Amcor secures RecyClass certification for recycled content verification in flexible packaging

SWITZERLAND – Amcor has received RecyClass Recycled Plastic Traceability Certification for several of its flexible packaging production sites in Europe, reinforcing its commitment to transparency and independently verified recycled content as sustainability requirements across the packaging industry continue to evolve.

The certification verifies that post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic content used in finished packaging has been independently audited, is fully traceable throughout the production process, and complies with recognized European standards.

The achievement supports packaging manufacturers and brand owners seeking credible evidence to back recycled-content claims while meeting increasingly stringent regulatory and customer expectations.

Demand for verified sustainability credentials has accelerated as governments introduce stricter environmental regulations and consumers become more discerning about environmental claims.

Independent certification schemes such as RecyClass are therefore becoming an important tool for companies looking to demonstrate compliance and build confidence among customers and regulators.

The certification comes at a time when substantiating sustainability claims has become a defining issue for the packaging sector.

Industry observers have identified “substantiated sustainability” as one of the leading packaging trends of 2026, reflecting a shift away from broad environmental messaging toward measurable, independently verified performance.

For packaging converters and consumer goods manufacturers, verified PCR content provides greater assurance that recycled materials originate from approved sources and are managed through transparent chain-of-custody systems.

Such verification is also expected to support compliance with emerging European regulations promoting circular economy principles and minimum recycled-content targets in plastic packaging.

The wider packaging industry is increasingly embracing third-party validation to strengthen sustainability reporting and reduce the risk of greenwashing.

Aluminum packaging manufacturers, for example, are placing greater emphasis on independently verified sustainability credentials and transparent communication strategies as customers demand more robust environmental data.

Beyond material traceability, industry stakeholders are also broadening their focus to include packaging design as a driver of sustainability.

The Foundation Food Safety System Certification (FSSC), the World Packaging Organisation (WPO), and the Australasian Institute of Packaging (AIP) have recently collaborated to introduce a new packaging design and development requirement within the FSSC 22000 certification scheme.

The addition aims to help food manufacturers reduce food loss and waste by incorporating packaging design considerations into food safety management systems.

Together, these developments highlight a broader transition within the packaging industry, where sustainability is increasingly measured through independently verified data, traceable supply chains, and internationally recognized certification frameworks.

As regulatory scrutiny intensifies and customer expectations continue to rise, evidence-based environmental claims are becoming a competitive differentiator rather than a voluntary commitment.

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