly inaccessible or key requirements and auditing processes remained unclear.
There are also differences when it comes to audits. Some schemes stipulate on-site audits at defined inspection intervals, while others allow remote audits. According to the study, unannounced audits are only provided for in a few schemes. In addition, the UBA research team identifies potential conflicts of interest if scheme owners also act as certification bodies.
At the same time, the authors emphasise an important limitation: the study is based on the state of information as of October 2024 and thus represents a snapshot. Due to regular changes in certification systems, continuous updating is necessary.
Source: Federal Environment Agency
Currently, the UBA is examining a criticism by the certification provider Flustix regarding the presentation of the examined programme „Products made from recycled material – Flustix V06/24“. According to Flustix, the evaluation refers to an earlier certification programme in cooperation with Din Certco and not to the independent programme Flustix Recycled, which was published at the end of 2025. As soon as the examination by the UBA is complete, packaging journal will report on it.
Update 17/09/2026: In the Report has the short designation „Flustix Recycled“ been changed to „Flustix Recycled – DIN-Geprüft“ and the supplementary note included that the analysis and evaluation under the designation „Flustix Recycled – DIN-Geprüft“ are based on the former certification programme „Products made from recycled material – Flustix V06/24“ issued by DIN Certco Gesellschaft für Konformitätsbewertung mbH, which led to the awarding of the „Flustix Recycled – DIN-Geprüft“ certificate until the end of November 2025; the certification programme „Flustix Recycled“ published by Flustix GmbH since 28 November 2025 was not the subject of this investigation?SourceUBA
