GS Caltex leads Asia in RecyClass Certification for automotive plastics recycling

KOREA – South Korea’s GS Caltex has earned Asia’s first RecyClass certification for its complete end-of-life vehicle (ELV) plastics recycling chain. 

A company announcement details how this approval spans from collecting used automotive plastics to manufacturing and distributing composite resins, ensuring full compliance with global benchmarks for quality and tracking.

RecyClass operates as a European program that tests plastic materials for recyclability and supply chain visibility. 

It functions as the endorsed evaluation system for the Circular Plastics Alliance, with expectations to reach over 60% of Europe’s plastics recycling market by the end of 2025. 

The framework now stands as a key global reference for advancing circular plastics practices.

GS Caltex began investing in conversion technologies back in 2022, focusing on upgrading low-grade plastic waste that faces incineration or burial into advanced resins. 

This effort supports broader goals to diversify low-emission material lines, with plans to apply for RecyClass approvals on other waste types like household items.

Huh Sung-woo, the company’s executive vice-president, described the milestone in a statement: “This certification is a meaningful achievement, marking the first time an Asian company has been recognised for meeting official standards across the entire waste-vehicle recycling value chain.” 

He added that GS Caltex remains committed to fostering a circular economy through reliable, high-grade output supplies.

In November 2025, Coveris confirmed RecyClass Recycling Process and Recycled Plastics Traceability certifications at Level 2 for its Winsford facility in the UK, after passing all required and voluntary checks.

UPM Adhesive Materials followed suit in September 2025, gaining approval for its RW85C general-purpose adhesive, which integrates seamlessly into recycling streams for high-density polyethylene containers and polyethylene terephthalate bottles.

Sun Chemical joined the list in October 2025 by securing RecyClass status for four solvent-free lamination adhesives, enabling better recovery rates in flexible packaging production.

These steps demonstrate how certifications drive practical improvements in plastics recovery, from vehicles to everyday goods, amid a push for verifiable sustainability in supply chains.

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