Below we explain in general terms how the Dutch recycling system works, and what actions you can take as a producer of packaging each step to make this process run as smooth as possible.
Collection
The packaging is collected with household waste
The packaging is made of materials for which a collection system exists. In addition, the packaging helps the user to dispose of (part of) the packaging correctly.
There are alternative collection routes for some packaging. Think of packaging with a deposit, small chemical waste (RCA), medicine packaging and industrial waste.
In the background documents you will find more information about these alternative collection routes and their effect on further sorting and recycling.
Documents available:
Flexible plastic packaging 2027
Rigid plastic packaging 2027
Sorting
Sorting Sorters ensure that the discarded packaging material ends up in the right material stream, ready for recycling.
The packaging design can help to make sorting easier. It also ensures that the materials end up at the right recycler.
Recycling
Recyclers process the material into a new raw material.
Good packaging design helps to recycle the main material as cleanly as possible.
Application
The recyclate must be able to be processed in new packaging and products of the highest possible quality.
The material composition has been chosen in such a way that the recyclate can be used in new products.
Please note: from 1 January 2027, the role of the Recycle Check will change. This will only remain available for dimensionally stable and flexible plastics. We no longer publish new Recycle Checks for glass, metal, paper/cardboard and beverage cartons. Read more on verpact.nl