Join Konstantin Humm, Manager of PlastCert at RIGK, for an insightful journey into the realm of plastic recycling. Discover how he aids companies in crafting sustainable plastic products and ensuring efficient recycling processes through comprehensive certifications and specialized testing.
Konstantin: Of course, happy to. Under the name PlastCert, we support our customers at RIGK in the sustainable use of their plastic products and packaging. We provide comprehensive consulting, certifications, and material testing in collaboration with RecyClass, an initiative of Plastic Recyclers Europe, RIGK specialist departments, and our subsidiary plastship. In the certification realm, we are accredited by RecyClass for all three certifications: "Design for Recycling," "Recycled Content," and "Recycling Process." In the area of material testing, we specialize in testing plastic recyclates. This means we test the standard technical values of plastics but also offer tests specifically tailored to the characteristics of recyclates. My specific tasks at PlastCert include conducting certifications, customer communication, and overall departmental management. The certification aspect also overlaps with my other role at RIGK, which is in environmental management. Here, I am responsible for quality management and conducting internal audits.
Konstantin: Our scope of work in the RecyClass certification domain encompasses three key certification schemes according to RecyClass. Firstly, the Design for Recycling certification or the certification of the recyclability of plastic packaging – the RecyClass Recyclability Certification. Essentially, this involves assessing the recyclability of products. In the second area, Recycled Content Certification, we provide evidence of the recycled content in products. We meticulously analyze the materials involved in the process and calculate the recycled proportions (pre-/post-consumer) of plastic products or product families – the RecyClass Recycled Plastic Certification. The third area – the RecyClass Recycling Process Certification – is closely linked to Recycled Plastic Certification and outlines the quality management of recycling processes. Here, we analyze and certify the materials involved in the process, subsequently certifying the recycling process itself.
What exactly do you do with the Recyclability Certification?
Konstantin: With the Recycalbility Certification, we conduct an assessment and classification of the recyclability of the final plastic packaging to determine their suitability for the respective sorting and recycling facilities, in other words, how well they can be integrated into the recycling process. The certification is valid for 3 years and covers various steps of the recycling process. The "Design for Recycling Guidelines" form the core of the certification. These include various guidelines depending on the material stream. In addition, various tests such as the sortability in the sorting facility or specific tests simulating the recycling process are conducted. These tests, such as washing or oven tests, are carried out in our laboratory in Esch. Here, we evaluate aspects such as the detectability of the plastic product in sorting, the plastic content in the product, or the proportion of recyclable material. Or we examine individual components of the product, such as the cap, label, or bottle, for various criteria and evaluate them based on the individual scopes.
These evaluations then result in interim grades and ultimately in an overall grade, which is depicted through the RecyClass ratings A to F and evaluates the technical sortability and recyclability of plastic packaging in the EU market, based on the state of the art for sorting and recycling. The Design for Recycling certification is carried out at a pan-European level and assesses how well packaging can be recycled in the European context.
Additionally, through the Recyclability Rate Audit, a percentage is determined to further assess how well the product is collected and sorted in the respective country in which it is placed on the market. In this evaluation, the existence of sorting and recovery infrastructures is also taken into account. Here, too, ratings from RecyClass A to F are used, with a validity of 3 years. Additionally, a percentage for recyclability is provided.
Furthermore, there is the so-called "Letter of Compatibility," an assessment and classification of the recyclability of semi-finished plastic packaging to determine their suitability for modern sorting and recycling streams. This letter can mainly be used by packaging manufacturers to demonstrate that a packaging component is easily recyclable when combined with other suitable components. Upon request, a compatibility certificate is issued, and the letter also specifies the classification of recyclability from A to F for semi-finished packaging, although the result can be influenced by missing features.
What exactly do you do with the Recycled Plastic Certification?
Konstantin: The Recycled Plastic Certification aims to demonstrate the use of recycled plastic in products along the plastic value chain. This includes all products containing recycled plastic, such as packaging, semi-final, or final products. It can also involve processes including – but not limited to – compounding, conversion, storage, trading, or other activities within the plastic value chain.
The certification is valid for 1 year and ultimately enables the traceability of recycled materials along the value chain, promoting the transparent use of recycled plastic in new products and enhancing reliable and verifiable information about recycled plastic.
Konstantin: The Recycling Process Certification serves as the initial examination for the traceability of recycled plastics along the value chain. The goal is to recognize recycling processes for plastics from both the B2B and B2C sectors at a single location in accordance with the requirements of the conformity assessment scheme for recycling processes. We can audit any recycling facility capable of recycling pre- and post-consumer plastic waste and possessing the necessary permits. Here, we work through the application of various scopes, which are validated through on-site audits at the recyclers. The Recycling Process Certification ensures that the entire recycling facility meets current quality requirements and that the origin of the waste can be transparently traced and documented.
The Recycling Process Certification is also valid for 1 year and ultimately promotes the transparent use of recycled plastic in new products, as well as enhanced, reliable, and verifiable reporting on recycled plastic.
You've mentioned RecyClass several times in your remarks. Could you please elaborate on who or what RecyClass is and how they are specifically connected to RIGK and your work at PlastCert?
Konstantin: RecyClass is an initiative by Plastic Recyclers Europe and plays a significant role in our activities at PlastCert. As the developer of three different certification schemes, RecyClass provides a solid foundation with broad technical expertise for the continuous development in the field of plastic recycling. In this context, RIGK, through the PlastCert department, acts as a "Certification Body" for RecyClass. This means that Atefeh, Anne, and I are ultimately accredited auditors of RIGK, authorized by RecyClass to conduct the respective certifications.
RecyClass continually adjusts the testing schemes to accommodate new packaging on the market or innovations in the recycling sector. It's an evolving process; for example, new modules are regularly introduced for recycled content to meet new requirements in recycling processes. Our collaboration with RecyClass allows us to stay up-to-date at all times.
Konstantin: Generally, the process of Recycled Content or Recycling Process certification is somewhat more complex than Design for Recycling. Initially, there are two to three preliminary discussions or meetings to assess the suitability of the company for certification. Subsequently, all necessary documents are sent to us for intensive review. Often, another discussion follows to clarify details and obtain any additional information. Then, the on-site audit takes place, which, during initial certification, takes about one day, roughly 6 hours. We jointly review the documentation on-site, conduct random sampling, and inspect the production facilities live. We compare everything with the available information and ensure that everything is valid and traceable. The traceability of materials throughout the entire material flow is crucial for Recycled Content and Recycling Process. This means that it must be reflected in production and the production process in such a way that it can be traced through various production orders, material input numbers, etc.
In the Design for Recycling area, it depends on the additional steps required. Here, we also gather a lot of information, compare it against the requirement catalog, and decide on additional tests that need to be conducted. If everything aligns, the actual examination takes place, where the required tests are carried out, the report is prepared, and the evaluations are assigned.
In terms of task distribution, I mainly handle the steps described above, while Atefeh conducts specific laboratory tests and our material inspections.
Konstantin: Typically, companies already have an idea whether they want to certify their recycling process, recycled content, or recyclability. The drive often stems from legal requirements. Frequently, the initiative also arises from customer inquiries or because companies have begun to fundamentally engage with the topic and now want to examine it more closely.
As for the origin of companies, there are generally no national restrictions. However, so far, most companies have come from the German area.
Konstantin: Certainly, gladly. In the material testing field, we offer laboratory tests in collaboration with plastship and other partners. What makes these tests special is that they are perfectly tailored to plastic recyclates. In addition to the classic technical values, which are naturally part of the testing, we also conduct special tests that are particularly relevant for plastic recyclates. These include, for example, an odor test, an extended DSC analysis with a broader spectrum over 50 grams, or a test of film quality if the material is plastic film. For instance, our partner stretches a film in their facility to check for specks and defects. All these results can then be queried together with plastship via a material datasheet. We are also working on offering these testing services directly on their online platform in the future, together with plastship. Our goal is to become a specialized testing laboratory for recycled plastics and experts in the field of testing recycled plastic.
Konstantin: Above all, through our certifications, we support processors, packaging manufacturers, marketers, and recyclers in demonstrating the sustainable use of plastics transparently and in compliance with the law. The certification of packaging recyclability, for example, is a significant step towards high-quality recycling. This means that only when packaging is designed in such a way that it can be recycled effectively, high-quality recyclate is produced. This recyclate can then be used in new plastic products that have higher material requirements. Therefore, good recyclability is crucial for high-quality recyclates that can be used in demanding applications. With PlastCert, we promote the transition to more sustainable packaging and increased use of recyclates.
Furthermore, we also support through our laboratory services by qualifying recycled plastics and helping our customers find the materials that suit their needs. In summary, we in the PlastCert department think circular economy from the start! Especially in the field of plastic packaging, this is of enormous importance. Of course, recyclability is generally relevant for other products as well and should be considered in their development. In our case, however, the focus of the examination is on packaging, as they have the fastest turnover time in the entire cycle. Compared to pipes in the ground, windows, or cars, which only return after many years, plastic packaging often returns in less than a year. Therefore, it is crucial that recyclability is considered in the design phase to enable high-quality recycling.
Konstantin: One fascinating aspect of my role is the diversity of challenges that come my way. Through on-site audits, I visit many different companies. This means I experience various production processes, see different facilities where similarities exist but it's never exactly the same. I gain insights into various machines and observe how production differs between one company and another. For example, I'm interested in how individual companies try to incorporate more recyclates into their products. Each company has its own specific processes, making the work extremely varied and exciting. I always look forward to diving into a new company and exploring a new production because there's always something I haven't seen before.
Another inspiring aspect of my work is promoting and certifying the sustainable use of plastics. Through our work, we actively contribute to environmental protection, whether it's reducing CO2 emissions or saving plastics themselves. It's gratifying to know that we're contributing to greater environmental awareness and sustainable use of plastics. The laboratory is an additional complement to my work in this regard, as it allows me to thoroughly examine various materials, help reintegrate them into the cycle, and contribute to that process.
Additionally, we're involved in various projects pursuing new approaches and ideas for plastic recycling. We're constantly striving to find ways to bring more recyclates into the cycle and improve our recycling solutions. From my perspective, the work has a very positive direction as it aims to bring more plastics back into circulation and make a real contribution to a more sustainable future.
Konstantin: Above all, I'm proud that the PlastCert department was established from scratch and successfully built up last year. I'm also particularly pleased that we now have three auditors in our team with Atefeh and Anne. Another significant milestone is the fully functional establishment of our laboratory and the continuous addition of new equipment, enabling us to successfully conduct all necessary investigations.
Konstantin: Privately, I would say I'm a very social person. I'm heavily involved in volunteering, especially in the football club. There, I serve on the board for FC Waldems and TSV Niederems, and I'm also involved in the local council of Niederems. So, I have a strong connection to my hometown. Even though my knees might disagree, I still enjoy playing football myself. Apart from that, I love hiking and skiing, so I'm very connected to nature and enjoy spending time outdoors. Additionally, I enjoy cooking as it's very relaxing for me.
Konstantin: Primarily, I enjoy supporting sustainability efforts; it's gratifying that my work can contribute to environmental protection. My involvement in volunteering also shows that I enjoy taking responsibility. Serving on the board at FC Waldems clearly reflects that I approach my tasks conscientiously and have a knack for management. These values align well with my professional activities and connect them.
Konstantin: For me, RIGK is fundamentally like a large family, where collaboration is key. The atmosphere is especially pleasant, whether at various events or simply during lunch, where we always get along well. Additionally, I appreciate the many benefits provided to us as employees. It's also great to continuously receive significant trust and responsibility, such as the responsibility for establishing the PlastCert department.
Konstantin: My personal goal is to further expand PlastCert, both in terms of new projects and expanding our certification and laboratory services. Given the current situation and the expected developments in the coming years, especially regarding legislation and the goals for 2025 and 2030, I see an enormously growing demand for support in certifications and requirements in the field of recyclate use. And here, with PlastCert, we want to actively contribute to driving these developments forward and providing comprehensive support.
