KIDV publishes English translations of 2025 Recycle Checks

From now on, the Glass, Metal, and Paper and Cardboard and Beverage Carton Recycle Checks are no longer separate PDFs but are all in the same online environment as the plastic Recycle Checks. For plastics, the score achieved will co-determine Verpact's Fee Modulation.  

Access to the online environment can be requested here.  

The Recycle Checks consist of an online checklist per material and a document with background information. Answering the questions leads to a score: optimal, reasonable, limited or non-recyclable. A guide has been developed to determine how to select the right Recycle Check.  

The Recycle Checks are regularly updated based on current developments in the packaging chain. For instance, new laws and regulations, improved recycling methods and innovations in the market may prompt adjustments.  

As far as possible, the 2025 versions of the Recycle Checks are prepared for the newly adopted European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).  

Adjustments made across all Recycle Checks:  

• It is more clearly stated that material from both main and sub-components must be included in the determination of target material for recycling.  
• To qualify for the good recyclability rating, a disposable unit, regardless of material type, must consist of at least 70% target material.  

The material-specific adjustments are:  

Recycle Check Rigid Plastic Packaging  

• A distinction has been made between the use of Carbon Black and detectable black in packaging.  
• In PET packaging, TPE components such as valves are allowed.  

Recycle Check Flexible Plastic Packaging  

• Disposable units with a proportion of PP in PE packaging are now assessed as reasonably recyclable, instead of limited recyclable.  
• The tip about inks has been supplemented with the tip not to use nitrocellulose-based inks.  

Recycle Check Glass Packaging  

• When adding a non-magnetic metal bracket to the disposable unit, it is rated limited recyclable. In the previous version of the Recycle Check, this was still non-recyclable.

Recycle Check Metal Packaging  

• In the previous version of the Recycle Check Metal, the presence of PVC was only mentioned as a tip. In the updated checklist, this is now a separate question. The presence of PVC will lead to the score limited recyclable.  
• In this update, the presence of heavy metals is rated non-recyclable, which is stricter than in the previous version.  

Recycle Check Paper and Cardboard Packaging  

• The Check now includes specific guidance on how to achieve a higher score for single-sided coated or laminated paper/cardboard.  
• Under sub-components, staples and pergamine are now listed.  

Please note: incidentally, loading the new Recycle Checks into the tool may not work. This can be remedied by clearing the cache. Please note that previously entered data will be lost when doing this, so first download the packaging portfolio on the computer using the "Export packaging" button.