Sweden’s Returpack/Pantamera has become the first deposit return system in Europe to receive RecyClass certification for its PET bottle sorting process, verifying that the recycled plastic is food-safe and meets EU traceability requirements.
This certification comes under EU regulation 2022/1616, which oversees the collection, pre-treatment and traceability of recycled plastic for use in food and beverage packaging.
In this case, it confirms that recyclate from the Returpack system is traceable, food-safe, and ready to re-enter the supply chain. The certification has been audited by QHSEcert GmbH.
According to Returpack, deposit return systems are ‘structurally well-positioned’ for RecyClass certification because each container is identified at barcode level at the point of return. This helps to unlock clean, uncontaminated material flows throughout the supply chain.
“The certification confirms that we have strong control and traceability throughout the entire flow, from collection and sorting to delivery to our material recyclers,” says Sara Wester Bergendorff, head of Sustainability and Quality at Returpack. “It is also proof that our working methods and processes already meet high standards of quality and safety.
“The plastic we collect comes in as a clean, identified mono-material stream from the start. That’s the structural advantage of a deposit system. This certification gives our material customers and beverage producers the documentation they need to put that material back into new packaging.”
Returpack previously reported that it had collected over 3 billion PET bottles and aluminium cans in 2025, marking a 130 million increase compared to the previous year. Sweden’s return rate also rose to 88.4% percent, approaching the national target of 90%.
In other news, TOMRA Reuse has announced the installation of two return machines at Freiburg Central Station in Germany. Together with the established RECUP network, the machines seek to offer consumers a convenient way to return their cups without needing to find a participating café.
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