Certified As Recyclable is a new certification from OPRL that is tasked with removing greenwash and misleading labelling from recyclable goods. The scheme will provide thoroughly evaluated and tested recyclability assessments and will initially be available for rigid and flexible plastic packaging in partnership with RECOUP. The scheme will be extended across all packaging materials in future.

The new Certified As Recyclable scheme is available exclusively to OPRL members and supports them in ensuring they deliver against UK Plastics Pact and other sustainability commitments. Certification will provide assurance that the packaging type and materials are collected in the UK for recycling, are effectively sorted for recycling at UK Materials Recycling Facilities (MRF) and Plastics Recycling Facilities (PRFs), and recycled by reprocessors with an effective market for the resulting recyclate.

Assessments will be made against the evidence base underpinning OPRL’s Recycling Labelling Scheme and their PREP UK online self-evaluation tool with new tests at MRFs and PRFs where new evidence is needed. These technical assessments will be undertaken by RECOUP, the industry recycling body and leading provider of technical advice on plastics.

Jane Bevis, chair of OPRL said: "For some time now we’ve been concerned about the level of greenwash and over-claiming evident in the packaging market. So we’re delighted to be able to bring clarity and robust analysis to bear with Certified As Recyclable, enabling buyers and specifiers to ensure they are sourcing the right packaging to deliver their sustainability commitments.”

Share Story: