Circular Economy with Official Proof – Recyclate Certification according to DIN EN ISO 14021

The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) sets ambitious targets: by 2030, plastic packaging must contain mandatory minimum percentages of recycled content. For companies, this means proving recyclate content is shifting from competitive advantage to legal requirement.

What do we certify?

At DIN CERTCO, we assess recyclate content in products made from plastics, glass, aluminium, as well as paper, cardboard and cartonboard. Our focus is traceability – we verify whether systems for calculating recycled content meet the requirements of DIN EN ISO 14021 and DIN EN 15343.

What do we examine?

Proof of traceability for all input materials

Assessment of the entire manufacturing process

Following successful initial certification through an on-site audit, you receive a certificate valid for 5 years – including annual surveillance audits.

PCR or PIR – what's the difference?

Not all recyclate is created equal. The origin of the source material matters:

• Post-Consumer Recyclate (PCR): Derived from waste generated by consumers, households or commercial entities (as end users) – such as used bottles or packaging.
• Post-Industrial Recyclate (PIR): Originates from industrial production residues that were not reused within the same process.

Both categories are eligible for certification – correct labelling creates transparency for customers and regulatory authorities.

With the "DIN-Certified Recyclate Content" mark, you make your commitment to the circular economy visible – independently verified and recognised.

Ready to certify your products? Get in touch with us.