Packaging Consultancy

Test, understand and improve the recyclability of your packaging 

If you are looking to develop a new type of packaging or perhaps searching for a solution to ensure its recyclability, we can guide you towards the total recyclability of your packaging, whether that's:

• Plastic bottles
• Jars
• Pouches
• Plastic film
• Cartons

Every type of packaging is different, which is why we carry out targeted analysis depending on your needs and offer specialised advice. This work can be done in various ways, for example through:

• tests in our sorting facilities to identify the destination of the packaging at end-of-life (using RFID tagging technology for accurate tracking);
• laboratory research, replicating the industrial conditions of a plastic reprocessor, manifests in quick wash tests which can establish whether labels experience ink bleeding and/or fibre loss;
• desk research to answer specific questions;
• consultation with our international network of experts;

We provide you with an analysis of your packaging, determining what tests (if any) are required prior to a recyclability assessment. You receive specific advice on how to improve your packaging to increase its recyclability. As each country has specific requirements when it comes to collection, sorting and recycling, we also help you understand the local market’s infrastructure maturities.

Is your packaging recyclable? 

Prove it with a certification! CIRCPACK® can assess the recyclability of your packaging.

• For plastic packaging we are an accredited certifying body of RecyClass.
• For other materials, we have defined a proprietary certification methodology, called CERTIFY.

After providing us with samples and some input on the materials used, we will start the assessment.

Depending on the packaging, we will run a sorting test in a representative operational sorting facility.

Combined with the detailed knowledge on materials, we are able to make an accurate assessment on the recyclability. In combination with our knowledge on the local infrastructure, we can not only make general assessments, but also country specific assessments.

There are 3 different types of certificate that can be granted and these are:

1. Design for Recycling: Used for complete and final packaging. It classifies the technical recyclability of plastic packaging within the European market.
2. Recyclability Rate Assessment: Used for complete and final packaging. It classifies and rates the technical recyclability of plastic packaging in a specific country (we can certify up to all countries within Europe - EU27+3). 
3. Letter of Compatibility: Used for semi-finished packaging. It classifies the technical recyclability of a semi-finished plastic packaging within the European market
    

Eco-design recommendations to optimise the recyclability of packaging.

To make a packaging easy to recycle, you need to take several parameters into account, including the type of material, the shape of your packaging and recycling techniques. We have listed the key recommendations for recycling in our design for recycling guidelines, provided to you free of charge.

With this guide, you will be able to analyse the recyclability of your packaging and learn more about three types of materials:

• Recyclable materials: materials that can be completely recycled;
• Non-recyclable materials: materials that cannot be recycled but do not disrupt the packaging recycling process;
• Conflicting materials: materials that cannot be recycled and hinder the recycling of other recyclable materials.

“Full Compatible”: Includes the preferred design features, guaranteeing the best recyclability and quality of recyclate
“Limited Compatible”: Includes the less ideal features, that have been tested or are known to impact the recyclability and quality of recyclate
“Low (or not) Compatible”: Includes disqualifying features that should be avoided as they strongly impact the recyclability and quality of recyclate.

In-depth studies on strategic topics related to recycling of packaging 

Each country has specific requirements in terms of circular economy: the recycling system varies significantly from one country to another. It’s therefore important to understand what’s happening at a local level. What is collected there? Is there a deposit-return system? What materials are sorted and really recycled? We have conducted a series of reports explaining how packaging are recycled across the world:

• Country Reports
• The 2nd life of metal packaging
• And many more: Flexible plastics (PE & PP); Glass recycling; The recyclability of coffee capsules

Online training to discover the world of recycling and circular packaging 

Would you like to know more about the sorting and recycling of materials, about emerging technologies and how they’ll influence your choices when it comes to recyclable packaging design? Come and take part in one of our masterclasses on household packaging recycling, hosted by our experts.

These masterclasses are open to any company or actor concerned by the topic of packaging recycling. During five sessions, you’ll learn what happens to packaging waste and how it’s sorted and recycled. We’ll reveal the techniques and machinery used in the disposal and sorting process, and the guidelines to follow when eco-designing recyclable packaging.

ReCoRe offers unmatched global coverage, delivering detailed recycling and compliance information for over 70 countries. Backed by CIRCPACK’s exclusive access to Veolia’s extensive international recycling infrastructure, ReCoRe integrates real-world operational data into its platform, making it the most reliable tool in the market. Its maturity rankings combine recycling rates with local sorting and collection capabilities, helping you assess the recyclability of your packaging across different regions.

The ReCoRe-platform contains:
 

• Validated Recycling Data
• EPR systems, EPR-fees and EPR-calculation 
• Recyclability Maturity Ranking per country & packaging format
• Dynamic Maps and Reports    
• Comparison Tools
• Always up-to-date!

With our notification Centre you will stay ahead of the game with updates on new packaging regulations, legislation changes, and EPR fees every two weeks.
 

Explore the ReCoRe platform.