Summary
Details
- European Union
The RecyClass Design for Recycling Guidelines can be used by all stakeholders across the plastics value chain.
Deep dive
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Background
Recycling performance depends heavily on product design, particularly in complex waste streams such as plastics. The RecyClass Design for Recycling Guidelines were developed to address inconsistencies in how recyclability is defined and assessed across Europe. They are built on the RecyClass recyclability methodology and supported by laboratory testing, industry collaboration, and data from multiple testing campaigns.
Over time, RecyClass has refined the guidelines based on real-world recycling conditions, with updates reflecting the behaviour of packaging materials during sorting and processing. While packaging remains the primary focus, the framework has expanded to include Automotive and EEE Guidelines, recognising that design-for-recycling principles are also relevant to durable plastic products in other sectors.
Assessment criteria
The RecyClass Packaging Guidelines provide a structured approach to assessing recyclability at component level. Users evaluate packaging by:
Identifying the main polymer and intended recycling stream
Assessing individual components (e.g. caps, labels, adhesives, inks)
Determining whether these features are compatible with sorting and recycling processes
Applying recommendations to improve recyclability
The guidelines indicate whether specific design features are compatible with a given recycling stream and highlight elements that may interfere with sorting or reduce recyclate quality. Where packaging features are not yet covered, companies can use RecyClass Recyclability Evaluation Protocols to test materials under controlled conditions. This assessment framework is aligned with broader recyclability classifications under the RecyClass methodology, which evaluates whether materials can be effectively collected, sorted, processed, and reused.
Current status
The RecyClass Design for Recycling Guidelines are actively updated to reflect new materials, technologies, and regulatory developments. Recent updates incorporate findings from extensive testing campaigns and aim to ensure alignment with real recycling conditions across Europe. The Packaging Guidelines now cover all major plastic packaging streams, with ongoing revisions improving clarity and consistency in how recyclability is assessed.
The guidelines are also embedded within the broader RecyClass ecosystem, including:
Recyclability Evaluation Protocols
Certification schemes
An online assessment tool
Together, these elements provide a consistent, data-driven framework for evaluating and validating recyclability claims. At the policy level, the guidelines align with emerging EU requirements, including the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which emphasises the importance of design for recycling in improving packaging circularity.
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