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AENOR presents the first certificate for percentage of post-consumer recycled plastic to Plásticos Vanguardia

25/02/2020

  • This pioneering certificate is part of the new certification schemes drawn up by AENOR, with the collaboration of the Spanish Plastics Industry Association (ANAIP), to help the sector meet the objectives established by the Circular Economy. 

25 February 2020.   AENOR has presented to Plásticos Vanguardia the first certificate for percentage of post-consumer recycled plastic incorporated into the manufacture of its product. The development of the certification was made possible thanks to the participation of  ANAIP.

In the case of Plásticos Vanguardia, the certificate verified that the manufacture of a line of containers of a specific capacity contained at least 30% of post-consumer recycled material. This is content created by consumers after a product has reached the end of its use, and it has either fulfilled its original purpose or cannot be reused for this purpose.

For verification, AENOR has established a certification scheme based on the requirements set out in standard UNE-EN 15343, on Plastics Recycling Traceability and Assessment of conformity and recycled content.

The tracing of the origin of the post-consumer recycled material used is the starting point for the verification, continuing with the analysis of the main processes applied by the organisation in the manufacture of the products, specifically focusing on monitoring the dosing system equipment during the manufacturing process.

Finally, the protocol for the calculation process applied by the organisation to determine the percentage of recycled material incorporated into products is audited by means of periodic controls, to guarantee that the products marketed in the future effectively contain the minimum amount declared.

The CEO of AENOR, Rafael García Meiro, stated that the certificate "is proof of Plásticos Vanguardia's commitment to the protection of the environment, and its determination to establish best practices in the long term, in line with current social values and consumer demand. The reintroduction of post-consumer recycled material into the production chain is a challenge for the sector, which foresees the need to extend the range of products where this type of material can be used. Responsible use of post-consumer recycled material, when properly managed, guarantees economic sustainability and has a positive impact on the conservation of natural resources and ecosystems."

Fernando Benito, Head of R&D, Quality and Environment at Plásticos Vanguardia, a company in the Grupo Armando Alvarez, stressed "the group's commitment to the circular economy of plastics, where some of its companies participate in recycling, production of recycled raw materials and their transformation."

Ignacio Canales, Commercial Managing Director at Grupo Armando Alvarez, declared his satisfaction at "having accompanied AENOR during the launch of this new certification", and he expressed his wish to "continue moving forward, building trust among clients and establishing the Group's commitment with environmental sustainability and responsibility."

The Director General of ANAIP, Luis Cediel, highlighted that "the European Commission is encouraging companies to recycle more and more efficiently and implement clear goals for post-consumer recycled materials in the manufacture of new products. At ANAIP, we are aware of the need for our sector to show initiatives in areas where it has already committed itself, this way inspiring trust and guarantees that such initiatives are in place. And how better to do this than with a company of such prestige as AENOR."

Cediel added that "we fully support the launch of this certificate, one of the new certification schemes developed by AENOR, aimed at helping companies to overcome challenges facing them in order to successfully achieve a transition towards the circular economy."

Plastic waste is a very valuable resource. Its long life, recycling capacity, light weight and energy consumption, among other properties, give it a crucial role in delivering sustainability and reducing environmental impact, providing solutions across a range of different sectors and everyday applications.