Recyclechecks
Verpact’s Recycle Checks provide insight into design choices that affect the recyclability of your packaging. They also assist you in meeting obligations regarding essential packaging requirements. Additionally, the Recycle Check allows you to determine whether you qualify for a discount on your waste management fee for plastic packaging. From 2027 onwards, we will offer the Recycle Check exclusively for plastic packaging.
Recycle check for plastic packaging only, starting in 2027
From 2027 onwards, we will offer the Recyclecheck exclusively for plastic packaging. This is because, with the introduction of the PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation), Europe is developing a unified assessment framework for packaging recyclability, applying the same requirements to everyone across every country. Consequently, we will no longer publish new Recyclechecks, except for rigid and flexible plastics.
You can use the 2027 Recyclecheck solely to determine whether you qualify for a discount on your 2027 waste management fee. This applies to plastic packaging that ends up in household waste or comparable waste streams - such as waste from the hospitality sector, offices, shops, and service providers. You can also use it to have deposit-bearing packaging assessed. Information regarding other materials will remain available.
How does the Recyclecheck work?
You answer a series of questions about the packaging material and the components that affect sorting and recycling. Based on your answers, your packaging receives a score indicating its level of recyclability within the Dutch system.
Get a discount on your waste management fee for plastic packaging
If your rigid or flexible plastic packaging is rated as 'highly recyclable' in the 2027 Recycle Check, you may be eligible for a discount on the waste management fee as part of the fee differentiation scheme.
View the waste management fee rates for 2027
Are you currently adjusting your declaration for 2025? If so, use the Recycle Check for that calendar year. For your 2026 declaration, use the 2026 Recycle Check to calculate your potential discount.
What changes for other materials?
We will no longer publish new Recyclechecks for glass, metal, paper and cardboard, or beverage cartons starting in 2027. We are awaiting clarity from Europe.
We are actively contributing the knowledge we have built up - and continue to build - to European discussions. Once there is more clarity from Europe, we will offer support aligned with those developments. We ensure that our tools always comply with the latest European laws and regulations.
Using Recyclechecks from previous years
Until the PPWR classification takes effect, manufacturers must meet essential packaging requirements. Recyclability is part of this.
A Recyclecheck is based on the knowledge available at the time it was created. Insights, market conditions, recycling technologies, and regulations are constantly changing.
PLEASE NOTE: Recyclechecks are valid only for the year to which they apply and may not reflect the state of technology in other years. Therefore, do not use an older Recyclecheck to assess the recyclability of packaging in 2027.
Recyclechecks from previous years remain available for the sake of transparency.
Changes to the 2027 Recyclecheck for plastic packaging
We are adding a tip regarding the use of PFAS. This allows you to prepare for upcoming legislation now and reduce the environmental impact of your packaging.
For rigid plastics, we are scrutinizing substances such as benzene and BPA more closely, as these can be harmful.
For flexible plastics, the achievable score is changing in some cases. Flexible PP can now achieve a 'good' score. SiOx/AlOx barriers and EVOH can also achieve higher scores under certain conditions.
Read more about the adjustments here.
Here’s how to request access to the Recyclecheck 2027
Request access to the Recyclecheck 2027 via the application form. If you sign up, we will notify you immediately of any significant changes in the future. You can also use the same form to request access to Recyclechecks from previous years.
Choose the right Recyclecheck
Before you start, check which Recycle Check applies to your packaging. Our guide will help you with this.
Overview of the protocols
Some questions in the Recyclecheck involve parameters that must first be assessed according to a protocol. Only then do you receive a score: optimal, reasonable, limited, or not recyclable. On this page, you will find all the protocols and other tools associated with the Recyclechecks.
This is how the Recyclecheck is created
We develop the Recyclecheck based on real-world practice - specifically, how packaging is collected, sorted, and recycled in the Netherlands. We also incorporate technical developments, innovations, and relevant laws and regulations. We prepare changes in collaboration with experts from across the value chain and discuss them with the relevant market players. A new version is published only after undergoing an independent review.
Recycling check and European legislation
What regulations must you comply with regarding the recyclability of your packaging? And what else can you expect in the near future?
Do you want to know which design choices regarding recyclability are "no-regret" options?
To further support packaging producers in preparing for the PPWR, Verpact published a "No Regrets Playbook" in April 2026, in collaboration with packaging experts from Verpact’s sister organizations in Belgium, France, Luxembourg, Norway, and Sweden.
E-learning courses: learn more about sustainable packaging
Discover how design choices affect recyclability through our e-learning modules and gain insight into the recycling processes for various packaging materials.
Explore other available e-learning courses to learn more about sustainable packaging.