Converters

Converters bridge the gap between recyclers and end-use manufacturers. They use the recycled materials, like granulates, from recyclers and convert them into final products. This step involves shaping, moulding and forming products into various items, like automotive parts, furniture, flowerpots, window frames, toys, packaging, food, cosmetics, buildings etc.

The role of converters in the circular economy

Converters play a pivotal role in the recycling value chain, bridging the gap between recyclers and end-use manufacturers. By transforming recycled materials into final products, converters are essential to realizing a circular economy where waste is minimized, and resources are reused effectively.

Transforming recycled materials into final products

Converters utilize recycled material like granulates from recyclers to create a wide array of finished goods. This process involves various techniques such as shaping, molding, and forming materials into diverse items. By converting recycled materials into these products, converters contribute to reducing the reliance on raw materials, thereby conserving natural resources and reducing environmental impact.

Importance of recycled content verification

For converters, proving the amount of recycled content in their products is increasingly important. This verification is not only essential for regulatory compliance but also offers financial benefits. For instance, countries like Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom offer tax benefits for products containing a specified amount of recycled content. Additionally, the European Union has set ambitious targets for recycled content, driving the need for accurate and reliable verification.

Moreover, using recycled content helps reduce the CO2 footprint of products, aligning with global sustainability goals and enhancing the environmental profile of the final products.

Kiwa's expertise for converters

Kiwa offers a diverse portfolio of services tailored to the needs of converters. Our experts can help you select the most suitable services to optimize your production processes and ensure the quality and compliance of your products. Whether you need assistance with recycled content verification, quality assurance, or regulatory compliance, Kiwa provides comprehensive support to help your business thrive.

By working with Kiwa, convertors can confidently demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and contribute to a more circular economy. Below you can find an overview of our services for converters:

Services

  • Plastica Seconda Vita (PSV) Certification

    The Plastica Seconda Vita (PSV) mark is the first European Environmental Product Certification system for products and materials obtained from the valorisation of plastic waste.
    Show

  • Operation Clean Sweep (OCS) Certification Scheme

    In 2020, Plastics Europe, the association representing plastics manufacturers in Europe and EuPC, the association of European Plastics Converters committed to jointly develop an OCS Europe certification scheme aimed at controlling and documenting compliance with requirements targeting minimization of pellet loss across the entire plastic supply chain.
    Show

  • KiPlas-T Certification Scheme

    KiPlas-T is a certification scheme designed to assess and verify the content and traceability of recycled plastic. This scheme has been accredited by ENAC, ensuring its quality and credibility.
    Show

  • Kiwa Covenants for products and processes

    The Kiwa Covenant is a certificate for innovative products and services.
    Show

  • CO.N.I.P Ortofrutta Audit

    CO.N.I.P. stands for National Plastic Packaging Consortium. The Consortium's aim is to guarantee the eco-sustainable production of the packaging within its competence and their correct and effective environmental management, throughout the national territory.
    Show

  • Textile Recycling Certification Scheme (VHT)

    This certification scheme, established by the Dutch Textile Recycling Association (VHT), is mandatory for VHT members. Independent assessment is carried out by Kiwa, a specialist in certification for the recycling industry.
    Show

  • UNI 10667-1 Certification for Sustainable Plastic Recycling

    The responsible management of industrial by-products, especially in sectors like plastic recycling, has become increasingly vital. Italian manufacturers engaged in the production or procurement of by-products for internal use or sale face a complex regulatory landscape governed by legislative decrees such as 152/2006 and 205/2010.
    Show

  • UNE 53930-2:2023 Certification for Recycled Plastic

    The UNE 53930-2: 2023 standard enables the certification of three distinct types of plastic bags, while also establishing a comprehensive marking system.
    Show

  • Recyclass Traceability certification

    The RecyClass traceability certification is primarily intended for converters within the plastic packaging industry. The certification ensures that converters maintain traceability throughout the value chain, from sourcing recycled materials to producing final plastic products.
    Show

  • VinylPlus® Product Label Certification

    The VinylPlus® Product Label Certification is aimed at all companies that manufacture and process PVC products obtained from the valorisation of plastic waste.
    Show