Amcor has formally attained RecyClass Recycled Plastics Traceability Certification (EN15343) for a diverse array of flexible manufacturing outputs at its United Kingdom facilities located in Bromborough, Ardeer, and Winsford. This operational milestone specifically covers packaging materials that integrate post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic. Among the qualified portfolio are stretch hood films for pallet protection, shrink films, and various flat and form-fill-seal (FFS) films featuring PCR. The qualification also extends to NorDiVent, the company’s specialized ventilated FFS films utilized for minerals, chemicals, powdered building materials, and cement.
This RecyClass Certification arrives strategically before impending adjustments to the UK Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT), which are scheduled to commence in April next year. When the updated guidelines take effect, the criteria for the required 30 per cent recycled content threshold necessary for tax exemption will become significantly stricter. Under the revised framework, pre-consumer recycled content and post-industrial (PIR) inputs will no longer qualify, leaving only PCR material as an eligible component for the exemption.
Operating as a collaborative cross-industry initiative, the accrediting body promotes plastic packaging recyclability by ensuring that recycled content undergoes independent auditing and remains entirely traceable from start to finish. The framework is strictly aligned with recognized European standards. According to Amcor, securing this RecyClass Certification validates the precise accounting, traceability, transparency, consistency, and overall integrity of its PCR integration. Consequently, purchasers can maintain complete assurance that their flexible solutions will back sustainability-centric declarations as statutory frameworks continue to shift.
Mike Baxter, director, government relations UK & recycling at Amcor, highlighted that independent verification is gaining critical importance as compliance obligations become more rigorous.
“As the use of recycled material increases across Europe, and regulations and specifications are further tightened, third-party accreditation will play a vital role in ensuring the necessary transparency and consistency,” he said. “This is why we are certifying both our sites and our products through recognised and respected bodies, such as RecyClass.”
Beyond the company’s UK infrastructure, Amcor provides parallel accreditation for distinct product lines at its European manufacturing centers in Zele, Roeselare, Hardenberg, Steinfeld, and Zdzieszowice. The business views this expansive network as a cohesive pan-European methodology tailored for global buyers. By linking material development, recycling capabilities, and production, Amcor’s integrated operations assist in broadening PCR applications throughout secondary and industrial flexible formats.
Baxter emphasized that clear, validated supply chains remain fundamental to preserving overall product reliability and reinforcing compliance.
“Transparent, verifiable supply chains are essential to maintaining product integrity. The availability of high-quality circular resins is critical to companies as they seek to introduce more sustainable packaging to satisfy legislative requirements and consumer expectations,” he said. “RecyClass accreditation provides independent assurance of traceability and accurate accounting, supporting customers as they navigate import requirements, mitigate the risk of fraudulent claims and maintain confidence in the claims they make to their own stakeholders.”
