EUCERTPLAST AUDIT SCHEME VERSION 4.

EuCertPlast Audit Scheme

Version 4.2

Published on 22 December 2021

[email protected]

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 EUCERTPLAST AUDIT SCHEME VERSION 4.2

Contents
I. Focus and Scope of Certification .................................................................................................... 3
II. Use of Definitions ........................................................................................................................... 3
III. References ...................................................................................................................................... 3
IV. Types of Certification ..................................................................................................................... 3
V. Eligibility to apply for Certification ................................................................................................. 5
VI. Object of Conformity ...................................................................................................................... 5
VII. Operating Performance Requirements .......................................................................................... 5
VIII. Traceability ..................................................................................................................................... 5
IX. Origin, Source, Sector and Type of waste ...................................................................................... 7
X. Calculation of Recycled Content .................................................................................................... 8
XI. Non-conformities ........................................................................................................................... 9
XII. EuCertPlast Scheme Details ....................................................................................................... 10
Section 1: Licenses, Permits and Certificates ....................................................................................... 10
Section 2: Management Team ............................................................................................................. 12
Section 3: Incoming Material Procedures and Controls ....................................................................... 14
Section 4: Stock Management.............................................................................................................. 16
Section 5: Recycling Process ................................................................................................................. 17
Section 6: Controls on Recycled Outputs ............................................................................................. 22
Section 7: Environmental Protection ................................................................................................... 23
Section 8: Subcontracting..................................................................................................................... 26
Section 9: Quality Management ........................................................................................................... 28
Section 10: Annexes to the Audit Report ............................................................................................. 30
XIII. Annex 1: Definitions ..................................................................................................................... 32
XIV. Annex 2: Circular Plastics Alliance ................................................................................................ 36
XV. Annex 3: Example Letter for Change of Ownership ..................................................................... 38
XVI. Annex 4: Table of Changes ........................................................................................................... 40

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 EUCERTPLAST AUDIT SCHEME VERSION 4.2

I. Focus and Scope of Certification

The aim of EuCertPlast is to recognise plastic recycling processes of pre-consumer and post-
consumer waste operating according to high standards. Certification gives confidence to suppliers
and customers that any input plastic waste delivered, and output produced in a certified recycling
facility will be recycled as per best practice.

Certification works according to the European Standard EN 15343:2007 and aims at encouraging
environmentally friendly plastics recycling processes by standardizing them.

Certification focuses on material traceability throughout Recycling Process, assessment of

conformity, management systems, environmental and administrative operating standards and
associated legal compliance as well as recycled content calculation in the end product.

Certification shall be issued for each Recycling Process operating at a site.

II. Use of Definitions

Defined terms are marked in italics and start with a capital letter. Terms and definitions relating
to this document can be found in Annex 1.

III. References

EN 15342 Plastics—Recycled Plastics—Characterization of polystyrene (PS) recyclates

EN 15343 Plastics—Recycled Plastics—Recycling traceability and assessment of conformity

EN 15344 Plastics—Recycled Plastics—Characterisation of Polyethylene (PE) recyclates

EN 15345 Plastics—Recycled Plastics—Characterisation of Polypropylene (PP) recyclates

EN 15346 Plastics—Recycled plastics—Characterisation of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) recyclates

EN 15347 Plastics—Recycled Plastics—Characterisation of waste plastics

EN 15348 Plastics—Recycled Plastics—Characterization of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET)

recyclates

IV. Types of Certification

There are 5 types of audits, all of which will be scheduled and pre-arranged with Recycler:

• Initial Certification; estimated on-site time 1 day

• Monitoring Certification; estimated on-site time 0.5 day
• Provisional Certification; estimated on-site time 1 day

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 EUCERTPLAST AUDIT SCHEME VERSION 4.2

• Multi-site Certification; estimated on-site time from 1 to 2 days

• Change of Recycling Process Certification; estimated on-site time 0.5 day

The type of the audit shall be specified in the Audit Report, Summary Sheet and Certificate.
Certification has a validity of 1 year and after that must be renovated.

IV.1 Initial Certification

Initial Certification shall be carried out for Recycling Process which is carried out in one facility
and can present production records from the previous 12 months of recycling operation.

IV.2 Monitoring Certification

Monitoring Certification shall be carried out for Recycling Process renewing their EuCertPlast
Certification for one facility. They can present production records from the previous 12 months
of recycling operation.

IV.3 Provisional Certification

Provisional Certification shall be issued when a Recycling Process has been in operation for
less than 12 months or there are less than 12 months of production or mass balance records.
This certificate will be valid for 1 year. A minimum of 3 months of data are required in order
to issue a Provisional Certification. When licences are in the process of being applied for,
then these must be sent to the auditor when available. If a license application is unsuccessful
the auditor must be informed.

IV.4 Multisite Certification

Multisite Certification shall be issued when a Recycling Process takes place in two or more
separate locations under the same ownership. Recycler must designate one location as main
address for administrative purposes of Certification. All locations must be visited and listed in
the Audit Report and Summary Sheet during the audit and traceability among all locations shall
be verified. This Certification is valid for 1 year.

IV.5 Change of Recycling Process audit

Recycler will need to request a ‘Change of Recycling Process’ audit when, during the period
of Certification, significant changes are made to the Recycling Process. Changes considered
as significant are:

• When Equipment Capacity is changed by more than 50%;

• When there is a change of location of the Recycling Process applying for Certification;
• When Input Plastic Waste is changed (either a change in polymer or form, i.e. rigid or
flexible);
• When Recycled Output is changed

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 EUCERTPLAST AUDIT SCHEME VERSION 4.2

V. Eligibility to apply for Certification

Certification may only be granted to Recyclers with plastics Recycling Processes in place capable
of recycling pre-consumer and post-consumer plastic waste.

VI. Object of Conformity

Certification enables Recyclers with plastic Recycling Processes to demonstrate compliance with
Certification under the EuCertPlast Audit Scheme in line with requirements of EN 15343:2007.

The conformity assessment focuses on the required procedures to ensure traceability of plastic
waste within a Recycling Process and provides a declaration of the percentage of recycled content
(pre-consumer and post-consumer) in Recycled Outputs.

VII. Operating Performance Requirements

The auditing criteria is standardised in two categories which define the level of importance and
accuracy that Recycler must achieve in the Certification process.

Category Type Description

Compulsory. Recycler must achieve the required standard for type 1

1 categories in order to achieve Certification. Minor discrepancies are
allowed in defined circumstances.

Preferred. A Recycler must achieve a 50% compliance with category 2

2
items.

VIII. Traceability

There are 3 levels of traceability that can be awarded to Recycler. The auditor must decide which
level is applicable and show the result on the Final Report. Traceability Level 1 and 2 are applicable
to plants accepting baled and bulky material. Traceability Level 3 is only applicable to plants
accepting bulky waste. Guidance is detailed below.

Level 1: Full traceability

• Control of input material: Input controls as per EN 15347:2007 for each incoming Batch
of Input Plastic Waste. Each Batch of Input Plastic Waste is identifiable in the stock area.

• Control of the recyclates production process: Recycling Process is fed with individual
Batches of Input Plastic Waste or mixtures of Batches of Input Plastic Wastes of known

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 EUCERTPLAST AUDIT SCHEME VERSION 4.2

composition. Process variables are recorded. Outputs are prepared in Batches and details
of the date and time of production recorded. Quality controls are carried out on Recycled
Outputs. There is full traceability from the input Batches to the output Batches.

• Controls on output material: Recycler can provide the characteristics of each Batch of
Recycled Output produced (in line with relevant EN recyclates characterisation standard
or/and customers’ requirements) to the end user.

• Recycled content: It can be calculated using the formula in section 6 of EN 15343:2007

(so there must be a known blend of recycled and virgin / other material).

• Record keeping: Records are kept of all of the above data.

The auditor must duly justify in the Audit Report why Recycler complies with traceability Level
1 according to the above variables.

Level 2: General traceability

• Control of input material: Input Plastic Waste is stored by Recycler in two or more Storage
Bays. The Batches of Input Plastic Waste which make up the contents of a Storage Bay are
known and fully documented. Each individual Batch of Incoming Waste Plastic does not
need to be separately identifiable within a Storage Bay.

• Control of recyclates production process: Recycling Process is fed with the contents of a
Storage Bay (one Storage Bay at a time ensuring that it is completely emptied before
introducing Input Plastic Waste into Recycling Process from a different Storage Bay).
Recycled Outputs can be traced to Input Plastic Waste from a specific Storage Bay and
therefore to known Batches of Input Plastic Waste. This is fully documented. Recycled
Outputs are prepared in Batches and details of the date and time of production recorded.
Quality controls are carried out on Recycling Outputs.

• Recycled content: This can be calculated using the formula in section 6 of EN 15343:2007
(so there must be a known blend of recycled and virgin / other material).

• Record keeping: Records are kept of all of the above data.

The auditor must duly justify in the Audit Report why Recycler complies with traceability Level 2
according to the above variables.

Level 3: Enlarged general traceability

This level is applicable only to plants accepting bulky waste.

• Control of input material: Input Plastic Waste is stored by Recycler in one or more Storage
Bays. Batches of Input Plastic Waste are documented in a monthly average. Each individual

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Batch of Incoming Waste Plastic does not need to be separately identifiable within a
Storage Bay.

• Control of recyclates production process: Recycled Outputs can be traced and

documented on a monthly average to Input Plastic Waste. Recycled Outputs are prepared
in Batches and details of the date and time of production recorded. Quality controls are
carried out on Recycling Outputs.

• Recycled content: This can be calculated using the formula in section 6 of EN 15343:2007
(so there must be a known blend of recycled and virgin / other material).

• Record keeping: Records are kept of all of the above data.

The auditor must duly justify in the Audit Report why Recycler complies with traceability Level 3
according to the above variables.

Please note that category type: ‘1’ and ‘2’ refer to the required level of performance and not levels
of traceability. See section VII of the EuCertPlast Audit Scheme: Operating performance required
for Certification.

IX. Origin, Source, Sector and Type of waste

The Certification verifies the origin and source of waste and type of product application of the
waste. Inspection of the Input Plastic Waste takes place during the on-site audit to ensure that
these information matches the documentation.

Categories of plastic waste include:

Origin of waste:
• Pre-consumer
• Post-consumer

Source of waste:
• Household
• Commercial
• Industrial

Sector of the waste:

• Packaging
• Agricultural
• Building & Construction
• Automotive
• WEEE

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• Etc.

Type of waste:
• PET trays
• PET bottles
• Windows
• Fridges
• Etc.

The issued Certificate will state the origin of the waste. Additionally, the source of waste will be
mentioned in the Summary Sheet and Audit Report. Sector and type of application may also be
mentioned.

X. Calculation of Recycled Content

The calculation of recycled content supports transparent communication of the use of recycled
plastics along the value chain. Certification ensures that the ratio between inputs and outputs is
always known for a determined volume throughout the Recycling Process. Therefore, the
percentage of recycled plastics present in the Recycled Output can be known. The auditor will
document a reconciliation of volumes for the period of evaluation and perform a plausibility check
to verify that the quantities of Plastic Input Waste used are plausible with the quantity of Recycled
Output produced and their share of recycled content, taking into consideration other inputs and
losses.

The Certification includes a calculation of recycled content overall all Recycling Process and in
certain cases, a calculation of recycled content per Recycled Output.

• Recycling Process recycled content: An average calculation of recycled content for

Recycling Process is reported in the Summary Sheet and Audit Report. This information
cannot be used as a claim of recycled content in final products.

• Recycled Output recycled content: A calculation of recycled content per Recycled Output
is done stating the share of pre-consumer and post-consumer. This information is reported
in the Certificate and Audit Report. This requirement is not mandatory for Traceability level
3.

The calculation of the recycled content per Recycled Output is requested to verify the origin of the
waste in subsequent certifications of uptake of recycled plastics such as Blue Angel label or
RecyClass.

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The share of recycled plastics is determined following the assessment and documentation review
during the audit. The calculation for pre-consumer and post-consumer recycled content share of
a Recycled Output will be calculated according to the formula below in line with EN 15343:2007:

𝐴
𝑥 = × 100
𝑃

X is the Recycled Content, expressed as a percentage;

A is the mass of Plastic Input Waste;
P is the total mass of Recycled Output.

In the formula, X represents the share of pre-consumer or post-consumer material which should
be reported separately.

The verification of the Recycled Content share is done based on the production records of the
period of evaluation (1 year prior to the date of the Certification). Any other ingredients in Recycled
Output such as virgin plastics, fillers, additives or masterbatches should count towards the
denominator. Non-plastic materials should not be considered in the calculation (e.g. inks,
adhesives, coatings, barriers, metals, paper, etc.).

XI. Non-conformities

Non-conformities are issued when there is a failure to comply with an audit scheme requirement.
Non-conformities are described in two different categories:

• Major non-conformities affect the overall capability of the applicant to comply with the
audit scheme requirements. There is a significant doubt that an effective process control or
mandatory permits are in place or traceability during the recycling process cannot be
established. Several minor non-conformities associated with the same requirement
constitutes a major non-conformity. Non-compliance with more than 50% of category 2
requirements constitute a major non-conformity.

o Major non-conformities of category 1 requirements result in a suspension of the

audit procedure. Recycler will be notified with the corrective actions to be implemented
within a period of 3 months to resume the audit evaluation on-site or where possible
via documentation exchange or other means such as video connection. This is aimed
at verifying the correct implementation of the corrective actions. If corrective actions
are not implemented satisfactorily, the auditor may close the audit procedure.

o Major non-conformities of category 2 requirements are noted as observations.

When non-conformities represent more than 50% compliance with category 2
requirements, non-conformities should be resolved within a certain period of time up
to 6 months to be determined by the auditors. Evaluation of the implementation of

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corrective actions is possible via documentation exchange or other means such as a

video connection. Auditors must decide if the corrective actions were correctly
implemented to close the audit procedure.

• Minor non-conformities do not affect the overall capability of Recycler to comply with the
audit scheme requirements.

o Minor non-conformities of category 1 requirements are noted for rectification

within a defined period of time up to 3 months to be determined by the auditor.

o Minor non-conformities of category 2 requirements are noted as observations.

XII. EuCertPlast Scheme Details

Section 1: Licenses, Permits and Certificates

1.1 Business and operating licenses
Verify that the following documents are in place and valid:

i) Company registration document; and

ii) Waste management permit; or
iii) Permit derogation according to Article 20 of the Waste Framework Directive; or

iv) Operating license or environmental license with specific provisions on treatment of

waste; and
v) Any operating licenses required for the country where Recycler is located.

Assessment level Minor Non-conformity Evidence required

1 n y

1.2 Environmental licenses and permits

Verify that any environmental licenses required for the Recycling Process in the country of
operation are in place and valid, i.e. in date, for:

i) Solid waste generation and / or disposal;

ii) Wastewater treatment and/or disposal; and
iii) Emissions to the air.

Assessment level Minor Non-conformity Evidence required

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1 n y

1.3 Waste transport licenses

Where Recycler uses their own vehicles to transport waste materials verify that they have the
licenses required to do so in any countries where they operate vehicles.

Assessment level Minor Non-conformity Evidence required

1 n y

1.4 License and permit conditions – Waste plastics processed

Check that the throughput of Input Plastic Waste and other waste plastics (if relevant)
processed by Recycler at their site does not exceed the limits set out in their operating license.
This should be based on the total waste plastics processed over the past 12 months.

Assessment level Minor Non-conformity Evidence required

1 y y

1.5 License and permit conditions – waste plastics stored

Check that the Input Plastic Waste and other waste plastics (if relevant) stored by Recycler at
their site does not exceed the limits set out in their operating license. This should be based
on the average of the stock level at the time of audit, one month prior to the audit and two
months prior to the audit.

Assessment level Minor Non-conformity Evidence required

1 y y

1.6 ISO 14001

Verify if there is an ISO 14001 certificate issued by an authorised Certification Body.

Assessment level Minor Non-conformity Evidence required

2 n y

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1.7 Quality Management System

Verify if there are ISO 9001, ISO 18001 or EMAS certificates issued by an authorised
Certification Body.

Assessment level Minor Non-conformity Evidence required

2 n y

1.8 Insurance (1)

Recycler has valid, i.e. in date, insurance in place for:

i) Buildings, equipment and stock

ii) Public liability

Assessment level Minor Non-conformity Evidence required

1 n y

1.8 Insurance (2)

Recycler has valid, i.e. in date, insurance in place for:

i) Employers’ liability

Assessment level Minor Non-conformity Evidence required

2 n y

Section 2: Management Team

2.1 Company directors
Confirm the legal directors of Recycler. Take a copy of the legal document showing these
details.

Assessment level Minor Non-conformity Evidence required

1 n y

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2.2 Staff structure and responsibilities

Recycler shall have available at least:

i) An organogram showing the reporting structure for staff;

ii) Titles and job descriptions for key staff (supervisor level and above).

Assessment level Minor Non-conformity Evidence required

1 n n

2.3 Staff qualifications (technical)

Shop floor supervisors and managers hold externally recognised technical qualifications
related to the Recycling Process. Examples of relevant qualifications would include those
related to:

i) The management of production processes (general);

ii) The management of waste facilities;

iii) Polymer science & plastics processing.

Assessment level Minor Non-conformity Evidence required

2 n n

2.4 Staff training (technical)

Documented evidence that staff operating equipment have been suitably trained in its
operation. This can include internal training programmes where suitably structured and
documented.

Assessment level Minor Non-conformity Evidence required

2 n n

2.5 Staff qualifications (quality management)

Shop floor supervisors and managers hold externally recognised qualifications related to
quality management in production processes.

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Assessment level Minor Non-conformity Evidence required

2 n n

2.6 Staff training (quality management)

Documented evidence that staff supervising the Recycling Process have been trained in the
management of Recycled Output quality. This can include internal training programmes where
suitably structured and documented.

Assessment level Minor Non-conformity Evidence required

2 n n)

Section 3: Incoming Material Procedures and Controls

3.1 Purchase specifications
Batches of Input Plastic Waste are purchased and booked in against a specification. Where
Recycler uses their own grading system a clear specification should be available for each grade
of Input Plastic Waste accepted including as a minimum the polymer, colour, type of material
and level of out throws.

Assessment level Minor Non-conformity Evidence required

1 y y

3.2 Waste category identifiable

It is possible to identify the Waste category of the Input Plastic Waste. This is linked to a six-digit
code as listed in the annex “List of waste referred to in Article 7 of Directive 2008/98/EC1”.

The origin of waste (pre-consumer or post-consumer), source of waste (household, commercial,

industrial) and the country of origin is identifiable for each Batch of Input Plastic Waste. This
information is documented.

Additionally, optionally it is possible to identify the sector of the waste (Packaging, B&C, WEEE,
ELV, Agriculture) and the type of application of Plastic Input Waste (e.g., PET trays, bottles,
windows, etc.). This information is documented.

1
OJ L 226, 6.9.2000, p. 3

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This information is detailed in the Audit Report.

Assessment level Minor Non-conformity Evidence required

1 y y

3.3 Weights and dates of delivery recorded

All incoming Batches of Input Plastic Waste are weighed on a weighbridge (public or at
Recycler) and a minimum of the net weight of Input Plastic Waste and date of delivery are
recorded. Weighbridge tickets should be printed and not manually adjusted, either on the
computer prior to printing or by hand.

Assessment level Minor Non-conformity Evidence required

1 n y

3.4 Supplier details recorded

Each Batch of Input Plastic Waste delivered can be linked to a supplier. Details of the suppliers
are kept on file showing as a minimum the company name and address.

Assessment level Minor Non-conformity Evidence required

1 n y

3.5 Haulier details recorded

Each Batch of Input Plastic Waste delivered can be linked to a haulier. Details of the haulier
are kept on file showing, as a minimum the company name and address.

Assessment level Minor Non-conformity Evidence required

2 n n

3.6 Weighbridge calibrated

Where there is a weighbridge on site which is being used for the purchase of Input Plastic
Waste or sale of Recycled Output then there is a valid certificate showing that it has been
inspected and calibrated to a standard where it can be used for the sale or purchase of goods.

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The certificate should be issued by a suitably qualified and authorised company or

organisation.

Assessment level Minor Non-conformity Evidence required

1 n y

Section 4: Stock Management

4.1 Stockyard details
Stockyard details shall be specified including at least:

i) Approximate size of covered storage area (m2)

ii) Approximate size of uncovered storage area (m2)

4.2 Incoming stock identifiable by supplier

All incoming Input Plastic Waste is stored such that the supplier of each Batch can be
identified. This might be done, for example, by the tagging of bales or having allocated
storage areas for suppliers.

Exemption for bulky waste according to Level 3 traceability must be defined.

Assessment level Minor Non-conformity Evidence required

1 n y

4.3 Storage conditions

Incoming (Input Plastic Waste) and outgoing (Recycled Output) stock are stored so that their
quality does not deteriorate. Material should be stored on impermeable surfaces such as
asphalt or concrete or on pallets (or similar) where the surface is untreated or permeable (e.g.
loose aggregate).

Assessment level Minor Non-conformity Evidence required

1 n n

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4.4 Stock management system

A system is in place that records all movements into and out of stock and the tonnage of
stock present on site at any time. This should be for both incoming (Input Plastic Waste) and
outgoing (Recycled Output) stock.

Assessment level Minor Non-conformity Evidence required

1 n n

4.5 Stock checks

Physical inspection of stock should be carried out on a regular basis (at least once per month)
to verify that the level of stock shown in the stock management system is correct. These
inspections should be documented.

The frequency of these inspections is subject to the system used by Recycler. If an electronic
system is in place, physical inspections may vary from every month to once a year.

Assessment level Minor Non-conformity Evidence required

1 n y

Section 5: Recycling Process

5.1 Recycling Statistics
Calculated for the 12 months prior to the audit.

5.1.1 Site Capacity

5.1.2 Equipment Capacity

5.1.3 Nominal Capacity

5.1.4 Incoming Input Plastic Waste (pre-consumer and post-consumer)

5.1.5 Subcontracted Recycling

5.1.6 Energy consumption in KWh per t of Recycled Output produced

KWh Consumption - Guidance table for auditors (these numbers are indicative)

LDPE HDPE PET PVC

KWh/t To be accessed 500-570 220-360 To be accessed

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5.1.7 Fresh water consumption in litres per t of Recycled Output produced.

Fresh water Consumption - Guidance table for auditors (these numbers are
indicative).

LDPE HDPE PET PVC

m3/t To be accessed 1.5-2.5 2-3 Not applicable

5.2 Input Volume Reconciliation

The auditor shall calculate the volume reconciliation to identify if there is Input Plastic Waste
being delivered to the site which is unaccounted for. No significant excess of Input Volume
over Equipment Capacity combined with Subcontracted Recycling should be identified.

∑ 𝐸𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑝𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝐶𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦 + ∑ 𝑆𝑢𝑏𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑅𝑒𝑐𝑦𝑐𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑔 ≥ ∑ 𝐼𝑛𝑝𝑢𝑡 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒

Where records show that Input Plastic Waste is being sold (traded) to other recyclers then
this should be detailed in the report (including the tonnage of Input Plastic Waste sold to
other recyclers / traders in the last 12 months). The report should also show if any material is
being toll recycled by non-certified recyclers.

Assessment level Minor Non-conformity Evidence required

1 n y

5.3 Process inputs and outputs recorded

Records are kept of all materials that are inputted into and produced by the Recycling Process.
These include:

i) Input Plastic Waste

ii) Recycled Outputs
iii) Additives & master batches
iv) Solid wastes
v) By-Products

Recyclers would fail the audit if records were not kept of Input Plastic Waste inputs and
Recycling Outputs and the absence of records for the other categories would count as a Minor
Discrepancy.

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Assessment level Minor Non-conformity Evidence required

1 y y

5.4 Recycling Process volume reconciliation calculation

The volume reconciliation calculation is an overview of all the material flows of Recycling
Process for a period of 1 year (the period of evaluation). This central part of the report should
be reasonably accurate, and all minor non-conformites of the process shall be explained.

When a volume reconciliation is produced only using Input Plastic Waste and Recycled Output,
a period of 3 months is granted to Recycler to alter their systems and add other categories to
the calculation that might be missing.

If a Recycler has been producing Recycled Output for less than one year or records have been
kept for less than one year, a Provisional Certification should be issued.

Assessment level Minor Non-conformity Evidence required

1 y (see note above) y

5.5 Beneficial Output & Yield

A high-level indication of the amount of Recycled Output (by percent) that is produced from
a given tonnage of Input Plastic Waste. Where a by-product is produced from the Recycling
Process that can be used as a direct replacement for virgin polymer or other raw material to
manufacture products (excluding products for energy generation) then this should be
included in the Beneficial Output calculation. Any material used for energy generation shall
be excluded. Proof of the material being sent to a licensed recycling facility may be used to
verify which material shall be included in the calculation.

Likewise, where a relatively contaminant free metal by-product is produced by the Recycling
Process (including baling wire) and there is evidence that it is being sent for recycling at a
licensed facility then this can also be included. Regarding the Yield, Recycled Output refers to
the targeted plastic by Recycler (e.g. PET output for a PET Recycler).

Assessment level Minor Non-conformity Evidence required

1 n y

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5.6 Documented control of Recycling Process

As a minimum production records should be kept showing the times that the Recycling
Process was operational on a given day and the volume of Input Plastic Waste used and
Recycling Output produced. Records should be available for a minimum period of 12 months
(i.e. during the evaluation period). Where this is not the case a Provisional Certificate should
be issued.

Assessment level Minor Non-conformity Evidence required

1 n n

5.7 Use of production statistics

The information recorded during the operation of the Recycling Process is used to generate,
at least monthly, information that can be used by the management team to optimise the
performance of the Recycling Process and / or the business more generally. Information is
likely to be collated and shown over a period of time to show changes in, for example,
production levels, downtime, Beneficial Output, contamination levels, etc.

Assessment level Minor Non-conformity Evidence required

1 n y

5.8 Tracing Input Plastic Waste & input Batches to suppliers

Batches of Input Plastic Waste into the Recycling Process can be traced back to individual or
known groupings of suppliers.

Assessment level Minor Non-conformity Evidence required

1 y y

5.9 Tracing Recycled Output to suppliers

Recycled Output Lots can be traced back to input Batches and therefore suppliers.

Assessment level Minor Non-conformity Evidence required

1 y y

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 EUCERTPLAST AUDIT SCHEME VERSION 4.2

5.10 Recycling Process as per EN15343

Recycler is operating broadly in line with EN 15343, in particular with respect to the
methodology and procedures outlined in section 4, the quality assurance in section 5 and
where recycled content is specified, the guidance given in section 6.

Assessment level Minor Non-conformity Evidence required

1 y y

5.11 Known recycled content

The share of known recycled content will be calculated and reported in the Audit Report,
Summary Sheet and Certificate. Known recycled content will be calculated according to the
following formula in line with Section 6 of EN 15343:2007:

𝐼𝑛𝑝𝑢𝑡 𝑃𝑙𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑐 𝑊𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑒

𝑅𝑒𝑐𝑦𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑑 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑖𝑛 𝑅𝑒𝑐𝑦𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑑 𝑂𝑢𝑡𝑝𝑢𝑡 (%) =
𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑊𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡

Known recycled content will be calculated as follows:

• Known recycled content per Recycling Process:

Calculation of the share of pre-consumer and post-consumer known recycled content as an

average for the 12 months under review. This information is reported on the EuCertPlast
Certificate and Audit Report. This share is an indication and cannot be used at product level
claims to report recycled content claims in Recycled Output(s).

• Known recycled content per Recycled Output(s):

Calculation of the share of pre-consumer and post-consumer known recycled content per
Recycled Output(s). The calculation reflects the origin of material (pre-consumer or post-
consumer) and source of material (commercial, household, industrial). Type of waste (PET
trays bottles or other) can also be documented when required by the applicant. Sector of
the waste (Packaging, B&C, WEEE, ELV, Agriculture) is documented when Annex 2 is filled
in. Calculation must reflect exact percentages (minimum percentage of recycled content)
per Recycled Output that must be identified with a product name or code.

In Traceability Level 3, this is not required.

Assessment level Minor Non-conformity Evidence required

1 y y

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 EUCERTPLAST AUDIT SCHEME VERSION 4.2

Section 6: Controls on Recycled Outputs

6.1 Sales records

Sales records are kept showing a minimum of:

i) Who the Recycled Output is sold to (name and address of the converters, recyclers,
dealers and others), address of the customer;
ii) Weights of Recycled Output sold (with copies of weighbridge tickets);
iii) The type of Recycled Output sold (against a specification).

Assessment level Minor Non-conformity Evidence required

1 n y

6.2 Evidence of sales

Typically, this will be invoices showing the Recycled Output, weight and customer. Other
documentation showing the same information can be accepted if there is clear evidence of
the supply of Recycled Output.

The information should stay at Recycler and the auditor should not make copies of the
documents.

Assessment level Minor Non-conformity Evidence required

1 n y

6.3 Evidence of by-product treatment or use

Documentary evidence that any by-products produced by the Recycling Process have been
sent to a suitably licensed site, Broker or Dealer for treatment or use should be available.
Acceptable evidence would include:

i) invoices to or from a licensed site, Broker or Dealer showing the type and weight of
the by-product received
ii) delivery notes from a licensed site, Broker or Dealer showing the type and weight of
the by-product received

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 EUCERTPLAST AUDIT SCHEME VERSION 4.2

iii) A document signed by a licensed site, Broker or Dealer showing the type and weight
of the by-products received

Assessment level Minor Non-conformity Evidence required

1 n y

Section 7: Environmental Protection

7.1 Disposal of solid wastes

Disposal of waste follows the EU waste hierarchy (reuse, recycling, incineration, landfill).

Waste undergoes safe disposal operations which meet the provisions of Article 13 of Directive
2008/98/EC2.

Documentary evidence showing that the solid wastes produced by the Recycling Process have
been sent to a suitably licensed disposal site, Broker or Dealer. Acceptable evidence would
include:

i) invoices from a licensed disposal site, Broker or Dealer showing the details and weight
of the solid wastes received
ii) delivery notes from a licensed disposal site, Broker or Dealer showing the details and
weight of the solid wastes received

iii) A document signed by a licensed disposal site, Broker or Dealer showing the details and
weight of the solid wastes received

Assessment level Minor Non-conformity Evidence required

1 n y

7.2 Conditions of disposal of solid wastes

Solid wastes are stored on paved floors equipped with rainwater collection systems in closed
or fenced areas to avoid wind dispersion.

2
OJ L 312 22.11.2008, p. 3 (Art 13) “Member States shall take the necessary measures to ensure that waste management is carried out without
endangering human health, without harming the environment and, in particular: (a) without risk to water, air, soil, plants or animals; (b) without
causing a nuisance through noise or odours; and (c) without adversely affecting the countryside or places of special interest.”

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 EUCERTPLAST AUDIT SCHEME VERSION 4.2

Solid wastes are stored and transported in a way that reduces space and volume of
transportation.

Assessment level Minor Non-conformity Evidence required

1 y n

7.3 Licensed treatment of wastewater (off site)

Permits for onsite water treatment are covered in Section 1. This section is relevant only when
wastewater from Recycling Process is being sent off site for treatment. No direct disposal of
water should be considered.

When the wastewater is being sent off site for treatment, the auditor should check that it is
being captured and stored in a way so as not to cause potential damage to the environment,
for example through leakage. Wastewater must also be sent to a suitably licensed treatment
site, Broker or Dealer.

Acceptable evidence would include:

i) invoices from a licensed treatment site, Broker or Dealer showing the details and volume
of the wastewater received or;

ii) delivery notes from a licensed treatment site, Broker or Dealer showing the details and
volume of the wastewater received or;

iii) A document signed by a licensed treatment site, Broker or Dealer showing the details
and volume of the wastewater received.

Assessment level Minor Discrepancy Evidence required

1 n y

7.4 Capture and treatment of runoff

The site has a system in place to capture, treat (where applicable) and divert rainwater runoff
from the site (including the yard) into an appropriate drainage system.

The installed runoff collection system should be paved, and any storage of runoff waters
should prevent leakages.

Assessment level Minor Non-conformity Evidence required

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 EUCERTPLAST AUDIT SCHEME VERSION 4.2

2 n n

7.5 Pellet and waste loss procedure (1)

Recycler should have a procedure in place to prevent the leakage of Input Plastic Waste and
Recycled Output into the environment within its premises and surroundings.

Designated staff is responsible for the management and application of an established

procedure.

Assessment level Minor Non-conformity Evidence required

1 y n

7.6 Pellet & waste loss procedure (2)

Appropriate training, guidelines and resources for the implementation and compliance of the
procedure should be provided by the Recycler.

Recycler should identify areas or processes where there is a high risk of pellet loss. Procedures
should include:

i) Precautionary measures concerning deballing in the incoming material area;

ii) Precautionary measures concerning pellets/flakes production;
iii) Precautionary measures in the storage area; particularly the handling of big bags;
iv) Measures to recover waste, pellets or flakes which have been accidentally spilled;
v) Measures to regularly review and clean drainage systems and recycler surroundings.

Additionally, Recycler must display posters with information regarding how to maintain the a
clean environment. Recycler should offer ready-to-use equipment to handle any losses of
waste or pellets/flakes.

Assessment level Minor Non-conformity Evidence required

2 y n

7.7 No contamination of local environment

There should be no activity on site that is causing obvious contamination to the local
environment.

Such activities would include, for example:

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 EUCERTPLAST AUDIT SCHEME VERSION 4.2

i) The water treatment process being non-operational

ii) Direct discharge, without treatment, of wastewater from Recycling Process
iii) Uncontrolled and unregulated burning of solid wastes for disposal
iv) Waste stored in a way that would cause pollution of the local environment

Assessment level Minor Non-conformity Evidence required

1 n y

Section 8: Subcontracting

9.1 Control of Subcontracted Recycling

Clear records shall be kept showing when Input Plastic Waste has been sent for Subcontracted
Recycling. Recycler must record at least:

i) The date Input Plastic Waste was sent for Subcontracted Recycling;
ii) The company name and address of the party carrying out Subcontracted Recycling;
iii) The grade of Input Plastic Waste and tonnage sent for Subcontracted Recycling.

Assessment level Minor Non-conformity Evidence required

1 n y

9.2 Evidence subcontractors hold Certification

The auditor must confirm that all Subcontracted Recycling is done by companies holding an
EuCerPlast Certification. Copies of the subcontractor’s certificates should be viewed as
evidence (preferable) or a list of subcontractors taken to confirm against the EuCertPlast
register after the audit that they are Certified.

Assessment level Minor Non-conformity Evidence required

1 n y

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 EUCERTPLAST AUDIT SCHEME VERSION 4.2

9.3 Suppliers informed of Subcontracted Recycling

Recycler is tracking and recording which Batches (or parts of Batches) of Input Plastic Waste
supplied to them are subsequently sent for Subcontracted Recycling. The supplier is informed
in writing when this is occurring either on a case by case basis or for an agreed tonnage of
Input Plastic Waste over a period of time.

Note: this only applies to deliveries of Input Plastic Waste and the Recycler is not required to
inform the supplier when other grades of waste plastic supplied to them or by-products of
the Recycling Process are sent to third parties for recycling.

Assessment level Minor Non-conformity Evidence required

2 n n

9.4 Control of Subcontracted Processing

Clear records are kept showing when Input Plastic Waste has been sent for Subcontracted
Processing. As a minimum, Recycler must record:

i) The date the Input Plastic Waste was sent for Subcontracted Processing
ii) The company name and address of the party carrying out the Subcontracted Processing
iii) The grade of Input Plastic Waste and tonnage sent for Subcontracted Processing

Assessment level Minor Non-conformity Evidence required

1 n y

9.5 Evidence of subcontractor’s waste transport licenses

Where the collection or onwards supply of waste materials (including but not limited to Input
Plastic Waste) is carried out by third parties then their details should be kept on file. As a
minimum this should include the company name and address along with details of their
registration to transport waste under any applicable national law. Copies of the
subcontractor’s waste transport licenses should be collated as evidence (preferable) or a list
of transport subcontractors taken to confirm against the applicable register after the audit
that they are licensed to transport waste.

Assessment level Minor Non-conformity Evidence required

2 n y

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 EUCERTPLAST AUDIT SCHEME VERSION 4.2

Section 9: Quality Management

10.1 Quality assurance system

The documented testing for quality of each incoming vehicle of Input Plastic Waste and
outgoing Recycled Output. As a minimum, a quality test should be carried out:

• At least once on every incoming vehicle of Input Plastic Waste

• At least once for every outgoing load of Recycled Output

For Input Plastic Waste the quality check should be against the purchase specification and for
Recycled Outputs against the sales specification. In both cases recognised scientific, analytical
and statistical techniques should be used (for instance as applicable and as detailed in the
relevant EN Standards – EN15347 & EN15343 for Input Plastic Waste and EN 15342 / EN
15344 / EN 15345 / EN 15346 / EN 15348 & EN 15343 for Recycled Outputs).

Assessment level Minor Non-conformity Evidence required

2 n n

10.2 Input Plastic Waste input controls as per EN15347 and EN15343
Recycler is requesting information from suppliers regarding Input Plastic Waste as per Table
1 (Required Characteristics of Plastic Wastes) in EN15347 or PRE Bales Characterisation
Guiding Requirements. Information on the ‘batch size’, ‘colour’, ‘form of waste’ and ‘main
polymer present’ must be recorded for each delivery. Recyclers should also be accepting Input
Plastic Waste in line with Section 4.1 (Control of Input Materials) in EN15343.

Assessment level Minor Non-conformity Evidence required

1 y y

10.3 Quality testing during Recycling Process

Samples are taken during the Recycling Process and tested against key characteristics
(minimum one test per 10 tonnes of throughput for non-food contact polymer and 1 tonne
for food contact polymer). Records should be kept of the results.

Assessment level Minor Non-conformity Evidence required

2 n n

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 EUCERTPLAST AUDIT SCHEME VERSION 4.2

10.4 Recycled Output product specifications

The Recycled Output is supplied against a product specification that as a minimum refers to
polymer, colour and the permitted level of contamination and/or follows “PRE Flakes and
Pellets Characterisation Guidelines3”.

Assessment level Minor Non-conformity Evidence required

1 n y

10.5 Permitted range in Recycled Output product specifications

The permitted range in the characteristics are shown in the specification for Recycled Output.

Assessment level Minor Non-conformity Evidence required

2 n n

10.6 Recycled Output product specification as per EN standards (characterisation)

The Recycled Output is supplied against a product specification whose characteristics are
broadly in line with the ‘required characteristics’ in table 1 of the relevant EN Standard for the
characterisation of plastic recyclates. Testing of these characteristics should be carried out
using the guidance provided in the Standards or the customers’ requests. These Standards
are:

• EN15342 for polystyrene recyclates

• EN15344 for polyethylene recyclates

• EN15345 for polypropylene recyclates

• EN15346 for poly(vinyl chloride) recyclates

• EN15348 for poly(ethylene terephalate) recyclates

Where no standard exists for Recycled Output (polymer) being produced, the specification
shall be in line with the broad principals of the EN Standards set out for other recyclates.

Assessment level Minor Non-conformity Evidence required

2 n n

3
PRE Flakes and Pellets Characterisation Guidelines available at Downloads | Plastics Recyclers Europe

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 EUCERTPLAST AUDIT SCHEME VERSION 4.2

10.7 Out of specification load procedure

There is a written procedure in place for dealing with deliveries of Input Plastic Waste which
are not within the agreed specification. Procedures should detail how the supplier is informed
of the discrepancy (including timeframes) against the specification and what testing is carried
out and supporting information recorded.

Assessment level Minor Non-conformity Evidence required

2 n n

10.8 Rejected load procedure

There is a written procedure in place for dealing with deliveries of Input Plastic Waste which
are rejected against the specification. Procedures should detail how the supplier is informed
of the rejection (including timeframes) and what testing is carried out and supporting
information recorded. A quarantine procedure should also be included.

Assessment level Minor Non-conformity Evidence required

1 n y

10.9 REACH
Recycler has documentation in place according to REACH Regulation (when applicable).
Additionally, Recycler has a procedure to control the presence of substances of concern in a
broad sense must be in place (e.g. REACH SVHC list) such as PRE-10004. It must be noted that
a full assessment as to whether Recycler is compliant with REACH Regulation is out of the
scope of this audit.

Assessment level Minor Non-conformity Evidence required

1 y y

Section 10: Annexes to the Audit Report

11.1 Circular Plastics Alliance: Data Generator verified tonnages

Annex detailing the verified tonnages to be reported to a CPA compliant Data Collector to count towards
the monitoring of recycling and uptake of recyclates in the EU.

4
Please get in touch with EuCertPlast at [email protected]

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 EUCERTPLAST AUDIT SCHEME VERSION 4.2

The period of evaluation within a natural year must be specified for verification against the reported
data in the Data Collector system.

11.2 Detailed Volume Reconciliation Calculation

The main report will contain a short description and overview of the volume reconciliation. The
detailed information will be found in an Annex detailing the calculation. The Recycler can choose
whether to disclose the annexes together with the Report to stakeholders or customers.

11.3 Additional requirements for German Waste

Recycler(s) receiving waste from Germany must fill in this Annex.

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 EUCERTPLAST AUDIT SCHEME VERSION 4.2

XIII. Annex 1: Definitions

Organisation
[ISO 22095:2020, 3.4.1]
Entity or group of people and facilities with an arrangement of responsibilities, authorities and
relationships and identifiable objectives.

Batch
Quantity of material regarded as a single unit and having a unique reference.

Beneficial Output
Beneficial Output refers to all the Recycled Output including by-products produced from
Recycling Process that can be used as a direct replacement for virgin polymer or other raw material
to manufacture goods (excluding those intended for energy generation).

Best Practise
Operating to a high standard with respect to the management of the Recycling Process,
environmental performance and beyond the minimum legal requirements set by the country of
operation.

Broker
Any undertaking arranging the use, recovery or disposal of Recycled Outputs, Input Plastic Waste
or waste on behalf of others, including such brokers who do not take physical possession of the
aforementioned material streams.

Certification
Certification under the EuCertPlast Audit Scheme.

Current Operating Hours

The operating hours for the Recycling Process at the time of auditing.

Dealer
Any undertaking that acts in the role of principal to purchase (or charge for the removal of/accept
free of charge) and subsequently sell (or pay for the treatment or disposal of/dispose of free of
charge) Input Plastic Waste, Recycling Outputs or waste, including such dealers who do not take
physical possession of the aforementioned material streams.

Equipment Capacity
The theoretical maximum capacity of the Recycler’s equipment with respect to the weight of Input
Plastic Waste they can accept into the Recycling Process to produce a Recycled Output.

Food Contact Module

32
 EUCERTPLAST AUDIT SCHEME VERSION 4.2

An additional module only available to Recyclers who are authorised in their country of operation
to produce a Recycled Output that can be used in food contact applications.

Full Certificate
Certification for Recyclers where Recycling Process has been in operation for more than one year.

Input Volume
The total weight of Input Plastic Waste delivered to the Recycler during a given time period.

Input Plastic Waste

The grade of plastic waste required for the Recycling Process for which the Recycler is applying
for Certification.

Licensed Input Volume

The total weight of all waste plastics that the Recycler is able to accept under the terms of its
operating license in a given period of time.

Lot
Definite quantity of some commodity manufactured or produced under conditions that are
presumed uniform.

Minor Discrepancies
A relatively small discrepancy found during the audit which the Recycler has 3 months to rectify.
The guidance notes explain what is considered to be a minor discrepancy, where applicable.
Where a discrepancy is not rectified to the satisfaction of the auditor within 3 months Certification
should be withdrawn.

Nominal Capacity
The running capacity of the Recycler’s equipment with respect to the weight of Input Plastic Waste
they accepted into Recycling Process to produce a Recycled Output. It is the calculated capacity
value based on consumption figures during a determined period of time. It takes into account the
planned production hours, the throughput and the identified availability of the line.

Permitted Operating Hours

The maximum number of hours Recycler is able to run the Recycling Process under the terms of
their operating licenses and permits.

Pre-consumer
Descriptive term covering material diverted from the waste stream during a manufacturing
process.

Note 1: This term excludes re-utilized material, such as rework, regrind or scrap that has been
generated in a given process and is capable of being reclaimed within that same process.

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 EUCERTPLAST AUDIT SCHEME VERSION 4.2

Note 2: The term “post-industrial material” is sometimes used synonymously.

Post-consumer
Descriptive term covering material, generated by the end users of products, that has fulfilled its
intended purpose or can no longer be used (including material returned within the distribution
chain. For specific materials such as PVC, sector definitions apply.

Note 1: The term “post-use” is sometimes used synonymously

Post-consumer household
Descriptive term covering5 waste generated by households. Usually a synonym for
'garbage/rubbish' and 'domestic waste'. Household waste is the fraction of municipal waste
collected from households, final holders of the waste. Nevertheless, this typology of waste is not
limited to households, as all wastes resembling same characteristics are defined as such are also
included.

Post-consumer commercial
Descriptive term covering waste produced by the operation of a trade or business professional,
commercial, institutional, or governmental facility6. Commercial waste is a synonym for trade
waste.7 Commercial waste is generated from the handling, transport, retailing, and stocking of
products and services usually referred as tertiary packaging. Within this category of waste, we find
also waste generated from public institutions (schools, museums, libraries, government buildings,
hospitals and the similar) or from trade, small businesses, and office buildings. Commercial waste
includes electronic and electrical appliances wastes when these are returned to the shops that
manage the disposal. Also, beverage plastic bottles part of Deposit-Return schemes is typically
considered as commercial waste, as the final holder of the product to be disposed of is the retail
centre where these bottles are collected.

Provisional Certification
Certification for Recyclers when Recycling Process has been in operation for less than one year or
that have less than one year’s worth of production or mass flow data. The provisional audits will
request a minimum 3 months of data production. The provisional audits will be valid for 1 year.

Recycled Output
Recycled plastic (recyclates) produced by the Recycling Process that can be used as a substitute
for virgin polymer or other raw materials to manufacture products (excluding products for energy
generation).

Recycler

5
OJ L 310, 25.11.2011, p. 11–16.
6
ISO 6707-1:2017 Buildings and civil engineering works.
7
Ibid.

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 EUCERTPLAST AUDIT SCHEME VERSION 4.2

The recycler applying for Certification.

Recycling Process
[art 3(17) OJ L 312 22.11.2008, p. 3]
Any recovery operation by which waste materials are reprocessed into products, materials or
substances whether for the original or other purposes. It includes the reprocessing of organic
material but does not include energy recovery and the reprocessing into materials that are to be
used as fuels or for backfilling operations. A Recycling Process produces a Recycled Output for
which Certification is being requested.

Site Capacity
The lower of either the sum of the Equipment Capacity (s) or the Licensed Input Volume.

Storage Bay
A defined storage area where a known number of Batches of Incoming Waste Plastic can be kept
separate and isolated from other Batches of Incoming Waste Plastic and contamination.

Subcontracted Processing
When Input Plastic Waste has an operation carried out on it by a third party, for example, sorting,
removal of contamination, etc, prior to it undergoing the Recycling Process. Subcontracted
Processing is not a Recycling Process in itself.

Subcontracted Recycling
Input Plastic Waste delivered to the Recycler which is toll recycled by a third-party recycler also
certified under the EuCertPlast scheme where the Recycler retains ownership of the recycled
output from the third-party recycler (toll recycling).

Yield
Amount of Recycled Output (by percent) that is produced from a given tonnage of Input Waste
Plastic.

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 EUCERTPLAST AUDIT SCHEME VERSION 4.2

XIV. Annex 2: Circular Plastics Alliance

EuCertPlast is a Certification Scheme compliant with CPA Audit Framework. The audit includes a
verification of the recycler’s tonnages to be reported to a CPA compliant Data Collector.

The data points verified and recorded according to Traceability level 1 or 2.

1. Recycler’s Total Input

Definition of Recycler’s Input: The total weight of sorted waste received by Recyclers in Europe during
the previous calendar year.

Specify the Recycler’s Total Input value and the period assessed below to be declared.

Polymer Country of Type of material

Assessed period Tonnage
type origin (Pre-/Post-consumer)
e.g. January 2021
– December
2021

Detail how the calculation was done to obtain the value and verify it is plausible.

Verify that the tonnage declared does not contain waste that has been declared by another recycler.
Check the list of suppliers to cross check that none of them reports to a CPA compliant Data
Collector.

2. Input into Recycling Operation

Definition of Input into Recycling Operation: Plastic separated by polymers that does not undergo
further processing before entering pelletisation extrusion, or moulding operations. Or, plastic flakes,
regrind, micronized powder that do not undergo further processing before their use in a final
product. CPA Note 1: This definition is fully set out for municipal waste in Commission Implementing
Decision (EU) 2019/2004 and for packaging waste in Commission Implementing Decision (EU)
2019/665. CPA Note 2: this definition does not currently cover all recycling technologies and will be
updated.

Specify the recycler’s Input into Recycling Operation value and the period assessed below to
be declared.

Polymer Country of Type of material

Assessed period Tonnage
type origin (Pre-/Post-consumer)

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 EUCERTPLAST AUDIT SCHEME VERSION 4.2

e.g. January 2021

– December
2021

Detail the internal procedure the recycler has in place to determine the contamination of the input
per polymer/supplier. This can be done by following the PRE Guidance to calculate the Processing
Load Rate.

3. Recycler’s Output

Definition of Recycler’s Output: The total weight of Recycled Plastic as output from the recycling
process, either sold or used within the same legal entity, during the previous calendar year. CPA Note:
some recycling processes may involve more than one actor.

Specify the Recycler’s Total Output value and the period assessed below to be declared.

Polymer Country of Type of material

Assessed period Tonnage
type origin (Pre-/Post-consumer)
e.g. January
2021 –
December 2021

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 EUCERTPLAST AUDIT SCHEME VERSION 4.2

XV. Annex 3: Example Letter for Change of Ownership

[Address of Auditor] [Address of Recycler]

[Date]

Dear [Recycler],

Thank you for informing us [or it has come to our attention] that your recycling facility based at
[address of Certified recycling site] has changed ownership. The EuCertPlast certification is granted
based on the type of recycling operation and on the associated management systems. As such,
please could you either contact us to discuss any planned changes to the recycling process or sign
the attached form to confirm that the plant will continue to be operated in line with the terms of
the certification. In particular, I would draw your attention to the following which may change your
certification status:

• Changes to the output of the recycling process;

• Changes to the waste plastic type you are able to process;

• Changes to the input capacity of more than 50%;

• A planned shutdown of the recycling process of greater than 6 months;

• You believe the response or result of any ‘category 1’ item in the last audit (see the attached
audit results) may have changed.

Changes to the recycling process may not necessarily affect the certification status; however, an
additional audit may be required.

Where no changes have been made (or are planned) to the recycling process at the aforementioned
site then please sign the attached document and return it to the address shown above within 30
days of the receipt of this letter. If you have any questions or wish to discuss this matter then please
do not hesitate to contact me.

Yours sincerely,

[Auditor]

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 EUCERTPLAST AUDIT SCHEME VERSION 4.2

EuCertPlast - Change of Ownership Form:

Certificate Number:
Name of New Owners:
Name of Previous Owners:
Address to which the certification applies:
Waste plastic to which this certification applies:
End product(s) manufactured:
Date of expiry of current certificate:

As the new owners of the aforementioned plastic recycling site, I can confirm that no significant
changes have been made (or will be made prior to the next EuCertPlast audit) to the recycling
process or its management processes. I understand this includes changes to the type of waste
plastics that can be accepted, the capacity (no changes > 50% of the previous certified input
capacity) or to the output of the recycling process. I have reviewed the results of the last EuCertPlast
audit and can confirm that no action has been taken or is planned that is likely to change the results
of Category 1 items.

Signed on behalf of the new owners:

[Name and title] [Date]

[Company Name]

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 EUCERTPLAST AUDIT SCHEME VERSION 4.2

XVI. Annex 4: Table of Changes

Version Date Section Update description

4.2 December 2021 I Update on the wording.

4.2 December 2021 V Update on the wording.

4.2 December 2021 VI New section.

4.2 December 2021 IX New section.

4.2 December 2021 X New section.

4.2 December 2021 XI New section.

4.2 December 2021 XII, Section 1, 1.6 Update on the wording.

4.2 December 2021 XII, Section 1, 1.7 Update on the wording.

4.2 December 2021 XII, Section 1, 1.8 Modification.

4.2 December 2021 XII, Section 1, 1.9 Change of category type.

4.2 December 2021 XII, Section 3, 3.2 Modification.

4.2 December 2021 XII, Section 3, 3.6 New requirement.

4.2 December 2021 XII, Section 4, 4.3 Change of category type.

4.2 December 2021 XII, Section 7, 7.1 Modification.

4.2 December 2021 XII, Section 7, 7.3 Update on the wording.

4.2 December 2021 XII, Section 7, 7.5, 7.6 Modification and change of
category type.
4.2 December 2021 XII, Section 9, 10.4 Modification.

4.2 December 2021 XII, Section 10, 11.1 New section.

4.2 December 2021 XII, Section 10, 11.1 New section.

4.2 December 2021 XIII Annex Definitions modified.

4.2 December 2021 XIV Annex New section in compliance with

CPA Audit Framework.

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