EN 15343:2007

What is EN 15343?

EN 15343, is the European standard for the recycling traceability and recycled content of plastics. The requirements in this standard ensure that organisations meet stringent traceability expectations. This standard also provides the basis for the procedure to calculate the recycled content of a product.

Once certified, organisations can proudly promote themselves as certificate holders in any of their promotional materials and can include the URS certification logo free of charge.

Who requires an EN 15343 certification?

EN 15343 certification is required by any organisation that includes recycled plastic content in their products. This includes sectors such as:

 

• Plastics manufacturing


• Packaging


• Recycling


• Processing

How can EN 15343 benefit your business?

Becoming certified for EN 15343 can bring a wide range of benefits to your organisation, including:

• Increasing cost savings


• Improvements to brand reputation


• Demonstrating traceability in your products


• Sustainability credibility

How can you prepare for an EN 15343 Certification?

Although the thought of starting the certification process may seem daunting, there are a variety of steps you can take to make the process to becoming certified far more streamlined:

 

• Familiarise yourself with the EN 15343 standard


• Provide training to staff to ensure employee competency meets the standard requirements


• Develop a traceability system


• Carry out internal audits to identify any areas for improvement

What are the key requirements EN 15343?

When working towards becoming certified for EN 15343, there are various areas that will be a focus during the audit. These areas include:

 

• Control of the recycling production process


• Traceability


• Quality Assessment


• Control of incoming materials

What clauses make up the structure of EN 15343?

Clause 1 – Purpose and scope

Clause 1 begins by outlining the purpose of EN 15343 and identifies how the standard can be applied.

Clause 2 – Standards for consultation:

Clause 2 provides an extensive list of additional standards that are either referenced throughout EN 15343 or can be consulted for further understanding.

Clause 3 – Terms, definitions and abbreviated terms:

Clause 3 introduces a short list of terms and definitions that are used throughout the EN 15343 standard, and references additional standards which contain applicable terms and definitions.

Clause 4 – Methodology and procedures:

Clause 4 focuses on the controls and requirements surrounding incoming material, production processes, characteristics and traceability of recycled plastics. This section also includes a table outlining the information that should be recorded for certain applications.

Clause 5 – Quality assessment:

Clause 5 implements the methods of evaluating the quality of the final product. This can be achieved by maintaining records for the quality controls performed, and documenting the input materials and processes involved.

Clause 6 – Recycling content:

In the final section of the standard, clause 6 provides the formula used to calculate the percentage of recycled content in a product. Along with additional guidance for potential variables.

How long will your EN 15343 certificate be valid for?

Your EN 15343 certificate will be valid for at least three years; dependent on the type of site that is being certified.  

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