Sweden's Returpack has become the first deposit return system (DRS) in Europe to receive RecyClass certification for its PET bottle sorting process. The certification provides independent verification that recycled plastic from the system meets EU traceability requirements and is approved for use in food contact packaging.
The certification falls under EU regulation 2022/1616, which governs the collection, pre-treatment, and traceability of recycled plastic intended for food and beverage packaging. It sets a precedent for how deposit return systems across Europe can support the continent's circular economy targets.
Credit: Returpack
Sara Bergendorff
– The certification confirms that we have strong control and traceability throughout the entire flow, from collection and sorting to delivery to our material recyclers. It is also proof that our working methods and processes already meet high standards of quality and safety, says Sara Wester Bergendorff, Head of Sustainability and Quality at Returpack.
Deposit return systems are structurally well-positioned for this type of certification. Each container is identified at the barcode level at the point of return, ensuring clean, uncontaminated material flows from collection and sorting through to delivery, the kind of upstream traceability that Regulation 2022/1616 now requires.
– The plastic we collect comes in as a clean, identified mono-material stream from the start. That's the structural advantage of a deposit system. This certification gives our material customers and beverage producers the documentation they need to put that material back into new packaging, says Sara Wester Bergendorff.
As EU legislation increasingly requires verified recycled content in packaging, the certification positions recycled PET from deposit return systems as a traceable, food-safe material ready to re-enter the supply chain. It demonstrates the role high-performing collection systems can play in meeting Europe's circular economy targets.
Facts
- Returpack is the first deposit return system in Europe to receive RecyClass certification for its sorting process.
- The certification is audited by independent third-party QHSEcert GmbH and ensures traceability throughout the entire material chain.
- The certification is linked to EU Regulation 2022/1616 on recycled plastic in food contact packaging.
- RecyClass is a non-profit, cross-industry organisation working to advance recyclability and transparency in plastic management across Europe.