Loading page content…
The CIRCPACK methodology for glass, metal, paper and cardboard packaging according to EN 13430.
CERTIFY is the CIRCPACK-operated recyclability scheme for the materials that RecyClass does not cover: glass, aluminium, steel, paper and cardboard. The methodology is built on the same four-pillar backbone of Collection, Sorting, Reprocessing and Application, and is aligned with EN 13430:2004.
CIRCPACK operates CERTIFY end to end: we wrote the methodology, we audit against it, and we issue the certificate. That keeps the audit trail short and defensible for retailer and regulator review.
We perform the operational sorting and laboratory tests, when required, either ourselves or with qualified third parties, and issue the certificate. The methodology version, audit scope and geographical area are stated on the certificate, which is valid for three years.
The three CERTIFY certificates available (the same three as RecyClass and RECY:CHECK):
Letter of Compatibility: For semi-finished packaging whose design may still evolve, i.e. components without final artwork or decoration. It confirms compatibility of the component with the defined recycling stream against the CERTIFY design-for-recycling guidelines for that material. Intended for business-to-business communication.
Design for Recycling Certificate: For finished packaging as placed on the market. It assigns a qualitative recyclability class from A to C, or non-recyclable, plus the assessment of the recyclable content.
Recyclability Certificate: For finished packaging assessed for a specific country. It provides an effective recyclability rate, expressed as a percentage, reflecting the share of material that can be collected, sorted and recycled in that market. It also gives a qualitative class from A to C, or non-recyclable.
Which certificate is appropriate depends on the maturity of the packaging design, the geography in scope, and the type of claim you intend to make. We can advise on the right pathway before the audit.
Four pillars assessed in sequence.
We map how your packaging is collected across target EU markets (kerbside, bring-bank, deposit return) and quantify the share of material that actually enters the recycling stream.
CIRCPACK auditors observe the packaging on real sorting lines (glass plants, fibre MRFs, metal beneficiation). We record the ejection behaviour and contamination signature.
We test downstream reprocessing (cullet melt for glass, pulping for fibre, secondary smelting for metals) and check the recovered material meets the relevant input spec.
Closed-loop application check (does the recovered material go back into packaging or a defined end use?), then issue one of three CERTIFY outputs: Design-for-Recycling, Letter of Compatibility, or full Recyclability Assessment.
Brand owners and packaging producers whose portfolio leans on glass, metal or fibre — formats outside the RecyClass plastics scope.
Glass bottles, aluminium and steel cans, paperboard cartons all benefit from a single methodology-aligned certificate.
Corrugated secondary packaging, fibre-based primaries and paper wraps assessed against CEPI pulping protocols.
Audit a full own-label range across multiple materials under one scheme, with one report format.
Send us your packaging spec and we'll come back within three business days with a scoped quote, methodology and timeline.
RecyClass covers plastics. CERTIFY covers the other major streams: glass, aluminium, steel, paper, cardboard. Brand owners with mixed-material portfolios use both, side by side.
Yes. CERTIFY is aligned with EN 13430:2004 (Packaging — Requirements for packaging recoverable by material recycling). The alignment statement is part of every certificate.
The four-pillar process runs in parallel where possible; the long pole is usually access to a sorting facility for the operational audit. We agree the timeline with your quote.