What is the OBP Recycling Organization Standard?

Representing the manufacturing and processing leg of the OBP (Ocean Bound Plastic) Certification Program developed by Zero Plastic Oceans (ZPO), this standard focuses on the process of transforming collected plastic waste into recycled raw materials (pellets, flakes, yarn, etc.) or final products. Its primary objective is to guarantee that products marketed with "ocean-friendly recycled plastic" claims are genuinely made from abandoned waste that was at risk of entering the oceans. By establishing a robust chain of custody within recycling facilities, the standard completely eliminates the risk of "greenwashing" in the supply chain.

Key Technical Criteria of the OBP Recycling Standard

The system audits both the physical flow of the plastic from entry to exit and the sustainability performance of the facility itself. The technical framework can be summarized as follows:

• Traceability and Chain of Custody:

  • OBP waste received from certified collection organizations must be fully traceable throughout all stages within the facility: shredding, washing, melting, and molding.

  • To prevent the mixing of OBP with conventional plastics, facilities must implement either a Segregation model or a strictly mathematically tracked Mass Balance model.

• Transaction Certificates (TCs) and OBP Content Claims:

  • Every batch of recycled product sold must be accompanied by Transaction Certificates (TCs) documenting the exact percentage of OBP content. The use of OBP logos on consumer-facing packaging relies entirely on these documents.

• Environmental Management and Facility Compliance:

  • While saving plastic from nature, the recycling process itself must not pollute the environment. The facility must fully comply with national/international regulations regarding wastewater treatment, air emissions, energy use, and solid waste management.

• Social Responsibility and Occupational Health:

  • Working conditions within the facility must meet ILO (International Labour Organization) standards; a safe working environment, fair wages, and workers' rights must be guaranteed.

Why Choose OBP Recycling Organization Certification with ETKO?

Global brands appeal to consumers' environmental sensitivities by declaring the use of ocean-bound plastics in their products or packaging. However, to substantiate these claims, they require reliable and transparent raw material suppliers. The OBP Recycling certification process, conducted by ETKO’s internationally accredited expert auditors, proves your facility's production traceability on a global scale. With this certificate, you not only contribute to the environment but also elevate your business to the status of an approved, prestigious supplier for global luxury, textile, cosmetics, and FMCG brands.