DEKRA Type Approval Seal for Recycled Content Certification

One of the key pillars of sustainability is reduction of end-of-life waste and circularity. Driving sustainability with verified environmental claims for a greener future and stimulate the demand and supply of products causing less burden on the environment by communicating verifiable and accurate information on environmental product aspects that are not misleading.

DEKRA enables companies to credibly demonstrate the recycled content in their products through rigorous certification processes. Adherence to the standards set by ISO 14021:2016 ensures that the claims of recycled content are accurate, transparent, and verifiable. The certification adds authority and reassurance by communicating that the recycled content claims are not only stated but also independently 3rd party verified, providing confidence to consumers and stakeholders in the product’s material content and environmental credentials.
Recycled content, at its core, refers to the proportion of materials used in a product that originates from recycled sources, rather than virgin resources. Recycled Content Certification reflects a company’s commitment to producing environmentally responsible products and conserving natural resources. By incorporating recycled content, manufacturers can help reduce the environmental impact associated with raw material extraction and minimize the waste sent to landfills. This practice supports a circular economy and lowers the overall environmental footprint of the product.
Certification is available for manufacturers of products or materials that incorporate post-consumer or pre-consumer recycled content and wish to make a verified sustainability claim. This certification can be applied to feedstocks and finished products across various industries, including building materials, packaging, plastics, textiles, jewelry, metals, electronics, home goods, wood, paper, and more.
Key standards and certification programs play a vital role in this verification process. The ISO 14021 standard guides companies in accurately documenting and validating the recycled content in their products. This standard not only facilitates reliable reporting but also ensures that consumers and stakeholders are confident in the authenticity of the recycled material claims. In a market increasingly focused on sustainability and with the risk of greenwashing, DEKRA’s adherence to the ISO 14021 standard helps businesses align with their global sustainability goals throughout the supply chain and offers a competitive advantage by appealing to environmentally conscious consumers across all major industries.

The DEKRA Type Approved Seal

The DEKRA Type Approved Seal for Recycled Content Certification is a mark of conformity ensuring that a product meets recognized standards for recycled materials. This seal not only confirms the recycled content percentage within a product but also validates these claims through rigorous assessment processes that adhere to ISO 14021 compliance, By obtaining this seal, companies demonstrate a tangible commitment to environmental sustainability, significantly enhancing consumer trust in their circularity endeavors.

How to Achieve Recycled Content Certification

Our 7-Step Process

  1. Project Setup: Contract initiation and project planning.
  2. Kick-Off Meeting: Understand your product, recycled content claim, and methodology.
  3. Document Submission: Provide descriptions, calculations, and evidence.
  4. Document Verification: Evaluate claims through detailed assessments.
  5. (Project Dependent) On-Site Verification: Verify critical processes as needed.
  6. Seal Preparation: Issue the verification packet, including DEKRA’s Recycled Content Seal.
  7. Annual Surveillance: Maintain compliance through annual verification.

Demonstrating Sustainability Through Certification

Effectively communicating verified recycled content to stakeholders is crucial for building transparency and trust. By clearly articulating the environmental benefits of using recycled materials, companies can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and circularity to investors, partners, and consumers alike.
DEKRA's verification services can be an invaluable ally in supporting your sustainability and circularity goals. By offering a robust suite of verification services, DEKRA ensures that your products meet stringent recycled content requirements and enhance your organization's credibility in matters of environmental responsibility. Partnering with DEKRA provides you with the assurance of rigorous assessment and certification processes, aligning your business with global sustainability standards and boosting consumer confidence. Consequently, leveraging these services can help streamline your path to achieving and maintaining high sustainability benchmarks, fostering an eco-conscious reputation in a competitive market.